About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 20, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
...
10
...

Swimmer's Ear (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Swimmer's Ear Prevention

  • Use of shower caps while bathing and earplugs while swimming will help keep water out of the ear canal.
  • The best earplugs are often soft balls of special wax. The wax can be purchased at most pharmacies. Simply roll a small ball of wax in your hands and press it into the outer ear.
  • Many individuals make their own ear plug by placing a cotton ball coated with Vaseline in the ear.
  • Homemade ear drops also help prevent swimmer's ear after water exposure.
    • Make a 50:50 mixture of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol for use after swimming or exposure to water. Apply 3-4 drops in each ear canal after swimming. This helps dry the canal and maintain the acidic environment of the ear canal.
  • Avoid placing objects in the ear that can scrape or scratch the skin of the canal because this may cause an infection.

Must Read Articles Related to Swimmer's Ear

Earache
Earache Earache is pain in the ear. An earache can be caused by infections or fungus. There are types of ear infections to include otitis externa, otitis externa (swimm...learn more >>
Ear Infection
Wilderness: Ear Infection An infection of the ear can be the ear canal (otitis externa), the eardrum, or the middle mear (otitis media). Symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, he...learn more >>

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Swimmer's Ear - Causes

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of your swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's Ear - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What symptoms and signs did you experience with swimmer's ear?

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Otitis Externa »

Otitis externa is an inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal and/or auricle.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies