How soon can I dive after my bout with swimmers ear?

[ScubaTodd77]

I just got over a severe case of swimmers ear...so how soon can I get wet? I'd really like to dive this weekend, but I don't want to stir the infection up again either, as it was really painful.

 

[Scott]

If you were treated by a physician how long did they tell you? Have you had a follow up since?
I had what I considered a severe case and was out of the water a couple weeks. I've known others to be out up to 4 weeks.

 

[TSandM]

I would think you would want to wait four or five days after you are completely asymptomatic OFF medication.

 

[ScubaTodd77]

The Doc. didn't say and I was in so much pain I forgot to ask. I was on a ear drop antibiotic, a regular pill antibiotic and loads of lortabs. Finally got back to normal yesterday...I may put off diving for another week I have a dive trip planned for the first week of June and really don't wanna screw that up.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

FWIW: I have had numerous cases of swimmers ear over the past 30+ years of diving, extremely painful.

The key for me to prevent reinfections if to use some type of ear-drying drops after every day of diving. Purchased or home brew ear beer, both work IF used before your ear becomes painful. If you wait too long then its a doctors visit, antibiotics and no diving for a week. It can really screw up a week of vacation.

 

[highdesert]

FWIW: I have had numerous cases of swimmers ear over the past 30+ years of diving, extremely painful.

The key for me to prevent reinfections if to use some type of ear-drying drops after every day of diving. Purchased or home brew ear beer, both work IF used before your ear becomes painful. If you wait too long then its a doctors visit, antibiotics and no diving for a week. It can really screw up a week of vacation.

White vinegar and alcohol, 1:1, with a little glycerin on top.

 

[TMHeimer]

I've had only one mild case in years. I use a hood for cold diving, Doc's Pro Plugs for warm diving. Both keep enough water out. That one time I got it was after a couple of long hours pool sessions with an OW class during my DM class--Didn't wear either the hood or plugs.

 

[CalgaryDF]

I think I was told to wait a week after being symptom free before getting it wet again. It was also reccomended that I try these "Pro Ear 2000" Two Window Mask Black from LeisurePro.com however I was almost better so didn't bother.