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Swimmer's ear

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• 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.

• Review Date: 6/22/2007
• Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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