A warm moist compress can be placed on the painful ear to help with
the pain.
Step 2
For pain, take ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, etc.) or acetaminophen
(Tylenol®, etc.). Medication dosages should be based on the
instructions, or contact your doctor if you are unsure.
Step 3
If the ear is draining fluid, gently wipe it away. Do not place a
cotton swab deep into the ear. Do not use any eardrops or oil,
unless prescribed by your doctor.
Step 4
Call 911 after a head injury with bleeding or watery straw-colored
fluid coming from the ear. This can be a sign of a broken
(fractured) skull. Keep the person still until trained medical help
arrives.
Treating Swimmer’s Ear
In swimmer’s ear, the ear hole outer skin will be moist or
draining, red appearing, and it often hurts to pull on the outer
ear or to push just in front of the ear.
Home treatment can help for prevention or for a mild swimmer’s ear.
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part of rubbing alcohol and pour 1
teaspoon (about 5 milliliters) of this solution into the ear. Let
it drain out. This will dry the ear canal.
Call your doctor or go to medical care for moderate to severe ear
pain and drainage or if there is a known hole in the eardrum.
