Swimmer’s ear is a painful condition that can afflict both adults and children who swim frequently. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that you can use to treat this condition without having to resort to conventional medication. In this article, we will showcase 7 natural remedies that you can use to treat swimmer’s ear effectively.
A Natural Home Remedy for Swimme’s Ear
To start, let’s look at a natural remedy for swimmer’s ear that you can make at home using common household items. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a bowl and soak a cotton ball in the mixture. Tilt your head to one side and gently squeeze a few drops into your ear. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then tilt your head to the other side to let the mixture flow out. Repeat this process once or twice a day until your swimmer’s ear is gone.
White vinegar has acidic properties that can help reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ear canal, while rubbing alcohol helps dry up the ear canal and prevent further infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another natural remedy that can help relieve swimmer’s ear is apple cider vinegar. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl and use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to your ear. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then tilt your head to let the mixture flow out. Repeat this process once a day until your swimmer’s ear is gone.
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi in the ear canal, which causes swimmer’s ear.
Garlic Oil
Garlic oil is another natural remedy that can help relieve swimmer’s ear. Crush three cloves of garlic and sauté them in two tablespoons of coconut oil for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool. Using an eyedropper, apply 2-3 drops into each ear. Repeat this process twice a day until your swimmer’s ear is gone.
Garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Coconut oil is also an excellent natural remedy that has antibacterial and moisturizing properties to further safeguard the ear canal. Combine the two ingredients for maximum benefit.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another natural remedy that can help relieve swimmer’s ear. Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm the mixture and then use an eyedropper to apply the mixture to your ear. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then tilt your head to let the mixture flow out. Repeat this process once a day until your swimmer’s ear is gone.
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it an effective natural remedy for swimmer’s ear. Olive oil works to moisturize and soothe the affected area.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another natural remedy that can help relieve swimmer’s ear. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water and use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to your ear. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then tilt your head to let the mixture flow out. Repeat this process once a day for 2-3 days until your swimmer’s ear is gone.
Hydrogen peroxide can help loosen debris and earwax that may be blocking the ear canal. This can help the vinegar, tea tree oil, and other natural remedies penetrate further into the ear canal, making them more effective in treating the infection.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be used to relieve the inflammation and itching associated with swimmer’s ear. Warm some coconut oil in a small bowl and use a dropper to apply 2-3 drops to your ear. Let it sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to allow the coconut oil to drain out. Repeat this process several times a day until the itching sensation subsides.
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that can help soothe the ear canal. It can also reduce the growth of bacteria and fungi, thereby helping to prevent further infections.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is another natural remedy that can help relieve swimmer’s ear. Mix 2-3 drops of neem oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm the mixture and then use an eyedropper to apply the mixture to your ear. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then tilt your head to let the mixture flow out. Repeat this process once a day until your swimmer’s ear is gone.
Neem oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective natural remedy for swimmer’s ear. Olive oil works to moisturize and soothe the affected area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I know if I have swimmer’s ear?
A: Swimmer’s ear is typically accompanied by a range of symptoms, including pain and discomfort in the ear, fullness or pressure in the ear, itching in or around the ear, and drainage from the ear.
Q2: Can I prevent swimmer’s ear?
A: Yes, there are several steps that you can take to prevent swimmer’s ear, including wearing earplugs, using a swim cap, keeping your ears dry, and avoiding underwater activities if you have a perforated eardrum or other ear condition.
Q3: How long does swimmer’s ear last?
A: Swimmer’s ear typically lasts for about 7-10 days, but it can persist for much longer if it is left untreated or if you continue to expose your ear to water or other irritants.
Q4: When should I see a doctor for swimmer’s ear?
A: You should see a doctor for swimmer’s ear if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, if you experience severe pain or discomfort in your ear, or if you develop a fever or other signs of infection.