Tips & Advice for those with ear canal inflammation

Prevent ear canal inflammation/external otitis/swimmer’s ear

Some people are affected more than others by ear canal inflammation. The exact reason for this is not known but water, heat and humid environments are often the contributing causes. Women are affected more often than men because they have narrower ear canals. If you have sensitive ears and are prone to ear canal inflammation, you can:

  • Avoid unnecessary contact with water
  • Use Otinova ear spray if you cannot avoid contact with water or if you are staying in hot and/or humid climates. Use earplugs or cotton wadding when swimming.
  • Wipe the ear after showering and bathing (see the illustration on the right).
  • Do not poke inside your ears.
  • Make sure that you do not have earwax plugs, the water may then get stuck behind the plug and cause inflammation of the ear canal (use earwax removal drops/spray, have earwax removed by your doctor).

At the onset of symptoms 

The first symptoms of ear canal inflammation are often itching and irritation in the ears. At this point you should:

  • Refrain from swimming and other aquatic activities.
  • Avoid soap and shampoo.
  • Use Otinova according to the dosage instructions.
  • If you experience severe pain, prolonged or recurring symptoms, we recommend that you consult a doctor.

Seaside holiday abroad

Ear canal inflammation develops easily during a seaside holiday abroad due to frequent swimming and warm humid environments. To avoid ear canal inflammation in these situations make Otinova part of your travel pharmacy! Visit www.semesterapoteket.se for more tips on what to pack in your travel pharmacy!

 


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Från Jan Grenner, docent och överläkare vid ÖNH-kliniken, SUS Lund
Dr Jan Grenner in Lund recommends the following way to clean both healthy and diseased ear canals: dry the ear with toilet paper (not cotton buds/cotton swabs) after showers and baths. Pull the ear upwards and backwards and outwards.