Vinegar And Alcohol: Effective Home Remedies For Swimmer's Ear?

Swimmer's ear is a bacterial infection that occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that promotes the growth of bacteria. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the ears clean and dry. A common home remedy for swimmer's ear is a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, which is believed to help dry out the ear and prevent bacterial growth. However, opinions vary on the effectiveness of this treatment, with some reporting hearing loss after using it. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before attempting any home remedies, especially when dealing with sensitive areas like the ears.

The mixture: equal parts vinegar and alcohol

Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is a bacterial infection that occurs when water remains trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that promotes the growth of bacteria. The ear canal becomes red and sore, and the ear feels plugged and painful.

A mixture of equal parts vinegar and alcohol can be used to treat swimmer's ear. The alcohol combines with water in the ear and then evaporates, removing the water, while the acidity of the vinegar restores the normal acid balance to the ear canal and keeps bacteria from growing. This mixture can be used as ear drops, with a couple of drops of the solution applied to each ear. The mixture can also be used as a preventive measure, with a few drops applied to the ear after swimming or showering to ensure that the ear is dry and to kill any germs.

It is important to note that this home remedy is recommended for those with repeat infections. For mild swimmer's ear, white vinegar ear drops diluted with an equal amount of water can be used. This solution should be left in the ear for 5 minutes and then drained by turning the head to the side, and this process should be repeated twice a day until the ear canal returns to normal.

Before using any home remedies, it is always recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare provider, especially if you have any symptoms of an ear infection or have had a punctured eardrum.

How to apply

To apply a vinegar and alcohol solution to your ears to treat swimmer's ear, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to make the solution. Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and white vinegar. You can also add a small amount of water to the solution if you are experiencing mild swimmer's ear.

Once you have mixed the solution, tilt your head sideways, with the affected ear facing upwards. Pull your ear upward and backward, and carefully place around 5 millilitres (one teaspoon) of the solution into your ear. Allow the solution to sit in your ear for around 5 minutes, then turn your head to the side to let it drain out. You can repeat this process for your other ear if needed.

This treatment can be done twice a day until your ear canal returns to normal. It is important to note that this home remedy is recommended for those with repeat infections, and you should always consult a doctor or healthcare provider before attempting any home treatments.

Additionally, you can take further preventative measures, such as using a blow dryer on a low setting, at least 0.3 meters away from your ear, to ensure your ears are completely dry. You can also use alcohol and vinegar drops after daily showers to keep your ears dry and prevent infections.

Why it works

Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an outer ear infection commonly caused by water remaining in the ear canal after swimming or bathing, creating a moist environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi. A mixture of vinegar and alcohol can be an effective home remedy for treating and preventing swimmer's ear. Here's why it works:

Restoring the Normal Acid Balance

The vinegar in the mixture helps restore the normal acid balance in the ear canal. The acidic nature of vinegar creates a weak acid environment that discourages the growth of bacteria and fungi, preventing infection.

Absorbing Water and Accelerating Evaporation

The alcohol in the mixture combines with water in the ear and then evaporates, absorbing and removing the water. This helps dry out the ear, creating an unfavourable environment for bacteria and fungi, thus preventing and treating infections.

Disinfecting the Ear Canal

The alcohol-vinegar mixture also has disinfectant properties. The alcohol can kill bacteria and fungi that may be present in the ear canal, helping to prevent and treat infections.

Preventing Future Infections

In addition to treating existing infections, the vinegar-alcohol solution can also help prevent future occurrences of swimmer's ear. By using this solution before and after swimming or bathing, individuals can ensure their ears remain dry and free from bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of infection.

A Safe and Accessible Remedy

The use of vinegar and alcohol is generally considered safe for the ears, especially when compared to other substances. As common household items, vinegar and rubbing alcohol are easily accessible, making this home remedy convenient and cost-effective for many individuals.

When not to use

Do not use vinegar and alcohol for swimmer's ear if you have any symptoms of an ear infection. See a doctor first for a full diagnosis before putting anything in your ear. If you have an ear infection, a perforated or otherwise injured eardrum, or have had ear surgery, consult an ear, nose and throat specialist before swimming or using any type of ear drops.

If you have a punctured eardrum, do not use homemade ear drops with vinegar and alcohol. Instead, use a hairdryer to dry your ears. If you know you do not have a punctured eardrum, you can use homemade preventive eardrops with vinegar and alcohol before and after swimming.

Do not use vinegar and alcohol ear drops to treat swimmer's ear in children without first asking your healthcare provider. Rubbing alcohol is helpful for preventing swimmer's ear in children but not for treating it because it stings infected ears.

Do not use cotton swabs to apply vinegar and alcohol ear drops, as they can irritate the thin skin of the ear canal and increase earwax buildup. This can trap water behind the earwax, increasing the risk of swimmer's ear.

Other treatments

Swimmer's ear is a bacterial infection that causes the ear canal to become swollen and painful. It is usually caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that promotes the growth of bacteria. Treatment for swimmer's ear aims to stop the infection and allow the ear canal to heal.

• Keep your ears dry: After swimming or bathing, dry your ears thoroughly by gently wiping them with a soft towel or cloth. You can also use a blow dryer on the lowest setting, held at least a foot away from the ear.
• Over-the-counter pain medication: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) to help ease the pain associated with swimmer's ear.
• Warm washcloth or heating pad: Apply a warm washcloth or a heating pad set on low to the affected ear to help ease ear pain.
• Ear drops: Use over-the-counter ear drops, such as Swim-Ear, before and after swimming or getting your ears wet. These drops can help to dry out the ears and prevent bacterial growth.
• Antibiotics: In more severe cases of swimmer's ear, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in the form of pills or ear drops.
• Steroid ear drops: To reduce swelling and irritation in the ear, your doctor may prescribe ear drops containing a steroid.
• Antifungal ear drops: If the infection is caused by a fungus, your doctor may prescribe ear drops with an antifungal medication.
• Surgery: In rare cases, swimmer's ear can lead to malignant otitis externa, where the infection spreads to the bones of the ear canal and skull. This may require surgery to treat and drain the infected skull bones.

It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of swimmer's ear, even if they seem mild. Do not attempt to treat swimmer's ear with vinegar and alcohol without first consulting a healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions