If you have a painful ear infection like swimmer's ear, you may be wondering if it will clear up on its own. Let's explore the possible causes of swimmer's ear and whether or not it will clear up without treatment. Continue on to learn more about this condition and how to treat it safely and effectively.
AFC Urgent Care Short Hills provides treatment against swimmer’s ear. If you find yourself with a painful ear infection, our medical providers can treat your symptoms and provide recommendations for the future. Visit our walk-in center any day for care.
How can you tell if you have swimmer's ear?
There are a few telltale signs that you may have swimmer's ear. These include:
- An itchy feeling inside the ear
- Pain when moving the affected ear
- Drainage from the ear
- Hearing loss
- Fever (in some cases)
If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
How do you treat it at home?
There are a few things you can do to treat swimmer's ear at home. These include:
- Keep the affected ear dry
- Apply a warm compress
- Take OTC pain medication
Will it go away without treatment?
If you decide not to treat your swimmers ear, it's possible that the symptoms will eventually go away on their own. However, this is not recommended. Without treatment, the infection could spread and become more serious. Additionally, the symptoms could last for a longer period of time if they are not treated properly.
Swimmer's ear usually goes away within a week or two with proper treatment. However, in some cases, the infection can become more serious and require antibiotics.
Are there any ways to prevent swimmer's ear from occurring in the first place?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent swimmer's ear. These include:
- Avoiding swimming in dirty or contaminated water
- Keeping your ears dry after swimming
- Wearing earplugs when swimming
- Use a vinegar solution to rinse your ears after swimming (1 part vinegar, 1 part water)
If you follow these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing swimmer's ear. However, it's still important to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of the condition. Early treatment is always best to avoid more serious complications.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with swimmer's ear, AFC Short Hills can help clear up this condition and get you back in the water quickly and safely. Don't let swimmer's ear keep you from enjoying your favorite activity - visit us today for care.
