Ear, nose and throat
Medicines for Otitis externa
Inflammation or infection of the ear canal causing pain, itch and discharge — common, often linked to water or scratching, and usually treated with ear drops.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Otitis externa?
Otitis externa is inflammation of the ear canal — the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. It causes ear pain (often worse when the ear is touched or the jaw moves), itching, a feeling of fullness, discharge, and sometimes reduced hearing if the canal swells or fills with debris.
- How it is treated: Treatment usually involves ear drops that reduce inflammation and treat infection, prescribed after examining the ear; sometimes the ear canal needs gentle cleaning by a professional to help the drops work.
- Self-care: Keeping the ears dry (using ear plugs or a cap when swimming, drying ears gently after washing), avoiding cotton buds and not poking or scratching the ears, and treating any skin conditions all help prevent otitis externa.
- When to seek help: See a GP or pharmacist for ear pain, itch or discharge that does not settle.
What it is
Otitis externa is inflammation of the ear canal — the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. It causes ear pain (often worse when the ear is touched or the jaw moves), itching, a feeling of fullness, discharge, and sometimes reduced hearing if the canal swells or fills with debris. It is often triggered by water getting trapped in the ear (hence "swimmer's ear"), by scratching or poking the ear (including with cotton buds), or by skin conditions such as eczema. It can be a one-off or become recurrent or long-lasting. Most cases are straightforward, but it can occasionally be more serious, especially in people with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
How it is treated
Treatment usually involves ear drops that reduce inflammation and treat infection, prescribed after examining the ear; sometimes the ear canal needs gentle cleaning by a professional to help the drops work. Keeping the ear dry during treatment is important, and pain relief helps discomfort. Avoiding cotton buds and not scratching or poking the ear allows the skin to heal and prevents recurrence. Any underlying skin condition is managed. Recurrent or stubborn cases, or severe pain and swelling — particularly in people with diabetes or reduced immunity — need review, as occasionally a more serious infection can develop.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Otitis externa
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Keeping the ears dry (using ear plugs or a cap when swimming, drying ears gently after washing), avoiding cotton buds and not poking or scratching the ears, and treating any skin conditions all help prevent otitis externa.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP or pharmacist for ear pain, itch or discharge that does not settle. Seek prompt care for severe pain, spreading swelling or redness around the ear, fever, or symptoms in someone with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Otitis externa: frequently asked questions
What causes swimmer's ear?
Otitis externa is often triggered by water trapped in the ear canal, or by scratching or poking the ear (including with cotton buds), or by skin conditions. This inflames or infects the canal, causing pain, itch and discharge.
How is otitis externa treated?
Usually with ear drops that reduce inflammation and treat infection, keeping the ear dry, and pain relief. Sometimes the ear canal needs gentle professional cleaning. Avoiding cotton buds helps it heal and prevents recurrence.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS — Otitis externa
- NHS — Ear infections
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.