Persistent swimmer's ear

[bluebanded goby]

After years of blissfully trouble-free diving, I managed to get a case of swimmer's ear in one ear a few weeks ago. A doctor confirmed that it's otitis externa and not another kind of ear infection, and suggested that I continue with diluted vinegar (cut 50/50 with water) that I was using to self-treat. This cleared it up after a few days. However, a few days later (even without any diving), it came back. A few days of diluted vinegar seemed to knock it out, but then a few days later (again with no diving), it was back.

Given that I haven't been in the water during this period, I'm thinking there may be something lurking in there that hasn't gotten killed completely. Is there anything stronger I should hit it with? I was wondering about one of the Domeboro type mixtures (which I gather is vinegar plus aluminum acetate) vs. seeing the doctor for something with an antibiotic. When I do get back in the water again, I was planning on using vinegar-alcohol post-diving. But it would be nice to get rid of this lingering thing.

 

[Ann Marie]

(Not a physician)

Everytime I get external ear infections (often), I am prescribed an antibiotic ear drop to treat the infection. Vinegar is good to limit the growth of microorganisms and maintain normal acidity of the ear canal and I use that in combination with alcohol (50/50 mix) before and after diving but to treat the infection ask for a topical antibiotic.

 

[fisherdvm]

Seborrheic dermatitis and Psoriasis can manisfest as chronic otitis externa. A good physician will examine you for evidence of these dermatitis in the scalp, elbow, knee, buttocks, etc..

I would suggest a topical steroid with antifungal and antibiotics (cortaine B aquous) or the like as an ear drop 3 days a week, with 4 days off in between.

Wicking the ear dry after a swim, dive, or shower with a small twisted piece of tissue paper will be very effective in keeping it dry...

 

[TSandM]

Boy, we usually treat otitis externa with an antibiotic/steroid solution like Cortisporin, and I would CERTAINLY recommend that now.

 

[CheddarChick]

Yup, like Lynn said. After my last 2 I used a steriod medication orally. Then used 30%/vinegar/30% alcohol/30%hydrogen peroxide. Then I bought a Sahara ear dryer. Haven't been diving since Oct. But going in March so I want to be preemptive.

 

[fisherdvm]

Yup, like Lynn said. After my last 2 I used a steriod medication orally. Then used 30%/vinegar/30% alcohol/30%hydrogen peroxide. Then I bought a Sahara ear dryer. Haven't been diving since Oct. But going in March so I want to be preemptive.

I don't recommend systemic steroid (oral steroid like you had mentioned) for otitis externa. A topical is better, but must be combined with an antifungal and antibiotic.

I tend to stay away from neosporin containing products, as neosporin was recently named number one contact allergen of the year ... Many people are allergic to it, and docs recommend triple antibiotic frequently - increasing the incidence of allergy.

A good physician should check your ear for wax build up or impaction, before you rush to a diagnosis.

 

[CheddarChick]

1st trip to ENT I was on drops for 3 weeks without any benefit. So I went back to my ENT and he perscribed the oral med. Totally agree with your advice to see the doc...

 

[DandyDon]

Goby, see this thread for a lot of good info: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=175415

Yup, like Lynn said. After my last 2 I used a steriod medication orally. Then used 30%/vinegar/30% alcohol/30%hydrogen peroxide. Then I bought a Sahara ear dryer. Haven't been diving since Oct. But going in March so I want to be preemptive.

Why the hydrogen peroxide? In that solution, I think the other two ingredients will cause the active Oxygen to leave solution right away - just leaving water to dilute the good stuff.

I know that that mix has a history of popularity, as it'll still work some - but not as good as 50-50. I use that after every dive and after every shower of a dive trip.

 

[spectrum]

If it's that persistent you may want to get it looked at by a doctor.

For ongoing care see here:
http://home.gwi.net/~spectrum/scuba_ears.html
And no undercutting the 5 minute rule.

Pete

 

[CheddarChick]

Don,
My ENT said it cuts the harshness of the alcohol so it doesn't burn as much. Kinda like a lubricant....for your ears...lol
Damm why are you on the net at 2:00 am?????