Otitis Externa

Otitis externa
Emergency Department factsheets
What is otitis externa?  Itchiness.

 Foul smelling yellow or green pus in the ear
Otitis externa, also known as Swimmer’s ear, is canal.
an inflammation of the outer ear. The skin which
lines the outer ear canal becomes red and  A high temperature (fever).
swollen due to infection by bacteria (a germ or  Reduced hearing.
bug) or fungus. This infection is very common  Noises inside the ear, such as buzzing,
and affects all age groups.
humming or ringing (tinnitus).
The outer ear canal is a short tunnel that runs

from the ear hole to the eardrum inside the ear. Treatment
It is lined with normal skin which contains hairs
and glands that produce wax. A swab (sterile cotton wool on a stick) may be
taken of the pus to test for bacteria or fungi.
Treatment is aimed at cleaning the canal and
keeping it dry.
Why does this happen?
Water may enter the outer ear canal and not
In mild cases a doctor may clean the outer ear
drain out, like when you go swimming or wash
canal using a light suction device or a probe and
your hair. When the ear canal is wet for a long
then prescribe an ointment or ear drops for you
period of time, the skin becomes soft and
to use at home.
‘soggy’. This makes it an ideal environment for
bacteria or fungi, which are normally present on
the skin, to grow and cause an infection. If the infection is severe, a cotton wick coated
with medication may be inserted into the ear
canal. You will need to see your doctor two to
Other possible causes of infection include:
three times a week for the wick to be changed.
 cleaning inside the ear canal with cotton
buds, fingertips and other objects
Sometimes antibiotics are needed. Take the full
 chemicals such as hairsprays, shampoos and course as prescribed, even if you feel better
hair dyes that may irritate and break the after a day or two.
fragile skin, allowing bacteria and fungi to
enter
 skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis Home care
where the skin is flaky or broken, and does
 Keep the ear canal dry by using earplugs or a
not act as a protective barrier
shower cap while bathing.
 narrow ear canals
 If you have pain, try simple analgesia such as
 middle-ear infections paracetamol and ibuprofen.
 diabetes.  These medications are not suitable for
everyone. Speak to your health care
professional or pharmacist before taking
What are the symptoms? these medications if you are unsure. Follow
 Pain and tenderness in the ear canal. the instructions on the product packaging.
 The outer ear may be sensitive and sore,  Apply a heat pack to the ear to help ease the
even to the lightest touch or movement. pain.
What to expect the public in all parts of Queensland and is
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365
Most people experience only minor discomfort. days a year for the cost of a local call*.
Sometimes the infection is ongoing or keeps *Calls from mobile phones may be charged at a higher
coming back. This may cause the ear canal to rate. Please check with your telephone service provider
become narrowed by scar tissue.
Disclaimer: This health information is for general

Narrow ear canals may also affect hearing. See education purposes only. Please consult with
your local doctor if problems persist or are not your doctor or other health professional to make
getting better. sure this information is right for you.
Follow-up The design and general content of this factsheet are reproduced
with the permission of the Victorian Minister for Health, from
If you have had a wick inserted into the ear you factsheets that are Copyright © the State of Victoria. Unauthorised
reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are
will need to see your doctor as instructed to prohibited without permission.
change the wick. If there are ongoing problems,
your local doctor may refer you to a specialist for
further treatment, and to prevent permanent
damage.
Prevention
There are a number of steps you can take to
prevent otitis externa.
 Avoid getting water into your ears. Wear
earplugs or plug your ears with cotton wool
coated in Vaseline when bathing and using
hair products.
 Avoid swimming in dirty or polluted water.
 Dry your ears well after bathing. Shake the
water out or use a hair dryer. You may be
advised to use ear drops, which are available
at pharmacies.
 Do not poke your fingers or any other objects
into your ears. The ear cleans itself naturally.
Seeking help
In a medical emergency, go to the nearest
hospital emergency department or call an
ambulance (dial 000).
For other medical problems see your local

doctor or health-care professional.
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) provides health

information, referral and teletriage services to
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Otitis externa

Emergency Department factsheets

What is otitis externa?  Itchiness.

The outer ear canal is a short tunnel that runs

Disclaimer: This health information is for general

For other medical problems see your local

13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) provides health

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