Home Remedies for Swimmers Ear

Swimmer’s ear or otitis externa is an infection or inflammation of the external ear and ear canal. Swimmer’s ear is usually caused due to excess exposure to water. When the ear drenches wet in water, moisture penetrates the water-resistant layer and the skin becomes soft and wrinkled when they remain in water for a long period of time. Bacteria and fungi are able to exist on the surface of such water exposed skin without any harmful effects. But if there is a break in the skin's normal barrier, these bacteria from contaminated water or objects placed in the ear can easily slip inside the skin, causing swimmer’s ear.

Symptoms for Swimmers Ear

What signs and symptoms would you look for ear pain due to Swimmers Ear

Here is a compilation of the various signs and symptoms that could mean the pain in the ear is swimmers ear:

- Itchy or painful ear
- Sensitivity to ear movement
- Decreased hearing
- Earwax appearing soft and white
- Yellowish or milky discharge from the ear
- Sudden or sharp pain in the ear
- Noises felt inside the ear, such as a buzzing or humming sound
- Swelling in the ear or lymph nodes on the neck
- Feeling stuffy or heaviness in the ear.
- Outer ear skin appears sore and scaly

Causes for Swimmers Ear

Some known causes for swimmers ear

School going children, adolescents and adults are at greater risk than toddlers incase of swimmers ear. Children suffering from eczema and seborrhea stand a far greater chance in contracting swimmers ear. Some of the known causes that lead to swimmers ear include:

- Contaminated water facilitates fungi or bacteria to the ear canal.
- Cleaning the ears using sharp fingernails, cotton buds or other objects may cause a tear in delicate tissues of the ear canal which could lead to infection.
- Hairsprays, shampoos, hair dyes and other chemical irritants may make way inside the ear canal and cause irritation.
- Middle ear infection can trigger an infection or inflammation in the ear canal.
- Diabetes could make earwax too alkaline inviting bacteria and other infections.
- Folliculitis or an infected hair follicle within the ear canal can trigger a infection in the ear
- If the ear canals are narrower than normal, the water can't drain as effectively causing water retention in the ear.
- Swimming, bathing or living in a moist environment also causes moisture in the ear.
- Exposure to any infectious organism from swimming in polluted water is another known cause of swimmers ear.

Home Remedies for Swimmers Ear

Home remedies to ease ear pain

Here is a compilation of trusted home remedies that can ease the pain in the ear:


- Mild swimmer’s ear can also be treated with a few drops of white vinegar placed in both ears. Put a few drops of vinegar in one ear and leave it in the ear canal for about five minutes before turning the ear down in order to drain the solution. It is advisable to repeat this twice a day for three days. It is most effective against any fungal or bacterial infection as the acetic acid inhibits the growth of bacteria.

- When water clogs the ears, put three or four drops apple cider vinegar, diluted in equal parts with water or alcohol, after showering or swimming. This helps prevent future infection.

- Take some baby oil, heat it and as it warms pour into the ears with the help of a ear dropper and place a cotton ball to avoid draining the oil.

- Use the hair dryer to evaporate the water molecules in the ear. Set it to warm and sway it across the ear as it blow dries your ear. The warm air will enable evaporation of any trapped water.

- Mix equal parts water, peroxide, and white vinegar. Use an eye dropper to put a few drops in ear. Let it stay in the ear for a minute. Tip head to let the solution drain. Put a piece of cotton in ear. It is advisable to do this before bedtime.

Diet for Swimmers Ear

Find out which foods relieve swimmers ear

One can have a regular and nutritious meal. Nothing in particular in terms of food can help relieve the effects of swimmers ear.

Suggestions for Swimmers Ear

Basic suggestions to avoid relapse of swimmers ear

There are some basic steps one can take to avoid the relapse of swimmers ears.
Here are some such suggestions:

- Apply some oil before getting in the pool to avoid water flushing out the protective oils in the ear.

- After a swim turn the head and gently pull the ear in different directions to drain water out of the ear. Try drying the opening of the ear very carefully with the help of a towel.

- Avoid swimming in dirty or polluted waters and even if you unknowingly do so, be safe and wear earplugs when you swim.

- Avoid poking the ear with fingers or sharp objects