Otitis Externa (“Swimmer’s ear”)
Background to Otitis Externa
Otitis externa (OE) or “swimmer’s ear”, is an infection between the opening of the ear and the eardrum. It is sometimes known as swimmer’s ear because the condition is more common in people who have been swimming or swim regularly, because of the water going into the ear. Other risk factors include:
- Other conditions of the skin in the ear, such as eczema/dermatitis, or a middle ear infection.
- Excessive wax build-up (see our earwax removal page for more details).
- Putting external objects into the ear canal, such as cotton buds or in-ear headphones.
What is the impact of Otitis Externa?
OE causes itching and/or pain in the ear. The pain can sometimes spread in front of the ear and into the jaw. There may sometimes be discharge from the ear.
Fortunately, most cases will only last around a week and patients will recover fully. Complications can include long-term OE, and more rarely infections of the bones around and behind the ear, which is a medical emergency.
Treatments
Initial treatment for ear infections is always pain relief taken regularly. Ideally, paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken alternately throughout the day, but if you have any medical conditions or take any regular medications, check with your pharmacist or GP first to make sure this is safe.
If the symptoms persist for more than two or three days, or the pain relief isn’t controlling the symptoms very well, consider booking an appointment to discuss whether more specific treatments would be beneficial.
For more information
Visit the NHS website
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