Otitis Externa / Swimmer's Ear Infection Health Tips

Health Tips

Otitis externa can be easily prevented with a little bit of caution:

• Prevent unnecessary buildup of moisture in the ear by using a shower cap while bathing. Allow it to cover the ears so as to prevent water, soap or shampoo from entering.
• If your ears do get wet, try to dry them out with a hair dryer on a gentle setting. Don’t attempt to shove cotton or tissue in to dry the ear.
• Ear plugs for swimmers can help prevent water from getting in when swimming.

If you do develop an otitis externa infection, follow these simple precautions:

• Do not attempt to stop any discharge from the ear by placing cotton swabs or balls of cotton wool in the ear. This blocks the drainage and will actually be counterproductive. If there is heavy discharge, simply place some cotton swabs around the ear or very lightly against the outer portion of the ear canal. Make sure that you change the cotton swabs frequently.
• Attempting to clean the ear canal with cotton buds and other objects could damage the skin which is already inflamed and sensitive.