How is otitis externa treated?

Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is inflammation or infection of the ear canal. Pain, itch, discharge, tenderness when the outer ear is moved, and muffled hearing can occur. A clinician needs to look inside the ear because treatment depends on the canal, eardrum, and likely cause.

Drops may contain medicine to address infection or inflammation. If swelling blocks the canal, a clinician may need to help the drops reach the affected skin. Oral antibiotics are not suitable for every case and should not be started without advice.

Use prescribed drops exactly as directed and finish the advised course unless the prescriber changes it. Keep water, shampoo, and swimming out of the ear while it heals. Do not use cotton buds, hairpins, or home remedies inside the canal. Simple pain relief may help if it is safe for you.

Arrange a GP consultation if pain or discharge continues, hearing becomes muffled, or symptoms return after treatment. Repeated episodes may be linked to moisture, scratching, eczema, or an object irritating the canal.

Seek urgent advice for severe or rapidly spreading pain, swelling around the ear, fever with marked illness, facial weakness, dizziness, or new significant hearing loss. People with diabetes or a weakened immune system should seek assessment early when ear-canal pain is severe or persistent.

Ask: Is the eardrum intact? Which drops do I need and for how long? When can I swim? What should I do if drops cause worsening pain, rash, or hearing change?