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

When your ear starts throbbing, especially after swimming or showering, you might be dealing with otitis externa, a painful infection of the outer ear canal often triggered by moisture, irritation, or bacteria. Also known as swimmer’s ear, it’s not just an annoyance—it can make sleeping, chewing, or even touching your ear unbearable. Unlike middle ear infections, which happen behind the eardrum, otitis externa attacks the skin lining the ear canal. This area is thin, sensitive, and easily damaged by cotton swabs, hearing aids, or prolonged water exposure.

Most cases are caused by bacteria, like Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus, thriving in warm, damp environments. Fungal infections are less common but still possible, especially if you’ve used antibiotics too often. People who swim regularly, wear earbuds all day, or have eczema or psoriasis are at higher risk. The real danger? Ignoring it. Left untreated, otitis externa can spread, cause swelling that blocks the ear canal, or even lead to more serious infections in people with diabetes or weakened immune systems.

Thankfully, most cases respond well to treatment. antibiotic ear drops, often combined with steroids to reduce swelling, are the go-to fix. You won’t need oral antibiotics unless the infection is severe or spreading. Over-the-counter pain relievers help, but they won’t cure it. What you should avoid? Putting anything—cotton swabs, alcohol, or home remedies—into the ear canal. That’s how it gets worse. Keeping your ears dry, using a hair dryer on low heat after swimming, and avoiding irritants are simple steps that prevent most flare-ups.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides based on recent medical updates. You’ll see how certain antibiotics like ampicillin are used in related skin and ear infections, why some ear drops work better than others, and how drugs like butenafine—designed for fungal skin infections—can sometimes offer clues for stubborn ear cases. There’s also info on how medications like doxycycline can trigger skin reactions that mimic ear infection symptoms, and how lifestyle choices like clothing and hygiene tie into prevention. These aren’t generic tips. They’re drawn from real patient cases, updated guidelines, and direct comparisons of treatments that actually work.