Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear is the somewhat loose description of an irritation of the skin that is in the ear canal. Generally speaking, it is an inflammation, and in medical circles the condition is referred to as otitis externa. Beginning of swimmer's ear – the time when the inflammation is still the only thing irritating the ear canal – is most often associated with feelings of uncomfortable pressure when the ear is touched. Children may sometimes feel like cotton or something else that is muffling sound has been stuck inside their ears. Unfortunately, this often gives way to the invasive use of Q-tips and other ear cleaning devices, and when the inflamed skin of the ear canal is scratched, bacteria will soon move in an usher in the next stage of swimmer's ear: full blown infection. The ear will begin to itch and produce clear fluids that are discharged and crust the outer ear.

The initial inflammation is usually seen in someone who is an active swimmer. Ear canals are repeatedly exposed to moisture and when water is unable to drain properly from the ear, and if the skin of the ear canal is not allowed to properly dry, then the presence of swimmer's ear is only days away. While swimmer ear plugs are said to protect against the invasion of moisture into the ear canal, it is important to realize that many a swimmer ear plug does more harm than good, especially when it is inserted too deeply into the ear canal, is made from rigid materials that scratch the skin of the ear canal, or is being reused without being properly cleaned.

Fortunately there are no immediate concerns for beginning swimmer's ear and natural remedies abound. Perhaps the most classical treatment of swimmer's ear involves the use of white vinegar and warm water. Vinegar, swimmer's ear sufferer know, will reduce the swelling of the ear canal skin and thus reduce the itching and discomfort. By heading off the itching you avoid the scratching that leads to infection. This swimmer's ear remedy relies on the cautious use of a rinse that consists of white vinegar and warm water in equal parts. Slowly introduce the liquid into the ear canal with the help of an eye dropper and allow it to remain there for up to ten minutes. Then turn your head so that it will run out of your ear. Your swimmer's ear should be dealt with shortly!