Otitis Externa: What It Is and How to Treat It

Ever had a painful, itchy ear after a swim? That’s often otitis externa, a type of ear infection that affects the outer ear canal. It’s not serious, but the burning feeling can be nasty. MedicMex breaks it down so you know what’s happening and how to fix it quickly.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Most cases start when water stays in the ear after swimming, bathing, or showering. The moisture softens the skin inside the canal, letting bacteria or fungi grow. Things that raise the risk include using cotton swabs, ear plugs that trap water, and skin conditions like eczema. Even a minor scratch from a finger or a hairpin can let germs in.

Kids and people who love water sports get otitis externa more often, but anyone can catch it if the ear stays damp. Hot, humid climates also make the problem more common because sweat and humidity keep the ear canal moist.

Effective Treatments and Home Care

First‑line treatment is usually a few drops of antibiotic or antifungal medicine prescribed by a doctor. These drops dry out the canal and kill the germs. If you can’t see a doctor right away, over‑the‑counter acetic acid drops can help create an acidic environment that stops bacteria from growing.

Keep the ear dry while it heals. Use a soft towel to dab around the outer ear, but avoid sticking anything inside. A hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting held a few inches away can blow gentle warm air into the ear to speed up drying.

Pain relief is simple: an over‑the‑counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can calm the ache. Avoid putting any ear drops that contain steroids unless a doctor tells you to, because they can sometimes make the infection worse.

Prevention is easier than cure. After swimming, tilt your head to each side and gently pull the earlobe to let water escape. You can also use ear‑drying drops that contain alcohol and acetic acid, especially if you’re a frequent swimmer.

If symptoms last more than a few days, get a professional check. Persistent drainage, severe pain, or hearing loss could mean a deeper infection that needs stronger medication or even oral antibiotics.

Bottom line: otitis externa is common, treatable, and usually clears up in a week with the right steps. Keep your ears dry, use the right drops, and don’t stick objects inside. For personalized advice or to order safe ear‑care products, MedicMex is here to help you stay healthy.