Outer Ear Infection: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your ear starts hurting after swimming or showering, it’s often not just water trapped inside—it could be an outer ear infection, a bacterial or fungal infection of the ear canal that causes swelling, pain, and sometimes discharge. Also known as otitis externa, it’s one of the most common ear problems seen in clinics, especially in warm, humid climates or among frequent swimmers. Unlike middle ear infections that affect kids more, outer ear infections hit adults hard, especially those who spend time in pools, hot tubs, or even just have damp ears after a shower.

This isn’t just a minor itch. Left untreated, it can lead to severe pain, blocked ear canals, and even temporary hearing loss. The ear canal, the narrow passage from the outer ear to the eardrum is delicate. Scratch it with a cotton swab, leave it wet, or expose it to dirty water, and bacteria like Pseudomonas or fungi can take hold. That’s why swimmer’s ear, a common form of outer ear infection triggered by water exposure is so named—it’s not the water itself, but what grows in it.

Treatment usually starts with antibiotic ear drops, medicated solutions that target infection directly in the ear canal, not pills. Oral antibiotics rarely help unless the infection spreads beyond the canal. Some drops include steroids to reduce swelling or antifungals if yeast is the culprit. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen help, but they don’t fix the root cause. And no, putting oil, vinegar, or alcohol in your ear isn’t a reliable fix—it might even make things worse.

You’ll find posts here that break down which ear drops actually work, why some people get repeat infections, and how to tell if your ear pain is an outer infection or something else—like a blocked wax plug or a middle ear issue. There’s also info on how medications like ampicillin or doxycycline might be involved if the infection spreads, and why certain antibiotics are better than others for this specific problem. You’ll see how clothing choices, like wearing tight hats or headphones, can trap moisture and set the stage for trouble. And yes, there’s advice on what to avoid after treatment, like swimming too soon or using earbuds too aggressively.

This isn’t just about quick fixes. It’s about understanding what makes your ear vulnerable, how to prevent it from coming back, and when to push for a doctor’s visit instead of waiting it out. The posts below give you real, practical details—not guesses, not myths. Whether you’ve had this once or five times, you’ll find answers that match your situation.