Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, are a class of medications commonly used to treat pain and inflammation. They can be taken orally or applied topically and are available over the counter or by prescription. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds in the body. This can help to reduce pain and swelling. NSAIDs often treat conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, and menstrual cramps. However, they can also be effective in treating swimmer’s ear.
Applying NSAIDs topically in the form of a gel or cream can be helpful for pain and inflammation associated with swimmer’s ear. When using NSAIDs, follow the instructions on the package and talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Antifungal Medication
Depending on the cause of the infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal medication. While bacteria typically cause swimmer’s ear, it can also be due to a fungus. Antifungal medication can be taken orally or applied topically in drops or creams. These medications work by killing the fungus causing the infection.
However, it is important to note that swimmer’s ear caused by a fungus is rare, and you should only use antifungal medication under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Ear Wicks
If the infection is severe or does not improve with other treatments, your healthcare provider may recommend using ear wicks. Ear wicks are small, T-shaped pieces of gauze inserted into the ear canal. The purpose of an ear wick is to absorb excess moisture and help keep the ear canal dry.
You should change ear wicks every day or two, and you should only use them under the direction of a healthcare provider. Improper use of ear wicks can lead to further irritation or infection, so it is essential to follow the instructions provided closely.
Tips To Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
If you have suffered from swimmer’s ear or want to prevent it from happening, there are steps you can take. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Dry Your Ears After Swimming
One of the best ways to prevent swimmer’s ear is to dry your ears after swimming. You can do this by tilting your head to the side and using a soft towel or cotton swab to remove any water from your ear canal. You can also use a blow dryer set on the lowest setting and held at least one foot away from your ear.
Avoid Putting Foreign Objects In Your Ears
Another important preventative measure is to avoid putting foreign objects in your ear, such as cotton swabs or fingers. This can introduce bacteria or irritate the skin of the ear canal, increasing the risk of swimmer’s ear. While it may be tempting to clean or scratch the inside of your ear, it is best to leave this job to a healthcare professional.
Consider Ear Plugs
Using ear plugs while swimming can also help to prevent swimmer’s ear. Ear plugs help to keep water out of the ear canal and are particularly useful for those who spend a lot of time in the water or suffer from frequent swimmer’s ear infections. Just make sure to clean and dry your earplugs after each use to prevent the growth of bacteria. When used repeatedly without proper cleaning, earplugs can increase the risk for swimmer’s ear.
Be Prepared To Deal With Swimmer’s Ear!
While swimmer’s ear can be painful and irritating, there are steps you can take to treat and prevent it. If you suspect you have swimmer’s ear, talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment options. And remember, keeping your ears dry and avoiding foreign objects can go a long way in preventing swimmer’s ear. After all, prevention is always the best medicine, and the last thing you want is to be out of the water and stuck with an ear infection.
