What should you know about acute swimmer s ear?

Also called acute otitis externa, it affects the skin lining the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. Trapped moisture can soften this skin and make irritation or infection easier to develop. Scratching the canal or using cotton buds, fingernails, earplugs or hearing devices can also damage its protective surface.

People with swimmer's ear often notice ear pain that worsens when the outer ear is gently pulled or the small flap at the canal entrance is pressed. Itching, redness, discharge, a blocked sensation and muffled hearing may occur when swelling or debris narrows the canal.

Keep the affected ear dry while it settles. Avoid swimming, and protect the ear from shower water without pushing anything into the canal. Do not use cotton buds, scratch inside the ear or try to remove discharge. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether your usual pain medicine is suitable for you.

Arrange a clinical assessment if pain, discharge, swelling or reduced hearing suggests swimmer's ear. A clinician can examine the canal and eardrum, clear obstructing debris when appropriate, and prescribe ear drops selected for the likely cause. Use prescribed drops for the full instructed course, even if discomfort improves sooner. Do not use leftover drops or home mixtures because some products are unsuitable when the eardrum may be perforated.

Seek prompt medical advice for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever, swelling that extends around the ear, or redness spreading onto the face or neck. Facial weakness, marked dizziness or sudden hearing loss also needs urgent assessment.

Contact a clinician early if you have diabetes, reduced immunity, previous ear surgery, ear tubes or a known eardrum perforation. These details change which examinations and drops are appropriate. A child with significant pain, discharge or difficulty hearing should also be assessed rather than treated with unverified ear products.

Ask whether the eardrum is visible and intact, whether the canal needs cleaning, and how to position the ear drops so they reach the affected skin. It is also useful to confirm when swimming, earplugs, earbuds or hearing devices can be resumed and what change should trigger reassessment.