Swimmer's ear (otitis externa): causes, treatment and prevention
A sore, itchy, swollen ear canal after swimming or showering is usually otitis externa. It is common, it usually clears with the right ear drops, and it is very preventable. This page also covers fungal ear infections.
Inflammation of the ear canal.
Otitis externa is inflammation, usually with infection, of the skin lining the ear canal, the tube between the outside of your ear and your eardrum. It is often called swimmer's ear because water that stays in the canal softens the skin and washes away the protective layer of wax, giving bacteria an easy way in.
It is not only swimmers who get it. Scratching the ear, cotton buds, hearing aids, earbuds and skin conditions such as eczema can all set it off. Most cases are caused by bacteria. Some, particularly after a course of antibiotic drops or in hot, humid weather, are caused by a fungus, which tends to itch more and can leave white, grey or black debris in the ear.
Often painful, with swelling and sometimes a yellow or green discharge.
Often follows antibiotic ear drops or swimming in warm climates. It needs antifungal drops rather than antibiotic ones.
Signs of swimmer's ear.
A pharmacist can advise on ear drops for a mild case. If it is very painful, spreading, or not improving after a few days of treatment, see your GP.
What sets it off.
Anything that damages the ear canal, or keeps it wet.
Swimming, especially in lakes or warm pools, and long showers.
Tiny breaks in the skin let bacteria in. Fingernails, keys and hair grips do the same.
They trap warmth and moisture, and can rub the canal skin.
Eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis in the ear canal.
Shampoos, hair dye and some ear drops can irritate the canal.
Hot, humid climates make both bacterial and fungal infections more likely.
How it is treated.
Most cases are treated with ear drops for about a week. Depending on the cause, these may contain an antibiotic, a steroid to reduce swelling, an acidic solution or an antifungal. A pharmacist can advise on mild cases, and your GP can prescribe stronger drops. Paracetamol or ibuprofen help with the pain.
If the canal is very swollen or full of debris, drops cannot reach the infection. In that case a GP or ENT service may clean the ear, or place a small wick in the canal to carry the drops in. Keep the ear dry until it has fully healed.
Severe or spreading infections, and otitis externa in people with diabetes or a weakened immune system, need prompt medical review.
How to stop it coming back.
- Dry your ears gently after swimming or showering. Tilt your head and use the corner of a towel, or a hairdryer on a cool setting at arm's length.
- Wear well-fitting swimming earplugs or a swimming cap if you swim regularly.
- Do not use cotton buds or scratch inside the ear canal.
- Clean hearing aids, moulds and earbuds regularly, and give your ears a break from them each day.
- When washing your hair, a piece of cotton wool coated in petroleum jelly in the outer ear helps keep water out.
If you swim regularly and keep getting infections, see our guide to swimming earplugs.
Clear ears, checked hearing, fewer infections.
We can look in your ears, tell you whether it looks like wax, infection or something else, and advise who to see.
Frequent infections can be linked to the fit or material of your ear moulds. We can review both.
A hearing check makes sure your hearing is back to normal once the canal has healed.
Once the infection has settled, built-up wax that may have contributed can be removed with microsuction.
See a GP urgently if
- The pain is severe, or spreading to your face, jaw or neck
- The outer ear is red, swollen and hot
- You have a high temperature or feel very unwell
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system and develop ear pain with discharge
- It is not improving after a few days of ear drops
Rarely, otitis externa spreads to the bone around the ear canal, especially in older people with diabetes. Ongoing severe pain, particularly at night, needs urgent medical attention.
Frequently asked questions.
With the right ear drops, most cases improve within a few days and clear within a week or two. Fungal infections can take longer.
It is best to keep the ear completely dry until it has healed, so avoid swimming, and keep water out when washing your hair.
No, it is not passed from person to person.
Ask your GP or pharmacist. It is often best to leave the aid out of the infected ear, or wear it as little as possible, until the canal heals, and to clean the aid and mould thoroughly.
The usual reasons are water in the ear, scratching or cotton buds, skin conditions, and devices that trap moisture. Breaking those habits usually stops the cycle. If it keeps happening, see your GP.
Back to clear hearing once it has healed.
Ear examinations and hearing checks in our Birmingham clinic or at home.
Ear infectionsItchy earsEar dischargeSwimming earplugsEarwax build-up
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.