Primary Care
Self-Care Tips | Swimmer's Ear
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Swimmer's ear is an inflammation, irritation or infection of the ear canal.
Symptoms of swimmer's ear
- Ear pain that may worsen when pulling the outer ear
- Itching
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Pus-like drainage coming from the ear
What you can do to avoid swimmer's ear
- Dry your ears after exposure to moisture
- Avoid swimming in polluted water
- Use earplugs when you swim
- Consider putting a few drops of a 1:1 mixture of alcohol and white vinegar in the ears after they get wet. The alcohol and acetic acid prevent bacterial growth.
- Try non prescription ear drops
When to call your primary care provider
- Ear drainage looks like pus
- Drainage is bloody
- Drainage has a foul odor
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