Outer Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)

An outer ear infection is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal. This is the passage between the outer ear and eardrum. The condition is common and usually not serious.

Outer Ear Infections can be caused by irritation, allergies, bacterial, viral or fungal infections of the outer ear canal. They can be caused by:

• water getting in your ears particularly in pools etc.
• cleaning your ears with cotton buds or other objects
• using devices in or around the ear (ear plugs, hearing aids, headphones, earphones etc)
• skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis
• chemicals (hair dyes, bleaches, certain shampoos, hair sprays).

Usually one but sometimes both ears can be affected. Symptoms include:

• ear discharge, which may have a foul smell or be discoloured
• pain or itchiness of the ear
• difficulty in hearing from the affected ear.

While otitis externa can clear up by itself, this can take several weeks without treatment. Your GP may already have prescribed medicated ear drops that speed up the healing process. These usually need to be taken several times a day for about a week or sometimes longer.

The following advice can help to relieve your symptoms and help to prevent complications:

• Avoid getting your affected ear wet by wearing a shower cap or blocking the entrance to the ear canal with cotton wool with a small amount of paraffin ointment (e.g. Vaseline) while showering and bathing. You should avoid swimming until the condition has fully cleared.
• Avoidance and control of the triggers can reduce your chance of getting an outer ear infection. If you have to wear a hearing aid, make sure that you clean it regularly with warm water and soap.
• Remove any discharge by gently swabbing your outer ear with cotton wool, being careful not to damage it. Do not put cotton wool or a cotton bud inside your ear canal.
• Remove anything from your affected ear that may cause an allergic reaction, for example hearing aids, ear plugs and earrings.
• Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve ear pain (make sure they are suitable for you by checking the information leaflet that comes with the medication first).