Otitis Externa – What It Is and How to Deal With It

Ever gotten a painful, itchy feeling inside your ear after a swim? That’s otitis externa, often called swimmer’s ear. It’s an infection of the outer ear canal that can turn a simple splash into a real headache. The good news? Most cases are easy to treat if you spot the signs early and act fast.

Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

The first clue is usually a tugging or burning sensation that gets worse when you move your jaw or touch the outer ear. You might notice:

• Redness or swelling inside the ear canal
• Clear or pus‑filled drainage
• Itchy skin that feels like it’s crawling
• Hearing that feels muffled
• Occasional fever if the infection spreads

If any of these pop up after water exposure, a pool visit, or even heavy ear cleaning, think otitis externa. Ignoring it can let the infection deepen, making recovery take longer.

Effective Treatment and Home Care

Most doctors will prescribe antibiotic ear drops, sometimes mixed with a steroid to calm inflammation. Use them exactly as directed – usually a few drops in each ear two to three times a day for a week. While the drops work, you can help yourself at home:

• Keep the ear dry. Use a shower cap or a cotton ball dipped in petroleum jelly during baths.
• Avoid inserting objects like q‑tips; they can worsen irritation.
• Apply a warm compress for 5‑10 minutes a few times daily to ease pain.
• If swelling is severe, over‑the‑counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can cut the ache.

For mild cases, your doctor might suggest just keeping the ear dry and using a few drops of acetic acid solution to lower the pH and stop bacterial growth. Follow up if symptoms don’t improve after three days.

Prevention is all about moisture control. After swimming, tilt your head to each side to let water drain, then gently dry the outer ear with a soft towel. Over‑the‑counter ear‑drying drops are handy for frequent swimmers. If you love earbuds or hearing aids, clean them regularly and give your ears a break each day.

In a nutshell, otitis externa isn’t a life‑threatening condition, but it can be a real nuisance. Spot the itching, redness, or pain early, use the right drops, keep the ear dry, and you’ll be back to normal in no time. Got more questions? Talk to a pharmacist or your healthcare provider – they can tailor treatment to your specific situation and keep your ears healthy for the long haul.