Q: Help! Both of my kids have swimmer’s ear. They are both in swim camp this summer so there is no way around being in the water. Are there any natural remedies for swimmer’s ear we can use to ease the itching and pain?
A: This happens every summer. There just doesn’t seem to be any relief from the heat without getting in the water. Luckily, there are natural ways to deal with the effects of swimmer’s ear.
Swimmer’s ear (Otitis Externa) is actually an infection of the lining of the ear canal. Contrary to the name, you don’t have to be a swimmer to develop swimmer’s ear.
You can develop swimmer’s ear from showering or bathing or playing in the sprinkler…anything that brings water into contact with the ears. All it takes is having water trapped in the ear canal.
The ear canal is a warm environment that, when kept moist due to exposure to water and the water being trapped in the ear canal, breeds bacteria and viruses. Those bacteria and viruses are the cause of swimmer’s ear.
When you’re ready, get into a comfortable position. Sit or lie back and feel your body relaxing fully. Just knowing we are about to start a few quiet minutes of meditation can relax you.