Outer ear infection (otitis externa)
Inflammation of the ear canal, the passage from the opening of the ear to the eardrum. It causes itching, pain when the ear is touched or pulled, and sometimes discharge. It is often called swimmer's ear because it commonly follows water getting into the ear.
How long does a course usually last?
Ear drops or a spray are usually used for about a week. If antibiotic drops are needed, the course is usually 7 to 10 days.
Your prescriber sets the exact length for you. Finish the course you're given unless a healthcare professional tells you to stop.
Never re-use antibiotics
- Do not re-use this treatment, or take leftover or someone else's antibiotics, unless a healthcare professional has expressly told you to.
- The right antibiotic, dose and length depend on your current infection, which can be different from last time.
- Re-using antibiotics can be ineffective, cause side effects, and drives antibiotic resistance. Return leftovers to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
What the guidance says
Treatment usually starts with drops or a spray that calm the inflammation and acidify the ear canal, which do not always contain an antibiotic. Keeping the ear dry and undisturbed is part of the treatment: keep water, shampoo and soap out of the ear when washing, do not use cotton buds or put anything inside the ear to scratch or clean it, and avoid swimming until it has settled. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen help with pain.
If the ear is not settling after about a week, or the infection is more severe, a clinician may prescribe antibiotic drops, sometimes combined with a steroid to reduce swelling. Some types of drops cannot be used if you have a perforated eardrum or a grommet, so tell your clinician or pharmacist if this applies to you. If the canal is very swollen, a doctor may place a small dressing so drops can reach the infection.
Seek medical help if the pain is severe or worsening, you develop fever, redness or swelling around the outer ear, or your symptoms are not improving after about a week of treatment.
Based on NICE guidance — always follow your own prescriber's advice.
When to seek help
If you are getting worse, develop a high fever, feel confused or breathless, or your symptoms are not improving as expected, contact your doctor or call NHS 111. See the warning signs page.