I have quite recently learned that you're apparently not meant to use ear-buds to clean out your ears of any wax. This is something that I am in the habit of doing.... I mean if it's that problematic then why are they called 'ear-buds'... ...
I've been looking into it further, and was surprised to read that (apparently) many infections self-resolve after a few days. I'm rather torn between such a 'wait and see' approach, and the alternative of going to my doctor and him almost certainly putting me on antibiotics. I have the tube of topical cream I was prescribed last time (Zaricort), but the ear canal is so swollen I can't get an ear-bud in to apply it!

I have been treating it with H2O2 (lie on side, fill ear-canal with peroxide/3%, leave for 20 minutes, repeat for 5 days) but at this point in time can't tell if that is resolving anything.
Does anyone else else here have experience with this problem? Since I haven't used the swimming pool for a week or so, I am thinking that this has been caused by getting water in my ears when simply showering!
I perked up a bit when I came upon this suggestion:
'Home Remedies for Ear Infections'
10. Breast Milk
Breast milk has natural antibodies that can help speed up the healing process of any kind of ear infection. It will alleviate swelling and discomfort and can get rid of an ear infection within one or two days. This remedy works for both children and adults.
Using a dropper, put a few drops of breast milk into the affected ear. Repeat the process every few hours as needed.
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-r ... ion.html/3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
... but have no wish to trigger a divorce!
Does anyone have any suggestions, or is it off to the doc and antibiotics for me?