otitis externa (swimmers' ears)

Wonder if any of you guys have the same problem. Got a stinging pain in the outer ear canel (the part from the lobe leading to the eardrum) this morning. Went to the doc and diagnosed with an ear infection. The doc said it's really common for those coming down with a flu (not my case) and surfers/swimmers at sea/lake. I'm really upset now as not only I'm taking a heavy dosage of antibiotics (making me real wooosy at work), but I need to stay ashore for at least 2 weeks!

See if you can get your doctor to give you a prescription of Cipro antibiotic eardrops. It works great, should clear up any problems in a couple of days. I also use a mixture of 50% alcohol and 50% vinegar after being in the water. This helps keep the infections away.

Ditto what Karl said. There is also a product that you can buy called Auro-Dri that has always worked for me - but it is basically the alcohol and vinegar mixed for you in a convenient bottle.

I used to have this problem all the time when I was younger. To be safe, every time I get out of the water, I put alchohol in my ear. I use 70% solution - dump it in and let it drain. Put a little bottle in the boat - when you are done for the day put it in. Been doing this for years now and haven't had a problem. BTW, I read that you are more susceptible if you don't have a lot of wax in your ears (i.e. clean your ears often). Don't know why....

We have used a 50/50 solution for years and have never had problems. 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% vinegar. It was given to us by an ear specialist after a cousin of mine had tubes put in his ears. Use a dropper and fill the ear and let sit for about 1-2min each.

I had the same thing too. I had drainage and blood from my ear for a few days and by the time I got to the doctor, it hurt so bad and I couldn't hear from that ear. I got the Cipro drops and stayed out of the water for a week. The doc has me using the 50/50 solution of vinegar and rubbing alcohol also to rinse out my ears after I ride. I also use Doc's proplugs to keep most of the water out and to help prevent injuring it.

I had that problem last summer. I got it from Scuba Diving and it never actually went away. Once you get it, you're more succeptable to getting it again, so don't be surprised if you get it for a second or third time for the next few months. They're a real pain in the @$$ but i rode with them anyway. Your doc is right though, the more time spent outta the water the better. BTW the alcohol and vinegar drops work great. Be sure to use vinegar though because thats what kills the bacteria and fungis, the alcohol dries up the water thats in your ear. The alcohol does kill most bacteria but I'm not 100% posotive that it kills fungis, so the vinegar is a pretty good idea. If you can get prescription drops that's excellent because they do clear it up a lot faster. Oh BTW the alcohol and vinegar drops are a prevention not a medicine so don't expect them to clear up future infections, although I don't think it would hurt to use them along with ur antibiotics. (srry for the long post)

Scott

Dont laugh but my doc recommended a hair dryer after getting out of the water, ive seen him a few times to say the least.

thanks guys for all the great input. I will go get some white vinegar & 70% rubbing alcohol tonite and give it a try. I'm actually on both antibiotics and ear drops (otosporin) since I really gave my doc a hard time by telling him I need to be in the water in a few days. Will see how things go.

dont keep the drops in the fridge before you use them, if you put super cold liquid into your ear it F*cks them up. i did that