Swimmers ear?

L Sass

L Sass

Cathlete
My 5-y.o. and 2-y.o. came down with swimmers ear a few weeks ago for the first time ever. Used the Rx drops and got it all cleared up. Went to Canada for camping and swimming vacation and of course it's back. They refuse to use ear plugs. But I understand there are drops that will dry the ear canal and minimize bacterial growth. Anyone know what these are? Are they also Rx or over the counter? I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!

Lorrie

Pain is temporary - quitting lasts forever
Candace Grasso, CC-V-6
 
I used to get swimmer's ear when I was a kid (I am now 32), just about every summer (I was ALWAYS in the pool or the lake). My mom used to just have me put an ear dropper full of plain old rubbing alcohol in my ears right after I was swimming and that seemed to work just fine. Of course, I am sure there are many new things out on the market today that may be better. But if you don't have anything else available, this is probably an old standby.

Dianna

http://www.picturetrail.com/Luv2WorkHard
 
Swimmers ear was a chronic problem for me for years. Using pure alcohol can be very drying and can actually make the problem worse, if you start scratching the inside of the ear. A team doctor had me make a solution of alcohol and white vinegar (50-50). I put it in a dropper bottle and used it after swimming and showering. My kids swim on a swim team and I use the same solution for them; it works like a charm. Also, it is very important to keep the ears dry. I use a blow dryer on cool. When you can't use a blow dryer, as when you are camping, just use a tissue, twisted into a pointy shape and dry the ear thouroughly. Also, never use q-tips in the ear canal. Swimmers ear is a real "pain", but it can be managed.
 
Thanks ladies. My 5 y.o. is in lot of pain so after the Rx drops I think we'll follow your suggestions of alcohol and vinegar. Appreciate it!

Lorrie

Pain is temporary - quitting lasts forever
Candace Grasso, CC-V-6
 
If you don't want to mix your own, there are drops at the drugstore, usually called swimmers ear drops or such. I use them everytime I swim, and it keeps swimmer's ear at bay. A word of caution though, any of these drops, homemade or otherwise will hurt if the swimmers ear infection is still there. so make sure that is cleared up.

I find that when the temps rise, and the pools more crowded, than my kids and I get this more often.
 
Most of your swimmer's ear drops that are sold over the counter are basically just rubbing alchohol in disguise if you read the label. The goal is try to dry the ear, if your kids are already developing swimmer's ear, putting alcohol in the ear can sting...then good luck getting the treatment drops in later! Even mixing 1:1 with vinegar can cause some discomfort too if you're already developing an infection, not to mention alcohol can be toxic to the inner ear if your kids are prone to ear perforations you have to be careful. Drying the ear with a blow dryer on a cool setting and/or using diluted vinegar will help to prevent swimmer's ear. Good Luck!
 
Lorrie, just to clarify, my suggestions were in regard to PREVENTING swimmers ear. Once there is pain, that indicates an infection. At that point, you have to seek medical intervention.
 
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