Otitis Externa Self

Otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear, is inflammation and infection of the skin lining the ear canal. The ear canal is the passage leading from the outer ear to the eardrum. It is usually caused by bacteria, and it often occurs after exposure to water.

Self-treatment for swimmer's ear may be possible when mild symptoms are present, such as minor ear discomfort or itching without significant pain or discharge. In these cases, self-care measures may include keeping the ears dry, avoiding inserting objects into the ear canal, over-the-counter ear drops, or creating a mixture that combines vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in equal parts.

This article will address various at-home remedies that can be used in managing swimmer's ear symptoms and what to do when self-care methods don't work.

chameleonseye / Getty Images

While certain home remedies can offer relief for swimmer's ear, caution should be exercised when using them, especially if you are uncertain about the integrity of your child's eardrum. It's important to note that these remedies may not provide rapid results compared to antibiotics.

Before trying self-care treatments such as the following, talk to your healthcare provider.

Avoid exposing the affected ear to water during the healing process. Use a shower cap or earplugs while swimming to prevent moisture from entering the ear canal.

Applying a warm, damp cloth to the ear can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Gently hold the compress against the affected ear for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

Taking nonprescription pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) can help you manage pain and discomfort associated with swimmer's ear.

Various over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops are available to aid with pain relief and help dry the ear out. When selecting a product, opt for those specifically designed for swimmer's ear, and adhere closely to the provided application guidelines.

Some OTC ear drops may include homeopathic ingredients such as Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) for pain relief. It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not assessed the safety and efficacy of homeopathic products.

Using nonprescription ear drops containing a mild acetic acid or alcohol solution after swimming may help prevent against swimmer's ear by expediting the drying process and can be particularly beneficial for children prone to experiencing it frequently. These ear drops can be used without a prescription, but they should be avoided in children with ear tubes or a hole in their ear known as a perforation of the eardrum.

Garlic oil drops are believed to help clear up ear infections due to their potential antimicrobial properties. Garlic contains several compounds, two of which are called allicin and s-allyl cysteine (SAC). Both have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

When garlic drops are instilled into the ear canal, the allicin may work to combat the infection-causing bacteria or fungi. It is thought to help reduce inflammation and fight off the microbes responsible for the ear infection.

One home care remedy for swimmer's ear involves creating a solution by combining vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in equal parts. This balanced mixture of acidic vinegar and hydrogen peroxide may aid in clearing bacteria from the ear canal, providing relief. Again, these should not be used if you have ear tubes or a perforation of the ear drum.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several self-care tips to treat swimmer's ear, even if you end up needing to take antibiotics. These include:

Some healthcare providers prefer a watchful waiting approach. This means they recommend waiting two to three days to give the immune system a chance to combat the infection naturally before starting you on antibiotics.

In addition, refrain from inserting cotton swabs or any other objects into the ear canal, as it can worsen the condition or damage the ear.

While these at-home treatments can be effective for mild cases of swimmer's ear, if the symptoms persist, worsen, or if there's drainage from the ear, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

Swimmer's ear is most commonly treated with antibiotics, available as pills or ear drops. If you plan to use a homemade solution, talk to your healthcare provider first.

A homemade remedy for swimmer's ear can be created using a solution comprising equal parts rubbing alcohol and vinegar. When applied, the alcohol helps evaporate water from the ear, effectively removing excess moisture, while the vinegar's acidity prevents bacterial growth. For individuals with recurrent infections, a couple of drops of this solution can be applied to each ear as a preventive measure.

The amount of time the ear drops should stay in may vary depending on the type of ear drop. However, general guidelines include the following steps:

Managing ongoing swimmer's ear infections can be painful and frustrating. To safeguard your ears from further damage, consider the following steps:

For added prevention, mix one drop of alcohol with one drop of white vinegar and apply the solution to your ears after they become wet. The alcohol and vinegar's acidic properties can help prevent bacterial growth.

It is essential to contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

Sometimes, a swimmer's ear infection can extend to areas around the ear, including the skull bone, leading to a condition known as malignant otitis externa. This complication is more concerning in older individuals or those with diabetes or weakened immune systems. Treating malignant otitis externa involves administering high-dose antibiotics intravenously to combat the severe infection.

The most common antibiotics used to treat swimmer's ear are topical antibiotics in the form of ear drops. These drops are directly applied into the ear canal to target the infection.

It's important to note that the choice of antibiotic may vary depending on the specific situation and the severity of the infection. Your healthcare provider will determine the most suitable antibiotic treatment for your case. Always follow the prescribed treatment plan and complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve.

Self-care treatments for otitis externa include treatments such as warm compresses, over-the-counter ear drops, and vinegar-hydrogen peroxide mixtures, which can provide relief for mild cases of swimmer's ear. However, caution should be exercised, and it is crucial to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Topical antibiotics are commonly prescribed by healthcare providers to treat outer ear infections, however, they sometimes use the watchful waiting approach first. If you or a loved one has symptoms of swimmer's ear, contact your healthcare provider for treatment options that are right for you.

Centers for Disease Control and Infection. Ear infections.

Children's Health. How to get rid of swimmer's ear.

NationwideChildrens.org. Otitis externa (swimmer's ear).

U.S. National Library of Medicine. Ear care earache drops- atropa belladonna, anemone pulsatilla, lycopodium clavatum spore, matricaria chamomilla, and sulfur liquid.

KidsHealth.org. Swimmer's ear (otitis externa).

Uzen, Lokman, et al. Antimicrobial activity of garlic derivatives on common causative microorganisms of the external ear canal and chronic middle ear infections.Turkish Archives of Otorhinolaryngology. 2016 Feb; 95(6). doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000002695

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing and treating ear infections.

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Otitis externa: Get rid of swimmer's ear.

Medline Plus. Neomycin, polymyxin, and hydrocortisone otic.

Medline Plus. Swimmer's ear.

Jamal A, Alsabea A, Tarakmeh M, et al. Etiology, diagnosis, complications, and management of acute otitis media in children. Cureus. 2022;14(8). doi:10.7759/cureus.28019

By Sarah Jividen, RNSarah Jividen, RN, BSN, is a freelance healthcare journalist and content marketing writer at Health Writing Solutions, LLC. She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room.