Ear
Discharge from the ear
Fluid running from the ear — which may be wax, watery, pus-like or bloodstained — most often caused by an infection of the ear canal or middle ear, but occasionally a sign of a burst eardrum or a more serious spreading infection.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of discharge from the ear and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is discharge from the ear?
A discharge from the ear means fluid leaking out of the ear canal, and its appearance gives clues to the cause. A thin, watery or pus-like discharge usually comes from infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal or, when the eardrum has perforated, from a middle-ear infection draining through it.
- Get urgent help: Seek urgent help for ear discharge of pus or blood that follows an injury, a blow to the ear or exposure to a sudden very loud noise — the eardrum may have burst. Seek urgent help for ear pain and discharge with redness, swelling or tenderness behind the ear, which can mean the infection is spreading to the bone.
- Self-care: While waiting for assessment of a discharging ear, keep the ear clean and dry rather than poking inside it.
About discharge from the ear
A discharge from the ear means fluid leaking out of the ear canal, and its appearance gives clues to the cause. A thin, watery or pus-like discharge usually comes from infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal or, when the eardrum has perforated, from a middle-ear infection draining through it. Flaky or itchy discharge can come from skin conditions such as eczema affecting the canal, while a fungal infection produces a damp, sometimes dark or fluffy debris. Bloodstained discharge, particularly after an injury, a slap to the ear or exposure to a sudden very loud noise, may mean the eardrum has burst. Most ear discharge settles with treatment of the underlying infection or skin problem, but discharge accompanied by spreading redness and swelling, fever, severe pain or facial weakness suggests the infection is extending beyond the ear and needs urgent attention.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if discharge from the ear comes with any of these warning signs:
- Seek urgent help for ear discharge of pus or blood that follows an injury, a blow to the ear or exposure to a sudden very loud noise — the eardrum may have burst.
- Seek urgent help for ear pain and discharge with redness, swelling or tenderness behind the ear, which can mean the infection is spreading to the bone.
- Seek urgent or emergency help for ear discharge with a high fever, a severe headache, neck stiffness or confusion.
- Seek urgent help for ear discharge with facial weakness, drooping on one side of the face, dizziness or new hearing loss.
- Arrange prompt review for ear discharge that is persistent, foul-smelling or recurs, especially in someone with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment for ear discharge so the cause can be identified and treated, as most cases come from an infection or skin problem of the ear that responds well once managed. Seek help sooner — the same day — if discharge follows an injury to the ear, if there is spreading redness or swelling behind the ear, or if the discharge comes with a high fever, facial weakness, dizziness or new deafness. Persistent or recurring discharge, or any discharge in someone with diabetes or a lowered immune system, should also be reviewed promptly rather than left to settle on its own.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of discharge from the ear
Discharge from the ear has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
While waiting for assessment of a discharging ear, keep the ear clean and dry rather than poking inside it. Never insert cotton buds, fingers or other objects into the ear canal, as this can drive infection deeper or damage the eardrum. Wipe away discharge that reaches the outer ear with a clean, soft tissue, and keep water out of the ear when washing or showering — a little petroleum jelly on a piece of cotton wool placed at the entrance of the ear can help, but do not push it in. Avoid swimming until the problem has settled, and do not use over-the-counter ear drops on a discharging ear without advice, because some are unsafe if the eardrum is perforated. Simple pain relief and a warm flannel held against the ear can ease discomfort.
Answers
Discharge from the ear: frequently asked questions
What does discharge from the ear usually mean?
Most often it means an infection or skin problem of the ear canal or middle ear. The fluid may be watery, pus-like, flaky or, if the eardrum has burst, bloodstained. A clinician can examine the ear to find the cause and advise on safe treatment.
Should I clean inside my ear if it is discharging?
No. Wipe away only the discharge that reaches the outer ear with a soft tissue and keep the ear dry. Never insert cotton buds or other objects into the canal, as this can push infection deeper or damage the eardrum.
Can a burst eardrum cause discharge?
Yes. A perforated eardrum can release pus or blood, often easing the pain of a middle-ear infection as it drains. It can also follow an injury or a sudden loud noise. A burst eardrum should be assessed, and you should avoid getting water in the ear meanwhile.
When is ear discharge serious?
Seek urgent help if discharge follows an injury, or comes with redness or swelling behind the ear, a high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, facial weakness or new hearing loss, as these suggest a spreading or serious infection.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Otitis externa.
- ENT UK: ear infections and discharge.
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