• How do you unclog swimmer's ear?

I am a 23 year old male and I have swimmer's ear. How do you unclog swimmer's ear?

4 Answers

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • Larkspur, California

See ENT for exam and ear clearing

  • Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)
  • Detroit, MI

Swimmers ear is a bacterial infection of the external auditory canal. If the canal is completely swollen shut from the infection, a physician may place a wick (compressed cotton) in the ear to help allow for topical antibiotic drops to penetrate deep in the canal and treat the infection.

  • Internist
  • rutherfordton, N.C.

Assuming you are talking about true OTITIS EXTERNA (and NOT an ear wax build-up or some other cause of ear canal obstruction, which requires an examination with an otoscope to be certain), which is usually an infection of the external ear canal, a number of of things can be tried: the first is to KEEP THE EARS DRY by staying out of the water or using good ear plugs to block water from getting into the ear canals -- as it's the MOISTURE that sets the stage for infection! Then, if that fails, you can try ear drops with rubbing alcohol, acetic acid (vinegar), or sometimes a topical combination antibiotic/anti-fungal solution like Corticosporin-OTIC (or OPTHALMIC, which will not burn if the ear drum happens to be ruptured). If all of this fails, see a good primary care MD who can examine your ears and knows how to diagnose the problem correctly or an ENT specialist who is probably an expert in these disorders.

  • Family Practitioner
  • Newton, KS

Swimmer’s ear is an infection. Perhaps you have water in your ear?

Copyrights © 2021 by TODAY'S NURSE. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy