Treatment For Swimmers Ear

Treatment For Swimmers Ear

Treatment for Swimmers' Ear is important because otherwise it may progress to a middle ear infection, also known as otitis media.  This is more serious as it can cause hearing loss, meaning seeking treatment for swimmers' ear is imperative. 

Drops containing an antibiotic such as gentamicin, an antifungal such as acetic acid (vinegar) and a steroid such as hydrocortisone are often used and are a very effective treatment for swimmers' ear and in severe cases tablet antibiotics may be used.  Good swimming earplugs such as ZenPlugs can help prevent swimmers' ear developing in the first place.  To be effective swimmers' earplugs need to be well fitted otherwise water will still be able to get in to the ear.

It is worth taking evasive action as soon as the itch develops.  Minimise your time in the water and avoid it altogether if possible.  Remember to rinse your ears with drinking water or surgical alcohol in order to wash away all the naughty little bacteria, viruses and fungi which want to bury their way under your skin and make you feel poorly.  Ear ache can be very severe and upsetting, stopping you sleeping and making you miserable so it is worth going to some lengths to avoid it.