From the ArcaMax Publishing, Health & Fitness Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/healthtips/s-572596-104927
DALLAS (UPI) -- People who swim in pools and lakes this summer should
remember their refreshing swims can lead to painful ear infections, a
U.S. expert says.
Dr. Barbara Schultz, associate professor of otolaryngology -- head and
neck surgery -- at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical
Center, recommends treating ears after leaving the water for the day
with over-the-counter drops that cost about $3 per bottle or with a
50-50 mix of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
"When water mixes with ear wax, that's a perfect growth medium for
bacteria in a dark, somewhat enclosed space like the ear," Schultz
says in a statement. "Swimmer's ear is painful, and the antibiotics we
use to treat it are much more expensive than the preventive measures."
People with surgically implanted tubes or damaged eardrums often can
swim, but they should do so with a doctor's approval, Schultz adds.
"They also should not apply drying drops or vinegar and alcohol after
swimming. It would not damage the ear, but it would be very painful,"
Schultz says. "If they did it once, they wouldn't do it again."