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

When your ear feels sore, itchy, or swollen after swimming or showering, you might be dealing with otitis externa, an inflammation of the outer ear canal often caused by bacteria or fungi trapped in moist skin. Also known as swimmer's ear, it’s not the same as a middle ear infection—it starts in the canal leading to your eardrum, not behind it. This isn’t just a minor annoyance. Left untreated, it can lead to intense pain, temporary hearing loss, or even spread to nearby tissue.

Swimmer’s ear, a common form of otitis externa triggered by water exposure, is the most frequent cause. But you don’t have to be a swimmer to get it. Inserting cotton swabs, wearing hearing aids, or even scratching an itchy ear can break the skin and let bacteria in. People with eczema or psoriasis are more prone, because their skin barrier is already weakened. The real culprit? Moisture that doesn’t dry out—creating the perfect environment for infection. That’s why drying your ears after water exposure matters more than you think. A hairdryer on low, held at arm’s length, or a few drops of rubbing alcohol and vinegar mix can help. But if pain kicks in, don’t wait. Over-the-counter ear drops might help mild cases, but most people need prescription antibiotic or antifungal drops to clear it up.

Ear drop treatments, the standard first-line therapy for otitis externa, come in different forms: some fight bacteria, others reduce swelling, and some combine both. Your doctor will pick based on what’s causing the infection. You’ll usually get a dropper bottle and instructions to lie on your side so the liquid reaches deep into the canal. It’s not enough to just put in the drops—you need to keep your head tilted for a full minute, then gently massage the base of your ear. Skipping that step means the medicine doesn’t work. Pain relief matters too. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help while the drops take effect. And never, ever stick anything in your ear to clean it. That’s how you make it worse.

Prevention is simpler than treatment. Keep your ears dry. Use earplugs when swimming. Avoid using cotton swabs inside the canal. If you’re prone to it, talk to your doctor about preventive drops after water exposure. And if you’ve had it once, you’re more likely to get it again—so pay attention to early signs: itching, redness, or mild discomfort after water exposure.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve dealt with this—how they managed it, what worked, what didn’t, and how to avoid the same mistakes. Whether you’re dealing with a current infection or just want to stay ahead of it, these posts give you the no-nonsense facts you need.