Monday, June 18, 2007

Tip of the Day -- Preventing Swimmer's Ear

Today's tip is a useful one for the summer months.  We learned this tip last summer, but not in time to prevent a painful bout of swimmer's ear (our first) in my oldest daughter at the start of the summer.  After that, we used this method to prevent a recurrence of swimmer's ear.

Mix  equal parts of White Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol (I use 1 Tablespoon of each).  Using a medicine dropper, put 1-2 drops in each ear after swimming.  The drops help to break the surface tension of any trapped water so it can drain out, and it also helps kill any bacteria that might be lingering in our ears after swimming.

Last summer I kept it pre-mixed in a small plastic container with a tight-sealing lid.  When my family returned home from swimming, we just lined up and treated everyone's ears right away.  I had forgotten about that, but my husband reminded me today on our way home from the pool.  So, I mixed it up again, and treated everyone's ears. 

It's quick and painless, and has worked well for our family.  Hopefully it will help your family, as well.

April E.  (ElCloud Homeschool) is a Homeschool Mom of 6.  She has homeschooled for over 7 years, and enjoys sharing the things she's learned in her homeschool journey with others.