Ear Infection

Overview

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal. Unlike middle ear infections (which affect children more), otitis externa is common in adults and often linked to water, trauma, or irritation inside the ear.

It develops when bacteria or, less commonly, fungi multiply in the warm, moist environment of the ear canal. This causes pain, itching, swelling, and discharge. While it can feel uncomfortable — and sometimes quite painful — the good news is that otitis externa usually responds quickly to treatment with prescription ear drops.

At SwiftMedi, we make it simple to access effective treatment through a quick online consultation, with medicines delivered discreetly to your door.

Symptoms

Otitis externa can vary from mild irritation to severe infection. Common symptoms include:

• Ear pain – often sharp, throbbing, or worse when the ear is touched
• Itching inside the ear canal
• Swelling or redness of the outer ear canal
• Discharge – clear, white, or sometimes yellow/green pus
• Blocked or muffled hearing due to swelling or discharge
• Tenderness when moving the jaw or pulling the outer ear

If untreated, symptoms can worsen and lead to complications such as spreading infection or temporary hearing loss.

Diagnosis

Otitis externa is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history. A doctor may also look inside your ear with an otoscope to confirm inflammation, redness, or discharge.

In most cases, additional tests aren’t needed. However, if infections are recurrent, severe, or not responding to treatment, a swab of the discharge may be taken to check which bacteria or fungi are responsible.

Treatments

The mainstay of treatment is prescription ear drops, which directly target the infection and reduce inflammation. At SwiftMedi, the most commonly prescribed options include:

• Otomize Ear Spray – combines an antibiotic, a steroid, and an acid to fight bacteria, reduce swelling, and restore the natural ear canal environment.
• Sofradex Ear Drops – contains two antibiotics and a steroid, ideal for more severe or persistent infections.

Treatment usually lasts for 7–10 days, and most people notice relief within just a few days of starting. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can also be used to manage discomfort.

Prevention

While anyone can get otitis externa, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:

• Keep ears dry – gently towel dry after swimming or showering.
• Avoid putting objects (cotton buds, fingers, headphones) inside your ears.
• Use earplugs when swimming if you’re prone to infections.
• Treat skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis that may affect the ear canal.
• Avoid irritants such as strong hair products or chemicals near the ear.

Misconceptions

“It’s the same as an ear infection children get.”
Not quite. Middle ear infections are different and happen behind the eardrum. Otitis externa only affects the ear canal.

“It will go away on its own.”
Mild irritation sometimes settles, but true bacterial otitis externa usually needs treatment with prescription ear drops to clear properly.

“Using cotton buds keeps ears clean and prevents infection.”
Actually, cotton buds can make otitis externa worse by pushing wax and bacteria deeper into the canal, and by damaging delicate skin.

“It only happens to swimmers.”
Swimming increases the risk, but anyone can develop otitis externa — even without water exposure.