What is swimmer's ear?

The ear canal is the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. Repeated moisture, swimming, sweating, scratching, or inserting objects can disturb its protective skin. Inflammation then causes soreness and swelling; infection may follow. A common clue is pain when the outer ear or the small flap at the entrance is moved. The condition affects the outer canal, so it differs from problems deeper behind the eardrum.

Keep water, cotton buds, fingers, and earbuds out of the affected ear. Do not scratch or try to remove debris yourself. Suitable pain relief may help, provided it is safe with your medical history and regular medicines. If symptoms continue or the canal is swollen, a clinician may examine the eardrum, clean the canal, and prescribe drops aimed at infection or inflammation. Avoid using leftover or homemade ear drops.

Arrange a GP consultation for worsening pain, discharge, swelling, a blocked ear, or new hearing change. Seek urgent help if redness spreads around the ear, you feel severely unwell, or you develop facial weakness, dizziness, or a severe headache. Early advice is sensible for diabetes, reduced immunity, ear tubes, a known eardrum problem, or recent ear surgery.

Ask whether the problem is limited to the outer canal, whether the eardrum can be seen, which treatment is appropriate, how to protect the ear during bathing, and when a review is needed.