How to Prevent Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is a bacterial infection most often caused by excess moisture in the ear. The best way to avoid swimmer's ear is to keep yours clean and dry.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White Vinegar
• Petroleum Jelly
• Shower Caps
• Alcohol
• Ear plugs
• Shower caps
• Cotton balls
• Dropper

1. Keep the water out while you're showering: use earplugs or a shower cap, or dip a cotton ball in petroleum jelly and place in the entrance to the ear canal.

2. Protect your ear canals when swimming. Wear earplugs, and resist the urge to take a dip in any polluted waters: keep swimming pools clean, and bypass those lakes and ponds.

3. After your shower or swim, place a few drops of a 1:1 mixture of alcohol and white vinegar into ear canal with a dropper. Tip head to one side so the affected ear faces the ceiling, then tip the other way to let it drain out. This mixture helps prevent onset of swimmer's ear.

4. Take special care when cleaning ears. Wipe outer ear clean with a soft cloth wrapped around your finger, and avoid poking into the ear canal, especially with pointed objects. You don't want to disrupt the natural wax coating in your ear that protects against harmful bacteria.

5. Guard your ears from the chemical irritants in beauty products such as hairspray or hair dye by placing cotton in your ears.

Tips & Warnings

• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.