If you regularly expose your ears to water and find that they are becoming itchy and red, you may have contracted swimmer's ear. This bothersome condition is caused by the constant exposure of the skin in the ear to water. When the skin can't dry out, it becomes irritated. In severe cases, it can be quite painful and involve the lymph nodes of your neck. To avoid this condition, you can use vinegar to help dry your ears out, which is especially useful if you are a swimmer.
Function
Using a solution of one part of white vinegar to one part rubbing alcohol appears to impede growth of both the bacteria and fungi that are the main culprits in swimmer's ear, notes the Mayo Clinic. Putting vinegar in your ears can help dry them and mitigate early symptoms. Alternately, you can put a drop or two of white vinegar in each ear at a time. Let it sit for five minutes inside the ear and then let it drain.
Warning
Do not use vinegar to help dry your ears after swimming if you have a punctured ear drum. Vinegar is highly acidic. Putting vinegar in your ears with a punctured ear drum can be extremely painful.
Time Frame
If you are beginning to experience itchy ears, use vinegar to help dry them out immediately. You should feel relief within two to three days, notes the Mayo Clinic. If the symptoms persist, see your doctor for a prescription medication as swimmer's ear can be painful if left untreated. Additionally, if you are experiencing a fever, see your doctor immediately.
Types
Distilled white vinegar is most recommended for this type of treatment. Homemade vinegar is not recommended, as it may include pollutants that have not been removed. These pollutants can aggravate a potential infection. Cider vinegar is also said to prevent and cure swimmer's ear.
Potential
Using vinegar to help dry your ears after swimming may prevent swimmer's ear. However, overusing vinegar can also dry your ears too much. The skin inside the ears is very thin, and overexposure to drying agents can exacerbate any potential condition. If you find that your ears are not responding after two or three days, or if you note that your ears are flaky and dry, stop using vinegar and contact your doctor.
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