Outer ear infection treatment (Otitis Externa)

Ear infections are very common, particularly in children. They often get better on their own within 3 days.

Symptoms of an ear infection

The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:

• pain inside the ear (earache)

• a high temperature

• difficulty hearing

• discharge running out of the ear

• a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear

• itching and irritation in and around the ear

• scaly skin in and around the ear

Young children and babies with an ear infection may also:

• rub or pull their ear

• not react to some sounds

• be irritable or restless

• be off their food

• keep losing their balance

Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.

If you, or your child, have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

Things you can do to help an ear infection

There are things you can do to help ease any pain and discomfort from an ear infection.

Do

• use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 should not take aspirin)

• remove any discharge by wiping the ear with cotton wool

Don’t

• do not put anything inside your ear to remove earwax, such as cotton buds or your finger

• do not let water or shampoo get in your ear

• do not go swimming while you have an ear infection

• do not use decongestants or antihistamines – there's no evidence they help with ear infections

How an ear infection is diagnosed

If you have symptoms of an ear infection, the GP or pharmacist may use an instrument with a small light and magnifying glass (an otoscope) to look in your ear.

Some otoscopes blow a small puff of air into the ear. This checks for blockages, which could be a sign of an infection.

Treatment for an ear infection

Treatment for an ear infections depends on what's causing it and which part of your ear is infected.

A pharmacist or GP may give:

• antibiotic tablets or eardrops

• antifungal or steroid eardrops

• painkilling eardrops

Eardrops may not work if they're not used correctly.

If there's a spot or boil in your ear, a GP may pierce it with a needle to drain the pus.

How to prevent ear infections

You cannot always prevent ear infections, particularly infections caused by colds and flu.

But there are things that can help:

• make sure your child has had all their childhood vaccinations

• keep your child away from smoky environments

• try not to give your child a dummy after they're 6 months old

• do not stick cotton wool buds or your fingers in your ears

• use earplugs or a swimming hat over your ears when you swim

• try to avoid water or shampoo getting into your ears when you have a shower or bath – you could put cotton wool smeared with petroleum jelly into your ear while showering if it's difficult to keep water out of your ears

• treat conditions that affect your ears, such as eczema or an allergy to hearing aids