Antibiotics for swimmer's ear

Tablets are not routinely needed for an infection limited to the outer ear canal. A clinician should examine the ear before treatment because ear pain can have other causes, and the condition of the eardrum affects which drops are suitable.

Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, is inflammation of the outer ear canal. Moisture, minor skin injury, eczema, or irritation can weaken the canal's protective surface and allow bacteria to grow. Prescription drops deliver medicine directly to that area; some preparations also contain a medicine that reduces swelling.

Wax, debris, marked swelling, a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, or previous ear surgery can change treatment decisions. Do not use leftover drops or another person's medicine, because the ingredients may be unsuitable and an opened bottle may be contaminated.

Use the prescribed drops for the full instructed course. Warm the closed bottle in your hands, lie with the affected ear upward, place the drops without touching the nozzle to the ear, and remain in that position briefly so the medicine reaches the canal. Follow the product instructions if they differ.

Keep water out while the canal heals. Avoid swimming and do not insert cotton buds, fingers, or earphones into a painful ear. For discomfort, ask a pharmacist or clinician whether paracetamol or ibuprofen is appropriate for you, especially if you have other conditions or take regular medicines.

Arrange an assessment if pain, discharge, canal swelling, or muffled hearing develops, or if symptoms are not improving after treatment begins. Seek care promptly for fever, redness or swelling spreading around or behind the ear, severe or worsening pain, dizziness, new facial weakness, or a sudden marked change in hearing.

Earlier assessment is sensible for anyone with diabetes, reduced immunity, an implanted hearing device, previous ear surgery, or a known eardrum problem. These details help the clinician choose drops that are safe for the ear and decide whether specialist care is needed.

Ask whether the eardrum is intact, how long to use the drops, how to keep the ear dry, and when swimming or hearing aids can be resumed. If the canal is very swollen, ask whether cleaning or a small ear wick is needed to help medicine reach the affected skin.