A health care provider might prescribe ear drops that contain antibiotics to fight the infection, possibly mixed with a medicine to reduce swelling of the ear canal. Ear drops are usually given several times a day for 7—10 days. If a swollen ear canal makes it hard to put in the drops, the doctor may insert a tiny sponge called a wick to help carry the medicine inside the ear.
In some cases, the doctor may need to remove pus and other buildup from the ear with gentle cleaning or suction. This lets the ear drops work better. For more severe infections, health care providers may prescribe antibiotics taken by mouth and might want to run tests on discharge from the ear to find which bacteria or fungi are causing the problem.
Over-the-counter pain relievers often can manage ear pain. Once treatment starts, your child will start to feel better in a day or two.
Swimmer's ear is usually cured within 7—10 days of starting treatment. Ear infections should be treated by a doctor. If not, the ear pain will get worse and the infection may spread. At home, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help ease pain.
Follow the health care provider's instructions for using ear drops and oral antibiotics, if they are prescribed. It's important to keep water out of your child's ear during the entire course of treatment. You can use a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly as an earplug to protect your child's ear from water during showering or bathing.
Swimmer's ear is the inflammation of the canal joining the eardrum to the external ear. Moisture — water and different kinds of bacteria — get trapped in the ear canal. The ear canal gets red and sore and swells up from the irritation. Pain is often the first sign of otitis externa. When someone feels their ear is plugged and painful, they may see their physician. Pain is usually experienced while chewing or by tugging on the earlobes. A homemade cure can be mixed from a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar.
The alcohol combines with water in the ear and then evaporates, removing the water, while the acidity of the vinegar keeps bacteria from growing. Apply a couple of drops of solution in each ear. Use them before and after swimming or getting your ears wet.
Read and follow all instructions on the label, and learn how to insert eardrops safely. To ease ear pain, apply a warm washcloth or a heating pad set on low. There may be some drainage when the heat melts earwax. Do not use a heating pad when you are in bed. You may fall asleep and burn yourself Do not use a heating pad on a child. Do not use ear candles. They have no proven benefit, and they can cause harm. Previous Section Next Section. Ear Institute Learn more about the Stanford Ear Clinic, specializing in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery.
We care for adult patients with a wide variety of complicated ear problems. Clinical Trials. MyHealth Login. Financial Assistance. Medical Records. Contact Us. Video Visits.
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