If you've ever experienced swimmer’s ear, you know that it's not a fun experience. Fortunately, there are several ways to cure swimmer's ear quickly. This blog will outline some of the fastest ways to treat the condition and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
AFC Urgent Care Lakewood provides same-day treatment for a wide range of conditions, including swimmer’s ear. Our team of board-certified providers can examine your symptoms and provide the best recommendations for care. Simply walk into the clinic or reserve your spot online today!
What Is Swimmer’s Ear, And What Are The Symptoms?
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is a painful ear infection that can occur after spending time in the water. The infection generally occurs when water is trapped in the ear canal, creating an environment for bacteria to grow. Swimmer’s ear can cause a moderate amount of discomfort, leading to complications if left untreated. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, it’s important to seek medical attention to prevent the infection from worsening.
Common swimmer’s ear symptoms include:
- Pain in the ear
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Swelling
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Drainage from the ear
What is the Fastest Way to Cure Swimmer’s Ear?
There are several ways to quickly treat swimmer’s ear, depending on the stage and severity of infection. In mild cases, the infection will resolve on its own. You can alleviate the symptoms with over-the-counter ear drops and medications. The right ear drops help dry out the ear canal and clear the bacteria. However, in some cases, the ear canal can be too swollen for the ear drops to reach the infection. Severe infections typically require prescribed antibiotics and/or ear drops to fully kill the bacteria.
If you are experiencing more severe symptoms, like a fever, it's important to see a healthcare provider. Swimmer’s ear can be a serious condition, but there are several things you can do to prevent it.
How Can You Prevent Swimmer’s Ear From Happening?
It’s important to know what measures you can take to prevent swimmer’s ear from happening. Here are some tips to help you avoid this condition:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after spending time in the water. Tilt your head to the side and gently tug at your ear lobe to help release any trapped water.
- Use earplugs or a swim cap to keep water out of your ears
- Avoid using cotton swabs in the ear canal, which can increase the risk of infection
- Don’t swim in areas with dirty or polluted water, as this can out you at a higher risk for infection
If you have a history of swimmer’s ear, be sure to speak with a professional about ways to further prevent infection. Your provider can prescribe the necessary ear drops to use before and after swimming to prevent swimmer’s ear.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Lakewood For Same-Day Care
Swimmer’s ear is a common condition that can cause serious discomfort if left untreated. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms associated with the infection, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Lakewood for treatment. Our medical providers can prescribe ear drops to alleviate your symptoms. The clinic is open seven days a week and always accepts walk-in patients. If you have any further questions about swimmer’s ear, or other services our center provides, please contact the medical team directly at (303) 988-3600.
