How To Avoid Otitis Externa
To avoid otitis externa—also known as swimmer’s ear—you need to keep your outer ear canal dry, clean, and free from irritation. This painful condition is usually caused by moisture, bacteria, or fungi that get trapped in the ear canal.
👂 What Causes Otitis Externa?
- Water in the ear (swimming, showers)
- Injury or scratching (cotton swabs, earbuds)
- Allergic or skin reactions (shampoos, hair products)
- Humidity and heat
✅ How to Avoid Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
💧 1. Keep Ears Dry
- Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or showering:
- Tip your head to each side to let water drain
- Use a towel or tilt-and-pull your ear lobe gently
- Use a hairdryer on low, cool setting at arm’s length to air-dry canal
- Swim with ear plugs or a swim cap if you’re prone to infections
❌ 2. Avoid Inserting Objects into Your Ear
- Don’t use:
- Cotton swabs
- Fingertips
- Hairpins
- These damage the ear canal and remove protective wax
🚫 Scratching the ear can create tiny openings that allow infection to take hold.
🧪 3. Use Preventive Ear Drops (If At Risk)
- After swimming, use over-the-counter drying drops (e.g., alcohol + acetic acid)
- Or make your own: equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol
- Avoid if you have ear tubes or a perforated eardrum
🧼 4. Avoid Irritants
- Rinse ears thoroughly if shampoo, soap, or hair dye gets in them
- Don’t use products that trigger skin allergies or rashes in/around your ears
🧊 5. Limit Moisture and Sweat Buildup
- In hot or humid weather, keep ears cool and dry
- Avoid long use of earbuds or headphones that trap moisture
👨⚕️ 6. See a Doctor for Earwax Removal
- If you have excess wax, ask a doctor or audiologist to remove it safely—don’t try yourself
🧠 Summary: How to Prevent Otitis Externa
| Step | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Keep ears dry | Moisture feeds bacteria |
| Avoid swabs or scratching | Protects skin lining of ear canal |
| Use drying drops after swim | Prevents trapped water from causing issues |
| Avoid irritants/allergens | Prevents inflammation that opens skin |
| Dry carefully after showers | Removes moisture without damage |