I went to the chemist today to pick up isopropyl alcohol. The assistant at the counter thought it was an odd item to purchase. I told him it was for ear drops. That didn’t make it any less odd to him. So what am I doing with it?
Long before I became a doctor, I was a lifeguard when I was in school and I got in the habit from that job of always making sure ears are dry after swimming. The job I worked at had us squirt ear drops in the ears of the children after swim lessons. Other ways of drying ears include jumping up and down with your head tilted to the side or using the corner of your towel wipe moisture away from outside of the ear. (**NEVER stick anything, including cotton buds, into the ear**)
Why? Some people/children can get “swimmers ear” – that’s when moisture in the ear causes certain bacteria to grow. The ear canal can get itchy or feel blocked. It can also get red and painful. (If you think you or child has swimmer’s ear, contact your GP. NEVER stick anything into the ear.)
So, those ear drops? You can just buy over-the-counter preparations for drying the ear and preventing swimmer’s ear. Most contain acetic acid (vinegar) or isopropyl alcohol. You can also make your own by mixing one half acetic acid (distilled vinegar) and one half isopropyl alcohol — I used to make it be the litre when I was a lifeguard/swim instructor, so it’s still my go-to for after the pool with my own boys.
Despite all the clickbait, home remedies that evidence has shown actually work are actually rare enough – and this one is one that does.
****Always ask your GP or audiologist before putting anything in your or your child’s ear there are any ear problems including injuiry, infection, pain, previous procedures, or discharge.****
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