Swimmer's Ear Remedies

| Modified on Aug 25, 2021

Swimmer's ear is a common infection that can be uncomfortable and even painful. While getting all of the water out of the ears following water exposure is important other holistic measures can be taken to treat this condition. Effectively cleaning the ears regularly is also important for preventing the condition.

What is Swimmer's Ear?

An infection of the outer ear canal, swimmer's ear is a condition typically caused by water remaining in the ears after swimming. This leftover water creates a moist environment that speeds bacterial growth and results in the infection of the ear. Common symptoms include itching of the ear, redness or inflammation inside the ear, slight discomfort or pain in the ear, drainage of a clear fluid, discharge of pus, muffled hearing and partial to full blockage of the ear canal.

Natural Remedies for Ear Infection

Several methods for treating swimmer's ear are effective. Treatment options typically involve eliminating underlying deficiencies that may be contributing to the infection as well as treating the infection itself and reducing inflammation. Essential fatty acids, white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can all be used to treat and heal the condition.

Essential Fatty Acids

An infection such as swimmer's ear is often caused by a deficiency in terms of vitamins, minerals and even enzymes. In the case of swimmer's ear, the condition results from an inadequate amount of EFAs in the body. As such, omega-3s and other essential fatty acids are an effective treatment option for swimmer's ear.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a slightly acidic compound that helps fight infection. The vinegar naturally cleanses the ear and removes bacteria. Mixed with rubbing alcohol, the combination of vinegar and alcohol dry out the ear and effectively treat the condition.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antibacterial agent. When carefully poured into the ear, the substance oxidizes and eliminates infection. The substance also helps to naturally dry out the fluid in the ear.

Just one condition that can affect the ear and ear canal, swimmer's ear often clears itself naturally. However, if the condition progresses and is left untreated, it can cause a number of more severe complications. Natural remedies reduce the duration of the condition and prevent complications.




Essential Fatty Acids (Efas)

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Greta (Hillsboro, Oregon) on 10/25/2007
★★★★★

Yes, ice cream, cheese, milk and even unsweetened yogurt all cause me to have sinus infections--even raw goat milk. The raw goats milk was the least innocuous. There are times when none of these bothers me. At one time, about four years ago, if I drank milk (yes, even raw) I would choke on a huge volume of white mucus. I discovered that if your spleen isn't working properly milk can cause a huge mucus buildup. I went to work on my spleen and, lo and behold, I could drink milk once more without any ill effects. I also learned that allergies and sensitivities to foods are related to how much of that substance is stored in our bodies, and certain deficiencies (vitamin, mineral or enzyme) deficiencies we may have. Some allergies may be overcome within seconds of taking the substance you are lacking. For instance 'swimmer's ear' can be 'cured' by taking the EFA'S that person is lacking. Swimmer's ear usually occurs on a hot sunny day when one has been out too long in the sun and gotten a burn, effectively burning up precious EFA's. So, I think this may help people understand why they may be sensitive to a substance at one moment, and not another, or why two people may eat the same food, but only one becomes sick.

Replied by Lou
(Tyler, Tx)
07/17/2015

How did you heal your spleen?


White Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol

5 User Reviews
5 star (5) 
  100%

Posted by Jane (Austin, Tx) on 10/07/2009
★★★★★

My daughter has a tendency to get swimmer's ear. Her pediatrician gave us a very simple remedy that his grandmother used. Every time your child (or you) swim, put drops of a solution made from 50/50 white vinegar/rubbing alcohol immediately after you get out of water. We have never had another bout of swimmer's ear since following this routine. (go to drug store and buy an ear drying solution for swimmer's ears, empty and clean, and replace with the vinegar/rubbing alcohol solution - advise from our ped. so you don't confuse what is in the container).

Replied by Jennifer
(Franklin, Pa)
10/26/2010
★★★★★

This works I got this remedy from an er doc who was a swim coach. Have not had swimmers ear yet while doing this. Though it does feel warm in your ear when the drops go in. We use a medicine dropper.

Replied by Mssunshine
(Ocoee, Fl)
06/26/2012

What's the right amount for mixing the solution? My little one is about to take swimming lessons. Thank you.

Replied by Renee
(Fresno, Ca)
12/28/2012
★★★★★

I have been doing this for months now and have not had a recurring problem since. Previously I had constant ear infections just from getting water in my ear from the shower. I would try to dry with q-tips but was always worried that I was going to permanently damage myself. Yes, there is a bit of vinegar smell but to not have that pain anymore is worth it!

Replied by Brad
(Idaho)
08/10/2015
★★★★★

I've always used 100% rubbing alcohol on q-tip and swap out the inner ear in the evening after swimming in a lake/river.

The basic theory is that the alcohol kills the bacteria and and unlike the vinegar solution it will evaporate at body temp so no dripping liquid.

If in a pinch 150 proof alcohol without flavoring can be used.

Replied by Enlightened Lotus Flower
(Minneapolis, MN)
08/25/2021
★★★★★

Worked fast for me!



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