What should you know about liquid from swimmer's ear?

The outer ear canal is lined with delicate skin. After swimming or repeated moisture, that lining can become irritated and swollen. Fluid may then leak out, sometimes with crusting or an unpleasant smell. Discharge can also have other causes, including a problem deeper in the ear, so its appearance does not identify the source by itself. A blocked sensation, tenderness, itching, or muffled hearing may accompany swimmer's ear.

Wipe liquid from the outside only with clean tissue or gauze. Keep the canal dry and pause swimming. Do not plug the ear with cotton, pour water into it, or use leftover ear drops; some drops are unsuitable when the eardrum may be damaged. A clinician may clean the canal and prescribe suitable drops after examining it. Book a GP Consultation if drainage continues or you are unsure what caused it.

Seek medical advice for ongoing discharge, increasing pain, fever, swelling, bad smell, or a change in hearing. Get urgent care if severe pain, dizziness, vomiting, facial weakness, or redness spreading beyond the ear develops. Do not delay assessment if you have diabetes or reduced immunity. Earache and Hearing Loss are useful symptom guides when explaining what else you notice.

Ask where the liquid is coming from, whether the eardrum can be seen, which drops are safe, and how to protect the ear from water during treatment. Tell the clinician when drainage began and whether it followed swimming or cleaning.