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a bacterial infection – usually by bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus.A number of things can also increase your chance of developing the condition.

There are several different causes of otitis externa.

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a build-up of thick, dry skin in your ear canal, known as stenosis, which can narrow your ear canal and affect your hearing.

discomfort and pain in your ear that becomes worse when you move it – this is usually much milder than in short-term otitis externa.a constant itch in and around your ear canal.Symptoms of chronic otitis externa can include: In some cases, the symptoms of otitis externa can persist for several months, or sometimes years. However, don't attempt to squeeze any pimples or boils in your ear, as this could lead to the infection spreading elsewhere. If this happens, you may be able to see the pimple or boil in a mirror. Otitis externa sometimes occurs if a hair follicle inside the ear becomes infected by bacteria and develops into a spot (pimple) or boil. tenderness when you move your ear or jaw.discharge from your ear, which can be either thin and watery or thick and pus-like.scaly skin in and around your ear canal, which may peel off.a feeling of pressure and fullness inside your ear.redness and swelling of your outer ear and ear canal.itching and irritation in and around your ear canal.Otitis externa can cause a number of different symptoms affecting the ear and the surrounding area. Read more about the complications of otitis externa This requires prompt treatment with antibiotics and sometimes surgery, as it can be fatal if left untreated. One rare complication of otitis externa is necrotising otitis externa, which is where an infection spreads from the ear canal into the surrounding bone. Read more about preventing otitis externa ComplicationsĬomplications of otitis externa are uncommon, but some can be very serious. You should also try to avoid getting water, soap or shampoo into your ears when you have a shower or bath. If you're a regular swimmer, consider using ear plugs when swimming or wearing a swimming cap to cover your ears and protect them from water. To help reduce your chances of developing otitis externa, you should avoid inserting cotton wool buds and other things into your ears (including your fingers), as this can damage the sensitive skin in your ear canal. Read more about treating otitis externa Preventing otitis externa Your GP may refer you to a specialist for further treatment and advice if symptoms are severe or they fail to respond to treatment. There are a number of different types of ear drops that may be used to treat otitis externa, but they all tend to be used several times a day for about a week. Your GP can prescribe ear drop medication that usually improves the symptoms within a few days. Otitis externa sometimes gets better without treatment, but it can take several weeks. People with certain long-term (chronic) conditions are at greater risk of developing the condition. These include: The condition is slightly more common in women than men and is most often diagnosed in adults 45 to 75 years of age. It's estimated that around 1 in 10 people will be affected by it at some point in their lives.

Read more about the causes of otitis externa. Getting water in your ear is particularly significant, because this can cause you to scratch inside your ear, and the moisture also provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. There are a number of things that can make you more likely to develop otitis externa, including: Most cases of otitis externa are caused by a bacterial infection, although the condition can also be caused by: This will be tested to help determine what type of infection you have, if any, so appropriate medication can be prescribed. If you have recurring episodes of otitis externa that haven't responded to treatment, your GP may take a swab of the inside of your ear. They may also examine inside your ear using an instrument called an otoscope. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and whether you regularly use any items that are inserted into your ears, such as hearing aids or ear plugs. You should see your GP if you may have otitis externa. Read more about the symptoms of otitis externa When to see your GP However, some cases can persist for several months or longer. With treatment, these symptoms should clear up within a few days. a discharge of liquid or pus from the ear.Otitis externa is often referred to as 'swimmer's ear' because repeated exposure to water can make the ear canal more vulnerable to inflammation. Otitis externa is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal, which is the tube between the outer ear and eardrum.

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