--> SWIMMER'S EAR

?..to care for Swimmer's Ear..

When water gets in the ear, it can bring bacteria or a fungus with it and cause an infection resulting in swimmer's ear - an infection of the outer ear. While swimmer's ear usually clears itself up after a few days, here are some ways to treat any discomfort.

You'll Need:

An Ear Droppers
Acetaminophen
White Vinegar
Heating pads
Aspirins
Rubbing Alcohol
Earplugs
Ibuprofen
Warm Compresses

Step One
To help clear up a mild infection, use a mixture of equal parts isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar in the ear canal after swimming or showering. Tip your head to one side so the affected ear faces the ceiling, place a few drops of the mixture in your ear using a a dropper, then tip your head the other way to let the mixture drain out.

Step Two
Take aspirin (for adults), ibuprofen or acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours for any symptoms of a mild infection, such as discomfort or fever.

Step Three
Apply mild heat, using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, to help reduce any pain.

Step Four
Contact your doctor if your condition doesn't improve in 24 hours, the glands in your neck become swollen, your ears begin to drain a milky fluid, or you experience dizziness or ringing in your ears.

Tips & Warnings:
Symptoms include itching, discomfort and swelling of the outer ear canal, which is usually tender to the touch.
During the healing process, keep water out of your ears. Clean them by wrapping your finger in a soft cloth and gently wiping the outer ear area. Avoid using instruments or cotton swabs to remove earwax.
Don't put any drops in your ear if you suspect a perforated eardrum.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

some usefull feed back:
Pain - Swimmer's ear is extremely painful for children. Keep Advil in the house and administer every 6 hours

Ear plugs - The ear plugs you buy for swimming usually don't work well. Hearo ear plugs work great, but they absorb water, so change them often. Never use a wet pair of ear plugs.

Portable Ear Dryer - I use a device called the Sahara DryEar. It's a rechargeable ear dryer and it's awesome. I found it online at www.dryear.net.After showers, surfing, swimming or any time my ears get wet, I always use this thing. I used to have problems with my ears all the time, but I haven't had a problem in over a year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Try this ear dryer though, it's awesome.

Prevention - To prevent swimmer's ear, make sure you rinse shampoo and conditioner from the ear area completely. Swimmers get used to rushing when they shower and dress, and the bacteria that grows in soap scum and leftover hair care products is more likely to be the swimmer's ear culprit than the chlorine.During a bout of swimmer's ear, our coach has us kick the whole workout to avoid irritation of the infected area. If you have an elevated temperature, see a doctor.

When it gets bad - I suffer from swimmer's ear all the time, and when it gets to the advanced stage (were you can't sleep from the agony), I put a cloth with very hot water on my ear and then blow a hair dryer (set on warm) onto the cloth.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:This information is solely for informational purposes.IT IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. Niether author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from treatment,exercise,dietary modification,action or application of medication,resulting from following the information in this information.Publication of this information does'nt constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does'nt replace the advice of physician.The reader must seek the advice of physician.