How to prevent inflammation of the outer ear (swimmer’s ear) during the summer?

If you are on vacation, inflammation of the outer ear is very common, and can be a serious problem. It is generally very painful and affects the skin of the external auditory canal and the outer part of the eardrum. The more painful it is, the slower it heals, especially if there is no timely visit to the doctor.

"Swimmer’s ear" is an inflammation of the outer ear canal, which most often occurs due to water retention after bathing and swimming, creating a moist environment that is favorable for the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Inflammation of the outer part of the ear is susceptible to local trauma - primarily humidity. The passage and retention of water in the external auditory canal, as well as warm and humid air, are the causes that affect the appearance of inflammation, because they create ideal conditions for the reproduction of microorganisms and reduce the local defenses of the ear. Children, but also adults with diabetes or other reasons for poor immunity are at higher risk for any infection, including this one.

In inflammation, the walls of the outer ear canal are red, more or less swollen, and in rare cases covered with pus or fungal deposits. Severe pain often occurs, which intensifies when the ear is touched or during chewing. Treatment depends on the cause of the inflammation of the outer ear canal. Antibiotics are mostly used, but local therapy in the form of drops that contain an antibiotic or antifungal ingredients is also given, and if necessary, small doses of corticosteroids, which have a rapid effect on inflammation and swelling.

How to prevent inflammation of the outer ear on vacation?

Before going on vacation or before the swimming season in pools and lakes, visit an otorhinolaryngologist to have your ears rinsed from ceruminous plugs – if needed of course. Actually too much cerumen or "plugs" can be the reason for inflammation of the external auditory canal, because it retains water for a long time, and thus the ear moisture, which is the first condition for the development of infections. People prone to inflammation of the external auditory canal should use ear sprays as prevention every day before bathing. There are olive oil-based ear sprays on the market, which have a preventive effect and protect the surface layer of the skin. Olive oil, in an ear spray, coats the skin of the external auditory canal and prevents water retention.

Take action and prevent complications

Never use sticks to clean the ear, especially in children. Using these sticks only pushes the remnants of cerumen towards the membrane of the eardrum and prevents the natural cleaning of the ear canal. In children, the auditory canals are narrowed, so the process of self-cleaning is further complicated.

Tips for proper ear cleaning

1. The use of ear swabs is not forbidden, but never push them deep into the canal. It is desirable to moisten the cotton wool a little, preferably with a droplet of 3% hydrogen.
2. In order to maintain the hygiene of the external auditory canals, it is recommended to use 3% hydrogen, sprays that contain olive oil and other beneficial substances.
3. Always beware of rough movements on the skin of the external auditory canal that can cause micro-injuries on the skin, which are the entry point for the development of infections.

If pain is present, use an analgesic (paracetamol or ibuprofen). Warming the ear by warm compresses is beneficial, but never put warm liquids in the ear.

• Very often this disease does not require urgent care, but if left untreated, the symptoms worsen within a few days. Take your child to a doctor if you suspect that he or she has an external ear canal inflammation so that the diagnosis can be made in time and treatment can begin
• Sometimes, it is necessary to remove the contents from the external ear canal using the principle of antisepsis and place a strip of gauze, the so-called stripe, which is soaked in antibiotics and corticosteroids. Never try this at home as this should be done by a doctor
• If drops are applied, the patient should lie on his or her side so that the drops stay inside the ear and not leak out. It is necessary to lie down for a few minutes for the drops to spread on the skin of the outer ear canal. Symptoms usually subside within 24 hours, and the infection goes away within a week
• Oral antibiotics are usually not necessary unless the infection extends beyond the ear canal
• No swimming until the ear is healed

The swimmer’s ear is usually a harmless condition, which usually goes away on its own.

The dark, warm and humid environment of the outer ear canal is an ideal place for the development of bacteria and fungi that are present in dirty water. In most cases, water comes out of the ear canal quickly, sometimes, however, an infection can occur, which can damage the sense of hearing.

Little helpful tricks

Most people who encounter the problem of the swimmer’s ear resort to small tricks, after which they generally get better. Tilting your head and jumping to one side are old and reliable tricks. Another useful advice is to lie down and put your ear on a towel, so that water leaks out of the ear canal in a few minutes.

Gently pull the ear

Another easy way to free your ear from water is to gently pull the earlobe down. In this way, the cartilage of the ear canal moves and discharges the water. This method is often used by doctors during ear examination.

Rinsing

The abovementioned methods are generally enough for you to hear well again quickly. However, if that does not happen, experts advise rinsing the ears with a mixture of alcohol and alcoholic or white vinegar 50/50. The procedure is applied with a dropper or a small syringe. Alcohol, in fact, dries the ear, and vinegar creates an acidic environment that is unfavorable for the development of bacteria. It is necessary to apply three or four drops of this mixture in the ear and gently rub the outer area. After 30 seconds, tilt your head to clear the ear canal of this content. Experts, however, advise that this method should not be used if you have an infection of the outer ear, a perforated eardrum or a more serious ear disease.

Hairdryer

With a swimmer’s ear, a hair dryer can also be helpful. Be sure to adjust the hair dryer to a mild temperature and place it one meter away from the earlobe. While the dryer is blowing gently pull the ear down.

Hydrogen

The deposited cerumen (ear wax) is a good base for the swimmer’s ear. Hydrogen, a 3% hydrogen – peroxide is a good means of cleaning cerumen deposits. It simply dissolves cerumen and facilitates the expulsion of fluid from the ear.

Experts emphasize that this method should not be used in case of an infection of the outer ear or a punctured eardrum.

What not to do?

Never poke your ear or use medically unproven methods. Doctors especially emphasize this, because there is a possibility that additional bacteria will reach the ear in this way, that water will penetrate even deeper into the ear canal, and injuries and additional infections will occur.

Water in the middle ear

In case none of the advice helps, and the water has been in the ear for several days, seek professional help. Fluid can easily go from the outer to the middle ear.

Feeling of fullness, ear congestion, hearing loss, cracking etc. are some of the symptoms that indicate that water has reached the middle ear.

Experts emphasize that you should avoid giving yourself a diagnosis and that in such situations you should consult a general practitioner or ENT specialist.