Swimmer's ear (outer ear infection)

Overview

Water left in the ear lets germs grow.

Cotton swabs can scratch the canal.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Ear pain, worse when touching the ear
• Ear pain when pulling the earlobe, or after swimming

Less common

• Itching
• Drainage
• Muffled hearing

Look up a symptom: Ear feels plugged, full, or muffled · Ear pain · Ear pain when pulling the earlobe, or after swimming

When to get medical care

Causes

Water, scratches.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It usually doesn't spread from person to person.
• People get it from: hospitals, clinics, or water.

Who is more likely to get it

• Swimmers

Diagnosis

A clinician looks in the ear.

Treatment

Keep the ear dry.

Self-care

• No swimming until healed
• Keep water out when showering
• Don't use cotton swabs

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

• Dry ears after swimming

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Heals.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Swimmer's ear (outer ear infection)