Otitis externa is a bacterial or fungal infection of the outer ear canal (from the eardrum to the outside of the ear).
It is typically caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming or bathing, or from swimming in dirty water. Some people can introduce bacteria into their ear by cleaning it to vigorously with a Q-tip.
Often you experience itching or burning in the ear, then pain, decreased hearing, difficulty laying that ear on your pillow, and sometimes drainage of pus from the ear canal.
The best way to avoid swimmers ear, is to gently blot the ear with a tissue or cotton ball after swimming. People who are prone to frequent ear infections should wear ear plugs while swimming.
Some home care remedies in the early stages of infection include:
-sleeping with your head raised
-Ibuprofen or Naproxen for pain and swelling
-Making a small bottle of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Put 3 or 4 drops into the affected ear while lying down; keep that ear pointed up. You should repeat this on the other side, even if it is not infected. Do this three times per day.
If your symptoms have not improved after 3 days of home care, or you start to experience the following, you should seek medical care:
-Temperature over 101 degrees
-pus draining from the ear
-swelling or pain on the outside of the ear, down your neck, onto your face, or along your jaw
If you live in the Union County, NJ area, and need to be treated for your Swimmer's ear, come down to MD Care, No appointment needed.
MD Care Urgent Medical center
400 Westfield Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ
(908) 691-3800
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