由 home-healthhaven 
Swimmer’s ear is a painful infection that many swimmers experience, but there are simple ways to prevent and treat it.
Swimmer’s ear happens when bacteria grow in the ear canal, leading to infection. This usually occurs when water gets trapped in the ear, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Frequent swimming increases the risk of this happening.
To prevent swimmer’s ear, consider wearing a swim cap to keep water out of your ears. After swimming, dry your head and ears thoroughly with a towel. Tilt your head to each side, holding each ear downwards to help any trapped water escape. You can also try gently shaking your head and moving your ear with your hand to get rid of the water.
If prevention doesn’t work and you end up with swimmer’s ear, there are a few treatments you can try at home. Using a warm (but not hot) heating pad against your ear can help soothe the pain. Keep your ears as dry as possible while they heal by using a shower cap when you take a shower. Avoid cleaning your ears during this time to prevent irritation, which can slow down the healing process.
If your symptoms don’t improve after 3-5 days, it’s important to see a doctor. They can prescribe antibiotic ear drops to treat the infection. Follow your doctor’s instructions, and you should recover quickly.
No one wants to deal with swimmer’s ear, but by taking these preventive steps and knowing how to treat it at home, you can reduce your risk and manage the infection effectively if it does occur.