Otitis Externa: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your ear starts to ache, especially after swimming or showering, it might be otitis externa, an inflammation of the outer ear canal often caused by moisture, bacteria, or irritation. Also known as swimmer's ear, it’s not just a nuisance—it can become serious if left untreated. Unlike middle ear infections, which happen behind the eardrum, otitis externa affects the skin-lined canal leading to your eardrum. This area is delicate. Scratch it with a cotton swab, trap water in it after a swim, or wear earbuds all day, and you’re setting the stage for infection.

Most cases are bacterial, but fungi can cause it too, especially in warm, humid climates. People who swim often, use hearing aids, or have eczema are at higher risk. The symptoms are hard to miss: pain when tugging on the earlobe, itching inside the ear, swelling that makes the ear feel blocked, and sometimes discharge. If you hear popping or feel muffled hearing, it’s not just wax—it’s likely inflammation spreading. ear drops, prescription or over-the-counter solutions designed to fight infection and reduce swelling in the ear canal are the first-line treatment. Antibiotic or antifungal drops work fast when used correctly, but only if you stop poking around inside your ear. No cotton swabs. No fingers. Just follow the directions.

What makes otitis externa tricky is how easily it mimics other issues. A blocked ear could be wax, an allergy, or even a mild reaction to shampoo. But if pain gets worse at night, or you notice redness spreading outside the ear, you need to act. external ear inflammation, the medical term for the swelling and irritation caused by otitis externa doesn’t heal on its own if it’s infected. Delaying treatment can lead to chronic cases, where the infection keeps coming back, or even rare complications like bone infection in people with diabetes.

You’ll find real-world advice here—from how to dry your ears properly after swimming, to which over-the-counter remedies actually help, and when to skip the pharmacy and head to a doctor. We cover what works, what doesn’t, and why some home remedies can do more harm than good. Whether you’re a parent dealing with a child’s ear pain, a swimmer tired of recurring infections, or someone who just woke up with a sore ear, this collection gives you clear, no-fluff answers based on actual medical guidance.