Medicines for Swimmer's ear

What it is

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is inflammation, and often infection, of the outer ear canal — the passage that runs from the outer ear to the eardrum. It is common. The name reflects one common trigger — water getting into the ear (for example from swimming), which can disturb the protective wax and moisten the canal, allowing germs to grow — but it can also result from other causes, such as irritation or damage to the canal (for example from cotton buds, earplugs or hearing aids), skin conditions (such as eczema), or allergies. Typical symptoms include itchiness in the ear canal, ear pain or discomfort (which can be significant and may be worse when the ear is touched or moved, or when chewing), a feeling of fullness or blockage, discharge from the ear (which may be watery, or thicker and offensive if infected), and sometimes reduced hearing. It usually affects one ear. Although it can be quite painful, otitis externa is usually not serious and responds well to treatment. Occasionally, particularly in people with diabetes or weakened immunity, a more severe form can develop, so persistent, severe, or spreading symptoms need medical attention. The mainstays of care are treating the inflammation and infection (usually with ear drops) and keeping the ear dry and protected, along with avoiding poking or scratching the ear, which can worsen it.

How it is treated

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) usually responds well to treatment, and the aim is to settle the inflammation and infection, relieve the pain, and keep the ear dry. Treatment is usually with ear drops — depending on the cause and severity, these may contain an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory (steroid), an antifungal, or an acidic/antiseptic preparation, and are prescribed or recommended after the ear is examined; sometimes, if the canal is very swollen, a small dressing (wick) is placed to help the drops reach in. Simple pain relief helps with the discomfort, and keeping the ear dry during treatment and recovery is important — avoiding getting water in the ear (for example when washing hair or showering) and not swimming until it has healed. It is important not to poke or scratch inside the ear, or use cotton buds, as this can worsen the inflammation and delay healing. Most cases improve within a few days to a couple of weeks with appropriate treatment. It is important to see a health professional to have the ear examined and get the right treatment, especially as the correct type of drops depends on the cause; and to seek prompt attention if symptoms are severe, spreading (for example redness or swelling spreading to the outer ear or around it), accompanied by fever, not improving with treatment, or occurring in someone with diabetes or a weakened immune system, as a more serious infection needs urgent care. Preventing recurrence involves keeping the ears dry and clean, drying the ears gently after swimming or bathing, using measures to keep water out where prone (such as suitable earplugs), and avoiding poking the ears. The reassuring message is that swimmer's ear is common and usually not serious and responds well to ear drops, while keeping the ear dry, avoiding poking it, and seeking the right treatment help it settle and prevent recurrence.