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.
  
  
• 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.