Remedies for Common Swim-time Struggles

Summer means long, splashy days in the sea, local pool or even just a backyard paddling tub. It’s a season of water, laughter and freedom, especially for children. But all that time in and around water can sometimes bring a few unwanted guests; like earaches, verrucas and itchy skin.

Picture of Kate Howard RSHom

Kate Howard RSHom

Homeopath and CHE Community Manager

Luckily, homeopathy has some gentle tools to help. Whether you’re a parent with a summer kit or just learning the ropes, here are some go-to remedies that can offer comfort and support when these common post-swim issues show up.

Earaches After Swimming (Swimmer’s Ear)

Water stuck in the ear can lead to discomfort or even infection. Look out for pain, sensitivity to touch, or complaints of itching, especially after swimming.

Here are some useful remedies to have on hand:

  • Belladonna: For sudden, throbbing ear pain that comes on quickly. Often accompanied by flushed cheeks, a hot head, and restlessness. Pain is usually worse at night.

  • Pulsatilla: A gentle, go-to remedy when your child is clingy, tearful, and seeking comfort. The ear pain often starts in the evening and feels better in fresh air.

  • Hepar sulph: For sharp, splinter-like pain with extreme sensitivity. The ear may be sore to even the lightest touch. Children needing this remedy are often chilly, irritable, and worse for drafts.

  • Chamomilla: For ear pain paired with intense emotions. If your child is screaming, inconsolable, or lashing out in frustration, Chamomilla can bring some calm and comfort.

  • Silicea: Helpful when water feels trapped in the ear and won’t come out, or when there’s a lingering, blocked sensation. It can also support the body in gently pushing out a developing infection.

  • Ferrum phos: Consider this at the very first sign of ear discomfort, before symptoms fully develop. It’s useful in the early stages of inflammation or when a child just ‘doesn’t seem right’ after swimming.

Tip: Dry ears gently with a towel after swimming. Tilt the head to help water drain out, and avoid using cotton buds; they can push water deeper into the ear or irritate the canal.

Verrucas (Plantar Warts)

These little foot warts often appear after walking barefoot in damp, shared spaces like pool decks or locker rooms.

  • Antimonium crudum: When warts are thick and hard, especially if there’s a lot of surrounding callus.
  • Thuja: One of the most commonly used remedies for warts. Helpful when verrucas are painful, persistent or appear in clusters.
  • Nitric acid: For painful, cracked or jagged warts that bleed easily when touched or scraped.
 

Tip: Support the immune system with good sleep, fresh air and a nourishing diet.

Chlorine Rash or Itchy Skin

Some children (and adults) react to chlorine with red, itchy, dry or inflamed skin. This often builds up over days or weeks of repeated exposure.

  • Sulphur: For dry, itchy skin that feels worse after bathing or at night. Often chosen when the skin is red, irritated and the person feels hot and restless.
  • Rhus tox: For rashes that are red, itchy and may look like small blisters. The person often feels better with movement or heat.
  • Urtica urens: For stinging, itchy rashes that resemble hives. Useful when the skin feels prickly or burns after swimming.
 

Tip: Rinse well after swimming and use natural moisturisers to calm the skin.

What to Keep in Your Summer Kit

If you’re heading away or spending time near water this summer, these are helpful remedies to have on hand:

  • Belladonna 30C
  • Chamomilla 30C
  • Ferrum Phos 30C
  • Hepar sulph 30C
  • Pulsatilla 30C
  • Rhus tox 30C
  • Thuja 30C
  • Silicea 30C
  • Sulphur 30C
  • Urtica urens 30C
 

Take one dose every few hours during acute symptoms and stop when things start to improve. For longer-term issues like verrucas, it’s best to consult a qualified homeopath.

Coming Back to the Basics

Summer should be fun, not stressful. Having a few well-chosen remedies in your kit can make all the difference when minor complaints show up. Whether it’s an earache after a swim, a surprise verruca or irritated skin from too much chlorine, homeopathy gives you gentle options that support the body’s own healing.

If you’re just starting out or want to build confidence using homeopathy for everyday family health, we’ve got something exciting coming soon.

A beginners’ course is launching in London very soon . Perfect for those who want hands-on, practical learning in a supportive setting. Keep an eye out for details in the next few weeks. Spaces will be limited!

Disclaimer

The content shared here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified and licensed healthcare provider. The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent those of CHE or any affiliated organizations.

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