In swimmers ears, infection takes place in the ear canal's skin. The scientific name for the problem is otitis externa. Ear infection is caused due to swimming in polluted water. It may also be caused due to continuous exposure in cold, moist and humid conditions as the ear is open to be infected by bacteria and fungi. There are quite a few home remedies for swimmers ears. But first you must know the symptoms associated with it. There is itching and a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the ears. You can have moderate to severe pain in the ears and there is watery discharge from the ears.
You can put 2-3 drops of white vinegar in each ear with a dropper in each ear. Lie down for some time and wipe the excess vinegar with a cotton ball. Vinegar has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and gives the ears a soothing effect. One of the other home remedies for swimmers ears is alcohol. You can rub alcohol in the ears, as it helps in removing excess water from them and also in reducing the growth of the bacteria and the pain too. Do this 2-4 times a day. Remember not to lie down when you have ear problems as this does not allow the liquid to drain out from the ears.
You can make a ear drop with 1 drop of isopropyl alcohol and 1 drop of white vinegar, then pour this solution in your ears with the help of a dropper. This drop is very effective in curing the problem as it prevents the growth of bacteria. Apply a few drops of warm baby oil to each ear. This helps in reducing the pain and uneasiness. One of the age-old home remedies for swimmers ears is applying warm olive oil with the help of a cotton ball. Ear wax can be softened by keeping the oil for about 10-15 minutes and can be drained out then. Garlic oil has antibacterial properties that are very useful in curing the inflammation. Some times yawning cures the uneasiness in the ears. So simply just yawn a few times to cure the heaviness in your ears.
Placing a warm damp towel on the affected ear helps in softening the wax removing it becomes easier. The hot compress helps in removing the excess water from your ears. One of the easiest home remedies for swimmers ears is placing a hot cloth or a hot water bottle or else a hot pad on your ears to ease the pain and clear the secretions of the ears. A hair dryer proves to be very helpful in this case as it helps to evaporate the excess water from the ears.
Increase the amount of zinc and vitamin C to reduce the ear infection and improve your immune system. A calcium rich diet is very effective. Avoid hydrogenated and processed foods. Avoid contact with people having cold infection. Do not smoke and do not indulge in passive smoking too. Keep your hands away from your ears and nose as it increases the rate of infection. Build the healthy habit of washing your hands regularly. If these home remedies for swimmers ears do not work, then consult a doctor.
