EAR, SWIMMER'S

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD SWIMMER'S EAR

  1. White Vinegar Rinses:  Rinse the ear canals twice a day with ½ strength white vinegar (dilute it with equal parts warm water).  Fill the ear canal.  After 5 minutes, remove it by turning the head to the side and moving the ear.  (Exception: ear tubes or hole in eardrum.) (Reason: restores the normal acid pH of the ear canal and reduces swelling.)
  2. Pain Medicine:  Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief.
  3. Local Heat:  If pain is moderate to severe, apply a heating pad (set on low) or hot water bottle to outer ear for 20 minutes (caution: avoid burns).  This will also increase drainage.
  4. Reduce Swimming Times:  Try to avoid swimming until symptoms are gone. If on a swim team, it's OK to continue. Swimming may slow recovery, but causes no serious harm.
  5. Contagiousness:  Swimmer's ear is not contagious.
  6. Expected Course:  With treatment, symptoms should be better in 3 days.
  7. Prevention of Recurrences:  Try to keep the ear canals dry.  After showers, hair washing, and swimming, help the water run out by turning the head. Avoid cotton swabs (reason: packs in the earwax). If swimmer's ear is a repeated problem, rinse the ear canals after swimming with a white vinegar-rubbing alcohol solution (equal parts of each).
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Ear symptoms last for more than 3 days after treatment.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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