Otitis Externa: Causes, Treatments, and What Works Best

When your ear starts to ache, especially when you tug on your earlobe, you’re likely 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 for people who spend hours in pools—it can happen after showering, using cotton swabs, or even wearing earbuds too long. Unlike middle ear infections, which happen behind the eardrum, otitis externa attacks the skin lining the ear canal, making it red, swollen, and tender. It’s common, treatable, and often preventable—if you know what to look for.

Most cases are caused by bacteria, like Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus, thriving in warm, damp environments. Ear drops, often containing antibiotics and steroids, are the first-line treatment and work fast when used correctly. Some people try home remedies like vinegar rinses or heat packs, but these aren’t always reliable. If the infection spreads or doesn’t improve, antibiotics, taken orally or directly applied, become necessary. Kids and adults both get it, but people with eczema, diabetes, or frequent swimming are at higher risk.

What you avoid matters just as much as what you use. Never stick anything sharp into your ear—even a bobby pin. Don’t clean your ears daily—earwax is protective. If you swim often, dry your ears with a towel or use a hairdryer on low heat. And if your ear starts to hurt after water gets in, don’t wait. Early treatment stops it from turning into a nasty, weeks-long problem.

The posts below cover real-world approaches to managing otitis externa—from the antibiotics doctors actually prescribe to the over-the-counter options that help, and even how to tell when it’s something worse. You’ll find practical advice on cefprozil for ear infections, when to skip home remedies, and how to prevent recurrence. No fluff. Just what works.