Vivian Marlowe
Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is a bacterial infection that occurs when moisture and bacteria get trapped in the ear canal. This can happen to anyone exposed to wind and rain, but it is more common in swimmers. The condition is usually treated with antibiotics in the form of pills or ear drops. However, a homemade cure can be mixed from a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar. The alcohol combines with water in the ear and evaporates, removing the water, while the acidity of the vinegar prevents the growth of bacteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar |
| Apply a couple of drops of the solution in each ear | |
| Let it drain back out | |
| Repeat for the other ear | |
| Use before and after swimming | |
| Use a blow dryer on the lowest setting to dry ears | |
| Hold it at least a foot away from the ear | |
| Do not use if you have a punctured eardrum |
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What You'll Learn
Homemade ear drops: Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part alcohol
If you are experiencing any symptoms of an ear infection, it is recommended that you see a doctor for a full diagnosis before putting anything in your ear.
If you know you do not have a punctured eardrum, you can make homemade ear drops to use before and after swimming by mixing 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol. This solution can help dry out your ears and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause swimmer's ear.
To use the ear drops, lay down on your side or tip your head toward the opposite ear before placing the drops. Place approximately 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of the solution into one ear and let it drain back out. Repeat for the other ear. You can also place a cotton ball in the ear to keep the drops in the ear canal.
It is important to keep your ears dry to prevent swimmer's ear. Dry your ears thoroughly after exposure to moisture from swimming or bathing. You can also use a blow dryer on the lowest setting, holding it at least a foot (about 0.3 meters) away from the ear.
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Use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry your ear
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal, often caused by water remaining in the outer ear canal, creating a moist environment for bacteria to grow. The condition is common in children who spend a lot of time in the water, but it can also be caused by damage to the thin skin in the ear canal from putting objects like cotton swabs, fingers, or bobby pins into the ear. It is important to treat swimmer's ear quickly to prevent complications and more serious infections.
One way to treat and prevent swimmer's ear is to keep your ears dry. You can do this by drying your ears with a hairdryer on a cool setting. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
- After swimming or bathing, gently pat your outer ear dry with a soft towel or cloth.
- Tip your head to the side to help any remaining water drain from your ear canal.
- Use a hairdryer on its lowest setting, holding it at least 0.3 meters away from your ear.
- Direct the airflow into your ear to dry any remaining moisture.
It is important to keep in mind that this method should only be used on the outer ear. Do not direct the airflow directly into your ear canal, as this could cause further irritation or damage.
In addition to drying your ears with a hairdryer, you can also use a homemade solution of equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar to help dry your ears and prevent the growth of bacteria. Always consult a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of an ear infection before trying any at-home treatments.
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OTC ear drops: Use isopropyl alcohol and glycerin
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal, which is the passage that carries sound from the outside of the body to the eardrum. It is caused by different types of germs, and often by water remaining in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that promotes the growth of bacteria.
Swimmer's ear is usually treated with antibiotics, either in the form of pills or ear drops. Over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops are often made up of isopropyl alcohol and glycerin. These drops help the ear to dry out faster, rather than fighting the infection. It is important to follow the use instructions on the label.
If you do not have a punctured eardrum, you can make your own homemade ear drops to use before and after swimming. This solution can help dry out your ears and prevent the growth of bacteria. Mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar, then place approximately one teaspoon (5 milliliters) of the solution into one ear and let it drain back out. Repeat for the other ear.
It is important to remember that ear drops are not suitable for children with ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum. If you have any symptoms of an ear infection, see a doctor before putting anything in your ear.
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Preventative measures: Dry ears after swimming
Preventative measures are important to avoid the pain and discomfort associated with swimmer's ear, a bacterial infection that can cause serious complications if left untreated. The condition is common in children, but it can affect anyone who spends time in the water, or even those exposed to wind and rain.
To prevent swimmer's ear, it is crucial to keep your ears dry. After swimming or bathing, gently dry the outer ear with a soft towel or cloth. Tip your head to the side to help any water drain from the ear canal. You can also use a blow dryer on a low setting, holding it at least 30 cm away from the ear.
A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol can be used as ear drops to promote drying and prevent bacterial or fungal growth. This mixture can be applied before and after swimming, with around 5 ml of the solution placed in each ear and allowed to drain out. This is a recommended preventative measure for those prone to repeat infections.
It is important to note that you should not use cotton swabs or Q-tips to dry your ears, as these can damage the thin skin in the ear canal. Instead, use a rolled-up tissue or towel to gently absorb any excess moisture. Additionally, wearing properly fitting earplugs or a swimming cap while swimming can help keep your ears dry and protected from water and chemicals.
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See a doctor: Get prescribed ear drops
Swimmer's ear is an infection that usually isn't serious if treated quickly. However, it can lead to complications like short-term hearing loss, long-term infections, deep tissue infections, and bone and cartilage damage if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help even for mild symptoms of swimmer's ear.
If you are experiencing symptoms like redness or swelling of the outer ear, mild discomfort, or a feeling of fullness inside your ear, it is recommended to see a doctor. The doctor will likely examine your ear canal using a lighted tool called an otoscope to diagnose swimmer's ear.
Once swimmer's ear is diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe ear drops as the preferred method for treating the infection. Prescription ear drops are more effective than over-the-counter (OTC) disinfectant ear drops for treating otitis externa. The prescribed ear drops will typically contain a combination of medications, including:
- Corticosteroids: These help calm inflammation and reduce swelling and irritation.
- Antibiotics: These fight bacteria and treat the bacterial component of the infection.
- Antifungal medicine: If the infection is caused by a fungus, your doctor may prescribe antifungal ear drops.
- Acetic acid: This helps restore the ear's natural defenses.
The typical treatment regimen involves placing the prescribed ear drops 3 to 4 times each day for 5 days. However, always follow the specific recommendations provided by your doctor. It is important to understand the correct way to administer the ear drops. Here are the steps recommended by Dr. Eisert:
- Lay down on your side or tip your head toward the opposite ear before placing the drops.
- Place the drops in the ear canal.
- Stay on your side for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the drops to cover your entire ear canal.
- Consider placing a cotton ball in your ear to keep the drops in the canal.
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Frequently asked questions
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Place approximately 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of the solution into one ear and let it drain back out. Repeat for the other ear.
The alcohol combines with water in the ear and then evaporates, removing the water, while the acidity of the vinegar keeps bacteria from growing.
Yes, it is important to consult a doctor for a full diagnosis before putting anything, including rubbing alcohol, in your ear. Only use alcohol to treat swimmer's ear if you know you don't have a punctured eardrum.
