September 6, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 79 Advice On How To Cope With Swimmer’s Ear OCEAN CITY – All it takes to or silicone plugs can be softened come down with a stubborn bout of and shaped to fit your ears and are swimmer's ear is a set of ears and available at most drugstores. And do not forget to wear those plugs unrelenting moisture. The ears are constantly bathed in while shampooing or showering, keeping the ears dry is water – swimming, showerespecially important for ing, shampooing. Then people who are prone to people try to dry the ear ear infection. with a cotton-tipped swab. If your ear hurts, indicatThat takes the top layer of ing an infection, an overskin off, along with protecthe-counter painkiller such tive bacteria. Then the bad as aspirin or acetaminobacteria win. phen will tide you over until Swimmer's ear begins you can see the doctor. as an itchy ear. Left unA towel fresh from the treated, it can turn into a DR. VICTOR GONG full-blown infection. The pain can be dryer, a covered hot-water bottle, a excruciating. Once infection sets in, heating pad set on low also will help you'll need a doctor's help and a ease the pain. round of antibiotics to squelch it. Earwax serves several purposes, But there are plenty of things you including harboring friendly bactecan do to keep from getting worse ria. Cooperate with your natural deand even more to stop it before it fenses by not swabbing the wax out. Wax coats the ear canal, protecting starts. Eliminate the moisture in your it from moisture. Since the irritation of swimmer's ears every time you get them wet, whether or not you suspect an infec- ear wears away earwax, you can tion. Pull the flap of your ear up and manufacture your own version usout to straighten the ear canal and ing petroleum jelly. Moisten a cotton ball with the jelly aim your hair dryer into your ear from 18 to 20 inches away. Use and tuck it gently, like a plug, just in either a warm or cool setting, but let the edge of your ear. It will absorb the dryer blow for 30 seconds. That any moisture, keeping your ear will dry the ear, eliminating the moist warm and dry. conditions bacteria and fungi find Several fluids are great for killing most attractive for growth. germs and drying your ears at the Go ahead and swim, but wear same time. If you're susceptible to earplugs to keep the water out. Wax swimmer's ear or if you spend a lot of time in the water, you should use a drying agent every time you get your head wet. First, put your head down, with the affected ear up. Pull the ear upward and backward, to help straighten the canal, and squeeze a dropper full of alcohol into the ear canal. Wiggle your ear to get the alcohol to the bottom of the canal. Then tilt your head to the other side and let the alcohol drain. Eardrops of white vinegar or equal parts of alcohol and white vinegar will kill fungus and bacteria. Mineral oil, baby oil, or lanolin can be preventive solutions before swimming. Apply as you would the alcohol. You are less likely to pick up bacteria in a well-treated pool than you are in a pond. Do not swim in dirty water. Consult your physician if ear pain persists. For more information on ear infections and other health tips and information, view our website at www.75thstmedical.com – By Dr. Victor Gong Staff Writer (The writer is the medical director of 75th Street Medical and Doctor Weight Control and Wellness Center in Ocean City.) Fresh Salt Water Taffy • Homemade Fudge • Caramels FRESH CARAMEL POPCORN MADE ON THE PREMISES At The Boardwalk & Wicomico Street And 67th St. Town Center Locations Also Available At 120th Street In The Ocean City Square Shopping Center www.dolles.com STOP IN FOR FREE SAMPLES Artisan Chocolates • Caramel Apples • Coconut Macaroons