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Swimmer's ear - Prevention

Alternative Names

Ear infection - outer ear - acute; Otitis externa - acute

Prevention:

Protect ears from further damage.

Do not scratch the ears or insert cotton swabs or other objects in the ears.
Keep ears clean and dry, and do not let water enter the ears when showering, shampooing, or bathing.
Dry the ear thoroughly after exposure to moisture.
Avoid swimming in polluted water.
Use earplugs when swimming.
Consider mixing 1 drop of alcohol with 1 drop of white vinegar and placing the mixture into the ears after they get wet. The alcohol and acid in the vinegar help prevent bacterial growth.

Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Swimmer's ear

Reviewed last on: 11/10/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Pier GB. Pseudomonas and related gram-negative bacillary infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 328.

Haddad J. External otitis (otitis externa). In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 638.

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