Are you or your children susceptible to swimmer's ear infections, like I am?
If so, I have an excellent little home remedy for you. Since I've been following this regimen since 2018, I haven't' had a single ear infection.
Here' what I do:
- I start by emptying one of those little bottles of ear drying drops and replacing the contents with 1 Tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. I also reuse the same container over and over again.
- I administer 5 drops in each ear every time I get out of the pool. No need to lie down on each side for 5 minutes as you are required to do so with antibiotic ear drops for it to penetrate. Just 5 drops in each ear, and that's it.
Pediatrician Dr. Sears recommends the same procedure.
He also says that the ear drying drops, which contain only isopropyl alcohol, prevent ear infections. I have to disagree. Before I discovered the vinegar/alcohol combination, I was using the ear drying drops. And believe me, it did not prevent swimmer's ear infections in my case.
Important – do not place alcohol into an already sore or infected ear. This will be very painful for an already hurting child. Just use white vinegar in this case.
Dr. Sears' article doesn't include an age recommendation. I emailed him with this very question but never heard back.
I do know, however, of an Australian product called Aqua Ear with the same basic ingredients (Acetic Acid Glacial 17.3mg/mL; Isopropyl alcohol 634mg/mL.), and their label states that it is not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
And if you're wondering if there is a similar product available in the United States, I haven't found one yet.
This home remedy is the bomb. It has been a game-changer. And this is coming from someone who spends 5 to 7 hours a day, 5 days a week in the pool.
I hope this helps you and or your children as it has helped me.
Until next time..
Love the water but fence it in,
Tessa
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