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

When your ear hurts after swimming or showering, it’s often not just water trapped inside—it could be otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear canal that causes swelling, pain, and sometimes discharge. Also known as swimmer’s ear, this condition happens when moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria or fungi in the ear canal, especially after swimming, showering, or using cotton swabs. Unlike middle ear infections, which happen behind the eardrum, otitis externa affects the skin-lined passage from the outer ear to the eardrum. It’s not contagious, but it’s common—especially in kids, swimmers, and people who live in humid climates.

What makes otitis externa so annoying isn’t just the pain—it’s how easily it can get worse. Scratching the ear, using earbuds, or even wearing hearing aids can trap moisture and irritate the skin, making infection more likely. People with eczema or psoriasis are also at higher risk because their skin barrier is already compromised. The good news? Most cases clear up quickly with the right treatment. Ear drops, antibiotic or antifungal solutions prescribed by a doctor, are the standard first-line treatment. They work fast, often relieving pain within 24 to 48 hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen help too, but they don’t treat the infection itself. Avoid putting anything in your ear—no cotton swabs, no vinegar rinses, no home remedies that aren’t backed by evidence.

Some people think otitis externa only happens to swimmers, but that’s not true. Anyone who gets water in their ears, cleans their ears too aggressively, or has narrow ear canals can get it. Even people who don’t swim at all can develop it after a shower or hair wash. If you’ve had it before, you’re more likely to get it again. That’s why prevention matters: drying your ears thoroughly after water exposure, using a hair dryer on low heat from a distance, or wearing swimmer’s earplugs can make a real difference. Ear pain, especially if it worsens when you tug on the earlobe or press on the bump in front of the ear, is a clear red flag. If you feel fever, swelling, or hearing loss, don’t wait—see a doctor. Untreated otitis externa can spread, though that’s rare.

The posts below cover real-world issues tied to otitis externa and similar conditions—from how common medications like anticholinergics can cause dry mouth and make ear infections harder to manage, to how drug interactions and improper use of ear drops can backfire. You’ll find practical advice on avoiding triggers, understanding when to seek help, and what to do if standard treatments don’t work. Whether you’re dealing with recurring ear pain, managing other health conditions that affect your ears, or just want to prevent the next episode, these guides give you the facts without the fluff.