Treatment for Swimmer’s Ear
Outer ear infection, an infection that causes inflammation of the ear canal, is thought to affect around one in 10 people at some point in their lives.
The good news is that most cases can be cleared up quickly with the right outer ear infection treatment. What follows should give you a practical guide to all you need to know…
What is an Outer Ear Infection?
Outer ear infection, also known as otitis externa or swimmer’s ear, is an infection that causes inflammation of the ear canal, the tube between the outer ear and the eardrum.
Common symptoms include earache; itching and irritation; redness and swelling; a pus-like, watery discharge; a temperature and tenderness when moving the jaw or ear.
There are many outer ear infection treatments available to help with these symptoms.
What Causes Outer Ear Infections?
Outer ear infections are commonly caused by a bacterial infection but can also be caused by irritation, fungal infections and allergies.
The moniker ‘swimmer’s ear’ is sometimes used because outer ear infections are often associated with swimmers regularly getting water in the ears. Excess moisture doesn’t have to come from swimming, though – it can be from showering, bathing and being in a humid evnironment.
Treatments differ depending on the cause of the outer ear infection and its severity.
How to Treat an Outer Ear Infection
If you have an outer ear infection, there are several steps you can take to ease your symptoms and aid your recovery.
The obvious place to start your healing journey, natural remedies include:
- Taking care when swimming or showering and keeping the affected area dry
- Avoiding inserting cotton wool buds, or any objects, into the ear
- Removing discharge gently with cotton wool
- Placing a warm cloth or flannel over the ear
Although these may be effective for mild symptoms or as a complement to other treatments, the next step up is an over-the-counter treatment, which your pharmacist can recommend.
EarCalm Spray, or similar antibiotic/antifungal eardrops, is available over the counter to treat an outer ear infection, without prescription.
You may need to speak to your GP and pick up a prescription for an outer ear infection treatment if your infection is severe or more persistent.
Natural Remedies vs OTC vs Prescription
So which outer ear infection remedy is right for you?
If your symptoms are very mild, you may be able to manage them yourself, naturally and at home, by keeping your ears dry; not using objects like cotton buds to clean the ears; pressing a warm flannel against the ear and refraining from swimming.
Over the counter intervention could be a preferable course of action if you need help clearing up a minor infection, with the help of ear drops or a spray.
You should see your GP if your symptoms don’t improve or start to get worse; pain persists or becomes severe; your hearing changes or you have continuous muffled hearing; you have a high temperature or fever.
As you can see, there are plenty of outer ear infection treatments out there and available to you, whether you decide to try natural remedies, in the first instance, or OTC.
When it comes to outer ear infection, you can be guided on what’s right for you by the severity of your symptoms.
But, if the problem persists or gets worse, you should see your GP without delay.
Why EarCalm?
EarCalm’s antibacterial agent targets infection-causing bacteria, helping to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms.
Available to buy over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription.
EarCalm’s active ingredient acetic acid is an antibacterial agent that helps clear the infection which helps relieve the symptoms.
For the treatment of minor infections of the outer ear
Find your nearest stockist of EarCalm Spray