Question 1

what is the best over-the-counter medication for an ear infection/swimmers ear?

Accepted Answer

Any of them: Any of the otc swimmers ear solutions should help to clear it up.  If not working be seen for antibiotics.

Question 2

can you get steroid drops for swimmers ear over the counter?

Accepted Answer

Not for That: Steroid drops are NOT for swimmers ear.  Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation.

Question 3

i had swimmers ear today and put in some over-the-counter ear drops which caused me a lot of pain. it wont go away, what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Swimmers ear: Certainly don't use the drops again. Take some ibuprofen, put some mild heat on your ear.  I feel you can try and prevent swimmers ear with OTC droops but treatment takes prescription drops.  This outer ear infection can get quite severe and sometimes even needs oral antibiotics.  If  your ear is red, you have fevers or the pain is unbearable go to an urgent care or even the ER.

Question 4

how do i know my medication is working and that my pain is a normal occurrence with this type of medication? i have "swimmers ear" and what started out as a mild discomfort when first diagnosed, has turned into severe pain affecting my entire ear, along w

Accepted Answer

Yes, : Yes, sometimes it takes a few days before an antibiotic helps.  If it is not improving after a couple of days, you may have to go back.  It is important to get the pus and debris out of the ear to let the medications get down where the infection is.  The ear drops can also sting for the first few days of use.  If you have diabetes or other problem that causes low immune system, this infection will have to be followed very closely to make sure complications do not arise--rare but possible.

Question 5

how long does it take for swimmers ear to go away with medication?

Accepted Answer

Otitis Externa: Ear drops are needed for 7 days provided they are put properly, pulling the ear, holding the drops in for 20 minutes and tilting head properly on opposite side. At the most it should take 2 weeks after which it should be reevaluated. 
Any worsening of symptoms during that time should be immediately reevaluated, since complication are common esp in diabetics.

Question 6

what otc med can i use for my 13yr old grandson who was diagnosed with swimmers ear? the med he was prescribed (ciprofloxacin) isn't covered by ins.

Accepted Answer

Call the doc: You will need prescription med for the best results. Cortisporin (neomycin polymyxin and hydrocortisone) otic is an older med covered by most insurers.If you let your doc or his office crew know they can arrange the substitute.

Question 7

what happens if you dont treat swimmers ear, will it get better on it own, if not what will happen?

Accepted Answer

: It should get better in a few days. If not you can buy OTC products to use or see your MD

Question 8

i'm skeptical on the success of homeopathic remedies,  so i am curious if chamomile 10x, mercurius solubilis 15x, and sulphur 12x, for swimmers ear?

Accepted Answer

Be skeptical: Truly homeopathic "medications" are made by repeated dilutions, so that the ingredient is not really there anymore (just the "essence" of it remains). That means there should be no active ingredient left to cause an effect. However, that also implies that the homeopathic "medicine" should be pretty harmless, unless some other non-homeopathic ingredient (such as some other chemical) was added.

Question 9

if i have swimmers ear. what could happen if i don't get it treated and just let it go away on its own? could i get like sepsis?

Accepted Answer

Treatment: Why not get treated?.  Ear drops after cleansing should help.  It is unlikely that you will become septic, but this is always possible.  Many are due to pseudomonas, you might try a solution of vinegar in water to irrigate the ear canal, steroids will reduce inflammation and antibiotics will fight infection.

Question 10

swimmers ear still blocked 7 days?

Accepted Answer

Swimmer's ear or wax: Swimmer's ear is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal.  It can be treated with drops; it is reasonable to try vinegar drops first before obtaining a prescription drop.  If the ear is completely blocked, however, it could be from impacted wax.  This can be softened with hydrogen peroxide then flushed out with warm water.  If neither treatment works, see your doctor!

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Doctor answers about:

Over the counter medication for swimmers ear

A member asked:

What is the best over-the-counter medication for an ear infection/swimmers ear?

A member asked:

Can you get steroid drops for swimmers ear over the counter?

A member asked:

I had swimmers ear today and put in some over-the-counter ear drops which caused me a lot of pain. it wont go away, what should i do?

A member asked:

How do i know my medication is working and that my pain is a normal occurrence with this type of medication? i have "swimmers ear" and what started out as a mild discomfort when first diagnosed, has turned into severe pain affecting my entire ear, along w

A member asked:

How long does it take for swimmers ear to go away with medication?

A member asked:

What otc med can i use for my 13yr old grandson who was diagnosed with swimmers ear? the med he was prescribed (ciprofloxacin) isn't covered by ins.

A member asked:

What happens if you dont treat swimmers ear, will it get better on it own, if not what will happen?

A member asked:

I'm skeptical on the success of homeopathic remedies, so i am curious if chamomile 10x, mercurius solubilis 15x, and sulphur 12x, for swimmers ear?

A member asked:

If i have swimmers ear. what could happen if i don't get it treated and just let it go away on its own? could i get like sepsis?

A member asked:

Swimmers ear still blocked 7 days?

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