External otitis, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the ear caused by bacteria or fungi. It is usually treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications. However, there are some other methods that can be used to help resolve the condition.
Antibiotics and Antifungal Medications
The most common treatment for external otitis is antibiotics or antifungal medications. These medications are usually taken orally or applied directly to the infected area. Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that cause the infection, while antifungal medications work by killing the fungi. Depending on the type of infection, the doctor may prescribe either an antibiotic or an antifungal medication.
Home Remedies
There are also some home remedies that can be used to help resolve external otitis. These include using warm compresses on the affected area, keeping the ear dry, and using over-the-counter ear drops. Warm compresses help to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the ear, while keeping the ear dry helps to prevent further infection. Over-the-counter ear drops can help reduce the pain and itching associated with the infection.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to resolve external otitis. The most common type of surgery used to treat this condition is the removal of the infected tissue. This may include removing any wax that has built up in the ear canal, or removing any infected tissue from the ear canal. Depending on the severity of the infection, the doctor may also need to make a small incision to flush out the infected area. This procedure is known as an ear lavage.
Prevention
The best way to prevent external otitis is to keep the ear dry and clean. This means avoiding activities such as swimming, showering, or using ear plugs. It is also important to keep the ear canal free of debris and wax. If the ear does become wet, it is important to dry it off immediately. Additionally, it is important to avoid using cotton swabs or other objects inside the ear canal.
External otitis can be a painful and uncomfortable condition. However, with the proper treatment and prevention, it can usually be resolved relatively quickly.