Also called swimmer's ear. What inflames the ear canal, how it's treated, and how to keep it from coming back.
Otitis externa is inflammation of the outer ear canal, often nicknamed 'swimmer's ear' because trapped water is a common trigger. It can be itchy and painful, and the canal may weep or feel blocked.
It's very treatable, and a few simple habits make it much less likely to return.
Water softens the canal's skin, letting bacteria or fungi take hold.
It often starts itchy, then becomes sore - especially when the ear is touched.
Cotton buds, earplugs and skin conditions can all inflame the delicate canal.
A handful of easy habits dramatically cut the chance of it returning.
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There's no rush and no pressure — just clear answers and aftercare that continues through your patient portal.
Treatment usually starts with gently cleaning the ear canal so that medicated ear drops can actually reach the inflamed skin - which is why professional microsuction often speeds up recovery. Drops then settle the infection over a week or so.
Keeping the ear dry during treatment is essential, and we'll show you how. Catching it early keeps things simple, so it's worth acting at the first itch rather than waiting for real pain.
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