Otitis externa

Otitis externa is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal, which is the tube between the outer ear and eardrum.

Otitis externa is often referred to as “swimmer’s ear” because repeated exposure to water can make the ear canal more vulnerable to inflammation.

Symptoms of otitis externa include:

ear pain, which can be severe itchiness in the ear canal a discharge of liquid or pus from the ear some degree of temporary hearing loss

Usually only one ear is affected.

With treatment, these symptoms should clear up within a few days. However, some cases can persist for several months or longer.

Read more about the symptoms of otitis externa

Symptoms

Otitis externa can cause a number of different symptoms affecting the ear and the surrounding area.

Symptoms can include:

ear pain itching and irritation in and around your ear canal redness and swelling of your outer ear and ear canal a feeling of pressure and fullness inside your ear scaly skin in and around your ear canal, which may peel off discharge from your ear, which can be either thin and watery or thick and pus-like tenderness when you move your ear or jaw swollen and sore glands in your throat some hearing loss

Otitis externa sometimes occurs if a hair follicle inside the ear becomes infected by bacteria and develops into a spot (pimple) or boil.

If this happens, you may be able to see the pimple or boil in a mirror. However, don’t attempt to squeeze any pimples or boils in your ear, as this could lead to the infection spreading elsewhere.


In some cases, the symptoms of otitis externa can persist for several months, or sometimes years. This is known as chronic otitis externa.

Symptoms of chronic otitis externa can include:

a constant itch in and around your ear canal discomfort and pain in your ear that becomes worse when you move it – this is usually much milder than in short-term otitis externa a thin, watery discharge from your ear a lack of earwax a build-up of thick, dry skin in your ear canal, known as stenosis, which can narrow your ear canal and affect your hearing


The advice below should help to relieve your symptoms to some extent and help to prevent complications:

avoid getting your affected ear wet – wearing a shower cap while showering and bathing can help, but you should avoid swimming until the condition has fully cleared remove any discharge or debris by gently swabbing your outer ear with cotton wool, being careful not to damage it – don’t stick cotton wool or a cotton bud inside your ear remove anything from your affected ear that may cause an allergic reaction, such as hearing aids, ear plugs and earrings use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve ear pain – these aren’t suitable for everyone, so make sure you check the information leaflet that comes with the medication first; if you’re still unsure, check with your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist if your condition is caused by a boil in your ear, placing a warm flannel or cloth over the affected ear can help it heal faster