Swimmer’s Ear aka Otitis externa

Fun in the sun and splashing in the water. This is part of the summer ritual for just about all kids! But what can happen with all that water – especially if it gets in the ears and never really gets a chance to dry out?

Bacteria and fungus love moist, warm conditions and if the ears don’t really get a chance to dry out your child may develop Otitis externa – inflammation of the outer portion of the ear and canal. This problem can be mild to extremely painful.

With small or any children that complain of ear pain, please seek medical attention before using any aromatherapy or essential oil treatments. If the child has a perforated eardrum or an Otitis media (middle ear infection) you will not want to use any essential oils without consulting with your medical practitioner.

If indeed the child has swimmer’s ear you will need to keep them out of the water for a few days to give the inflammation or mild infection a chance to heal.

Blend together 3 drops of Roman Chamomile, 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Tea Tree in 1 tablespoon Sweet almond oil. Then put several drops of this on a cotton ball and wipe the outer portion of the ear and you can also wipe into the ear canal. Do not poke cotton swabs (Q-tips) into the ear canal.

You can do this a couple times a day. Some children will tolerate a small piece of cotton held in place in the ear. If so, you can try this at bedtime with a small amount of the above blend on the cotton ball.