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Ottis
externa
Blow Dry Your
Ears. Eliminate the moisture in your ears every time you
get them wet. From 18-20 inches away, aim your hair dryer into
your ear. Use either a warm or cool setting for 30
seconds. This will dry the ear, eliminating the mist condition
that bacteria and fungi find most attractive for growth.
Try an Over-The-Counter
Remedy. Most drugstores carry eardrops that combat
bacteria. If ear itchiness is still your only symptom, an
over-the-counter medication might clear it up before
infection. Use these each time your ear gets wet. This
includes the shower.
Plug up the Problem. Wear earplugs
that keep the water out. Wax or silicone plugs that can be
softened and shaped to fit your ear are available at most
drugstores. Once again, this includes during
showering.
Swim on the Surface. Even while
battling swimmer’s ear you can keep swimming. Stay on
the surface of the water. This will allow less water into the
ear.
Temporary Painkiller. If your ear
hurts, try an over-the-counter painkiller such as aspirin or
acetaminophen until you can see a doctor. Remember that pain
does indicate an infection.
Soothe Pain With Heat. Warmth: a
towel fresh from the dryer, a covered hot water bottle, or a
heating pad set on low- can also help ease the pain.
Leave Your Earwax. Earwax is natural
protection.
Wear a Cap. Keep water
out.
Watch Where to
Swim. Don’t swim in dirty water. You are
less likely to pick up bacteria in a well-treated pool
than you are in a pond.
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