But, sometimes water remains trapped in the ear canal, and the skin gets soggy. Then bacteria and fungi grow, flourish, and can infect the outer ear. If you experience these symptoms or if glands in the neck become swollen, see your doctor. Wiggle your ear to get the drops to go all the way down in the ear canal, and then turn your head to let them drain out. If your doctor says it is safe, make up your own ear drops to use after swimming.
Many doctors recommend rubbing alcohol as part of the mixture.
As the alcohol evaporates, it absorbs the water, helps dry out the ear, and may even kill the bacteria and fungi that cause swimmer's ear. A weak acid environment discourages the growth of bacteria and fungi. A dry ear is least likely to get infected. Efforts to remove water from your ear should be limited to the drying effects of alcohol or, if you have a perforated eardrum, a hair dryer. People with itchy, flaky ears or ears that have wax build up are very likely to develop swimmer's ear.