Ear Infection

General Health

Sharp ear pain, itching, or a blocked, muffled feeling? That could be otitis externa - an ear canal infection that won’t clear on its own.
At SwiftMedi, we offer fast access to prescription ear drops that tackle the infection directly, easing pain and restoring comfort. With an easy online consultation and discreet delivery, effective relief for swimmer’s ear is closer than you think.

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About Outer Ear Infections

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.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is otitis externa and what causes it?

    Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, is an infection or inflammation of the ear canal. It’s usually caused by moisture trapped in the ear, scratching, eczema, excessive cleaning, or bacterial/fungal overgrowth. Symptoms often include pain, itching, discharge and reduced hearing. Treatments typically include antibiotic or steroid ear drops depending on severity.

  • What are the most effective treatments for otitis externa?

    The main treatments are prescription ear drops such as antibiotic drops (e.g., Sofradex), steroid-antibiotic combinations (e.g., Otomize), or acetic acid sprays that rebalance the ear canal environment. Treatment choice depends on whether swelling, infection or eczema is present. Completing the full course is essential for recovery.

  • How long does it take for otitis externa to clear?

    Most cases improve within 48-72 hours once appropriate drops are started, with full recovery typically within 7-10 days. Severe or recurrent infections may take longer. Keeping the ear dry and avoiding cotton buds speeds healing. If symptoms worsen after 72 hours, a clinician may review your treatment.

  • What are the common symptoms of otitis externa?

    Symptoms usually include ear pain, itchiness, swelling, discharge, muffled hearing, and tenderness when pressing the outer ear. Some people also notice a blocked sensation or discomfort when chewing. Early treatment helps prevent worsening symptoms or spread of infection. If fever or severe pain occurs, seek medical advice.

  • Can ear drops treat all types of otitis externa?

    Most cases respond well to ear drops, but the specific type depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial infections often need antibiotic drops, eczema-related flare-ups respond to steroid-based drops, and mild cases improve with acetic acid solutions. A clinician will recommend the most appropriate option based on your symptoms.

  • When should I see a doctor about otitis externa?

    Seek medical advice if symptoms last longer than a week, you develop fever, the pain is severe, discharge increases, or you experience hearing loss. People with diabetes, eczema, psoriasis or weakened immunity should be reviewed earlier due to higher complication risks. Persistent infections may require specialist ear cleaning.

  • Can I swim or get my ear wet during treatment?

    No. Keeping the ear dry is essential for recovery, as moisture delays healing and worsens infection. Avoid swimming, submerging the ear, or letting shower water run directly into it. You can use petroleum-coated cotton as a temporary barrier while bathing. Once fully recovered, normal activities can usually be resumed.

  • Can eczema or dermatitis inside the ear cause otitis externa?

    Yes. Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis can disrupt the ear canal lining, making it easier for infection to develop. Steroid-containing drops may be recommended when inflammation is prominent. Managing underlying skin conditions helps prevent repeated flare-ups.

  • Why does otitis externa keep coming back?

    Recurring infections may be due to moisture exposure, eczema, psoriasis, narrow ear canals, excessive cleaning or incomplete previous treatment. Some people benefit from maintenance acetic acid drops or avoiding cotton buds entirely. A clinician can assess triggers and recommend long-term strategies.

  • Do antibiotics taken by mouth help otitis externa?

    Oral antibiotics are rarely useful because otitis externa affects the ear canal surface, where topical drops work better. They are reserved for severe infections, swelling spreading beyond the ear or people with high-risk conditions. Most patients recover fully with targeted ear drops alone.

  • Can I use cotton buds if my ear feels blocked?

    Cotton buds should be avoided because they push debris deeper, irritate the canal and increase infection risk. They often worsen otitis externa or delay healing. If your ear feels blocked, safe techniques include prescribed drops or professional microsuction when appropriate.

  • Is otitis externa contagious?

    No. Otitis externa isn’t generally contagious because it’s caused by irritation, moisture or bacterial overgrowth within your own ear canal. However, avoid sharing earbuds, headphones or towels while infected to prevent spreading bacteria that may irritate another person’s ear.

  • Can earwax buildup trigger otitis externa?

    Yes. Excess or hardened wax can trap water, irritate the canal and provide an environment for bacterial growth. Avoid home ear-cleaning kits while infected; they often worsen symptoms. A clinician may recommend microsuction once the infection settles.

  • Can otitis externa affect my hearing long term?

    Temporary hearing loss is common due to swelling or blockage, but permanent damage is rare when treated promptly. Delayed treatment, chronic eczema or repeated severe infections increase risks slightly, so early management is important.

  • What can I do to prevent otitis externa from returning?

    Prevention includes keeping ears dry, avoiding cotton buds, managing skin conditions and using acetic acid drops after swimming if you’re prone to infections. People with eczema or psoriasis around the ear may benefit from tailored skin-care routines. A clinician can advise personalised prevention steps.