In summer, great allies to deal with high temperatures air conditioning and bathing in pools, sea or river. The use of sunscreen is necessary so as not to put the skin at risk, but after long days of immersion in water waterare ears those who ultimately take their toll.
When water enters the ear, it may be accompanied by particles bacterial or fungal, which, in general, do not cause problems, because the water comes out again and the ear dries up. However, at other times, water enters the ear canal and bacteria and fungi can infect the outer ear causes otitis.
For those people who usually notice that water often stays in the ear and cannot get it out, specialists have deceive: boric alcohol, a compound obtained by combining alcohol and boric acid.
Doctor Jose Manuel Colioan otolaryngologist from the Ribera Medical Group at Dénia Hospital, explains that “boric alcohol, available in pharmacies without a prescription, stays in the ear for a minute, and when it comes out, it takes moisture with it, which alleviates the infection, especially at this time of the year” .
Tips for avoiding otitis media
The Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Hospital de Manises offers ten tips on how to avoid otitis externa in summer:
1- Shorten the dive time, especially for children.
2- Dry the outer part of the ear and the entrance to the canal when leaving the water.
3- See an ENT specialist if you have any discomfort or symptoms.
4- Do not use sprays that can change the pH of the skin channel and reduce its protective mechanisms.
5- Before the holidays, get cleaned by a healthcare professional in case of a predisposition to the formation of wax or keratin plugs.
6- Avoid swimming in potentially contaminated water.
7- In the event that water is retained in the ear canal, a few drops of saturated boric alcohol prepared in pharmacies can be applied, and oral antibiotics will need to be used as the infection progresses.
8- If necessary, use a hair dryer at a safe distance to dry your ear.
9- Use earplugs or shower caps to reduce the chance of water getting into your ears.
10- Do not use cotton buds or other items such as forks, toothpicks, etc. to clean or scratch your ear.