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Jun 3, 2022 · Learn how to use a simple mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar to treat or prevent swimmer’s ear, a painful infection of the outer ear canal. This recipe is Mayo Clinic-recommended and easy to make at home.
- Tricia Goss
May 19, 2017 · Learn how to prevent and treat swimmer's ear with homemade eardrops, dry your ears after swimming, and avoid irritants. Find out the signs, symptoms and complications of this common infection in the outer ear canal.
- Overview
- Ear drops for swimmer’s ear
- OTC swimmer’s ear drops
- Prescription versus OTC
- Home remedies for swimmer’s ear
- Symptoms of swimmer’s ear
- Administering ear drops
- Takeaway
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection (also called otitis externa) that’s commonly caused by moisture. When water remains in the ear (such as after swimming), it can establish a damp environment that supports bacterial growth.
Swimmer’s ear is typically treated with prescription ear drops. The most commonly prescribed drops combine a corticosteroid to calm inflammation with either an antibiotic or acetic acid.
If the infection is caused by a fungus, your doctor can prescribe antifungal ear drops as opposed to antibiotic ear drops.
Typical treatment usually involves placing ear drops 3 or 4 times each day for 5 days. Application instructions will vary depending on the prescription and you should follow your doctor’s specific recommendations.
With prescription ear drops, your symptoms typically improve within 24 hours and are gone in two or three days.
OTC (over-the-counter) ear drops, commonly containing isopropyl alcohol and glycerin, often focus on helping the ear dry out quicker as opposed to fighting the infection.
OTC pain medication
If your discomfort level is high, your doctor might recommend OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) to address any discomfort your swimmer’s ear might be causing.
These would be to lessen the symptoms of pain, not cure the problem itself.
According to experts, prescription ear drops containing antibiotics or steroids are more effective for otitis externa than OTC disinfectant ear drops. There’s lacking evidence that OTC ear drops will effectively treat swimmer’s ear.
To prevent yourself from getting swimmer’s ear, or once you’ve started prescription ear drops, the key is to keep your ears as dry as possible.
To do this:
•When swimming, use a swim cap that covers your ears.
•Towel your head, hair, and ears dry after swimming.
•Use soft earplugs when bathing or showering.
•When using products, such as hair dye and hair spray, put cotton balls (or other ear canal protection) in your ears.
Typically mild, the symptoms of swimmer’s ear can worsen if the infection isn’t treated.
Symptoms may include:
•redness
•itching
•warmth
•fluid drainage (odorless and clear)
Your doctor will have some suggestions for the best method for getting ear drops into your ear.
Some techniques include:
•Lie down. Lie on your side with your infected ear aimed toward the ceiling. This can help the drops reach your ear canal’s full length.
•Warm the drops. Holding the bottle for a few minutes in your closed hand can get the drops near body temperature, reducing any discomfort from cold drops.
Swimmer’s ear can be an uncomfortable infection. The sooner it’s treated, the less likely there will be complications.
Prescription swimmer’s ear drops are the preferred method for treating the infection. See your doctor if you have swimmer’s ear symptoms such as:
•discomfort
•redness
•itching
•muffled hearing
Learn how to treat and prevent swimmer’s ear with different types of ear drops. Find out when to see a doctor and how to use ear drops safely and effectively.
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Aug 9, 2023 · Learn how to make a homemade solution of alcohol and vinegar to treat and prevent swimmer's ear, a common ear infection caused by bacteria. Find out when to use self-care methods and when to seek medical attention.
Aug 28, 2019 · Learn how to treat swimmer's ear with eardrops that contain acidic, steroid, antibiotic or antifungal ingredients. Find out how to clean your ear canal, prevent complications and avoid further irritation.
3 days ago · Homemade swimmer's ear drops are easy to make with these 2 ingredients and a dropper bottle! Stay pain-free this summer with this DIY remedy.
May 28, 2020 · We’re sharing how to make easy and cheap homemade Swimmer’s Ear Drops so you can have all the fun this summer without the risk of pain, infection, and spending a fortune on over the counter drops! Read on for the best home remedy.
