Otitis Externa: Simple Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

If you’ve ever felt a sharp sting in your ear after a swim, you might have heard the term “swimmer’s ear.” The medical name is otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear canal. It’s not a big deal most of the time, but it can turn painful fast. This guide walks you through what it looks like, how to relieve it at home, and when you should get professional help.

Common Signs and Who Gets It

Otitis externa usually starts with a few tell‑tale signs. The ear feels itchy, then a burning or throbbing pain shows up, especially when you tug on the earlobe or chew. You might notice some swelling, redness, or a little fluid leaking from the ear. The pain often worsens after water exposure because the moisture makes the skin softer and easier for bacteria to invade.

Anyone who spends time in pools, lakes, or the ocean is a candidate, especially if they like to swim without ear plugs. Kids, surfers, and people who clean their ears with cotton swabs are also at higher risk. Even dry climates can cause cracks in the ear canal that let germs in, so you don’t need to be a swimmer to get otitis externa.

Other risk factors include eczema or other skin conditions in the ear, recent ear trauma (like a blow to the head), and using hearing aids that trap moisture. If you’ve had the infection before, you’re more likely to get it again because the skin may be weaker.

Quick Relief and When to Call the Doctor

The first step is to keep the ear dry. Tilt your head and gently pull the earlobe down to let water drain out. If you can, use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting, holding it a few inches away, to dry the canal.

Over‑the‑counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can calm the ache. A few drops of a warm (not hot) olive oil or a commercial ear‑drying solution can also soothe the skin, but only if the eardrum looks intact. If you see any discharge that’s yellow, green, or foul‑smelling, it’s a sign that bacteria or fungi are at work.

When home care isn’t enough, it’s time to see a healthcare professional. Call a doctor if you have severe pain that doesn’t improve in 24‑48 hours, if you develop fever, or if you notice hearing loss. A clinician can prescribe antibiotic or antifungal ear drops, sometimes with a steroid to reduce swelling. In rare cases where the infection spreads deeper, oral medication may be needed.

Prevention is easier than treatment. Use ear plugs or a swim cap that covers the ears when you’re in the water. After swimming, dry your ears thoroughly—tilt your head, use a soft towel, or a low‑heat dryer. Skip cotton swabs; they push debris further in and can irritate the skin. If you have eczema, keep the ear skin moisturized with a gentle, fragrance‑free cream.

Remember, otitis externa is common and usually clears up with the right steps. Spot the symptoms early, keep your ears dry, and don’t hesitate to get a prescription if the pain sticks around. Your ears will thank you for the extra care, and you can get back to enjoying the water without the sting.