Rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit for swimmers ear.

Bath_cube

I have had quite a bad ear infection recently and seen my own doctor and another at a walk in centre about it. The first time my GP prescribed a spray called otomize for 7 days. It didn't work and a doctor at a walk in centre prescribed ear drops called sofradex and said they work better than sprays. The walk in doctor asked if I swam regular which I don't. He said I was probably getting too much water in my ears when I shower or wash my hair. He did say to use cotton wall balls and some petroleum jelly to try to prevent this. I also heard that you can buy rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit from pharmacies to use as drops after showering or swimming to dry the ear to prevent swimmers ear. Is this a good idea? I don't think the vaseline and cotton wool will be enough to be honest. This last infection ( otitis externia) was very sore and I had time off.

donnac2558

I wouldn't put rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit in my ears. It will dry the skin out and you will have very dry flaking skin. My Mum used to put surgical spirits on the back of my heels to toughen them up. Buy a swimming cap and or a shower cap and wear.

Katiehound

and I certainly wouldn't be putting surgical spirit in my ears either- far too strong a chemical.
You can buy a product specifically for swimmers ear- just google

Some folk wear ear plugs at my leisure centre

I copied this from google and note it says surgical spirit & vinegar.:
Swimmer's ear is usually treated with antibiotics, either in the form of pills or ear drops. A homemade cure can be mixed from a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar. ... Apply a couple of drops of solution in each ear. This home remedy is recommended for those with repeat infections.

pattycake

I developed a nasty ear infection after swimming in a heated salt water spa pool while on holiday. It took two courses of antibiotic drops to clear it up.

I then found shower water whilst washing my hair irritated the ear again. I got some silicone earplugs which mould to the ear canal. I used them for a few weeks in the shower but all seems well now so have stopped using them.