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Outer Ear Infection: Causes and Care

Key Information

What Is It? An outer ear infection is inflammation or infection of the skin inside the ear canal.
Typical Symptoms: Ear pain, itchiness (a key sign), and discharge.
Different from Middle Ear Infection: The pain is usually more superficial and tender rather than deep pressure.

1. Moisture (Swimmer's Ear)
- Water trapped in the ear canal creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria grow easily.
- This is why it is often called “Swimmer’s Ear.”
2. Skin Damage (The Cotton Bud Problem)
- Damage to the delicate skin inside the ear canal increases the risk of infection.
- Common causes include:
  - Using cotton buds.
  - Scratching inside the ear.
  - Underlying skin conditions such as eczema.

To prevent outer ear infections, protect the skin and keep the ear canal dry.

The Golden Rule:
“Do not put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.”

Avoid Cotton Buds: They push wax deeper and can scratch the skin, opening the door to infection.
Swimming Tips:
- Consider earplugs if you swim regularly.
- After swimming, gently dry the outer ear with a towel — do not insert anything into the canal.

Unlike many middle ear infections, outer ear infections usually require treatment.

Prescription Drops: These typically contain an antibiotic (to treat infection) and a steroid (to reduce inflammation and itching).

If you have ear pain, particularly if it is itchy or there is discharge, please do not ignore it.

We need to examine the ear canal to decide on the correct treatment.

For more advice on preventing and treating ear infections, please visit the NHS website.

Last reviewed: 31 December 2025
Next review due: 31 December 2028