Otitis in the outer ear (otitis externa)

Reviewed by Dr Robert Mills, consultant otolaryngologist

What is otitis of the outer ear?

Otitis is an inflammation of the skin lining the ear canal.

What causes otitis?

Usually, there is a combination of factors. It may be a mixture of fungal and bacterial infection on top of some trauma to the skin, or it may be associated with some other skin condition, such as eczema, in which the skin is more prone to infection.

What are the symptoms?

It often begins with an itchy ear.

There is discharge from the ear.

There is a pain in the ear which is made worse by pushing or pulling the ear lobe or moving the jaw.

The ear canal may partially close up due to swelling of the inflamed skin.

In severe cases the hearing may be reduced.

How do you contract otitis?

Swimming in dirty water.

Getting water in your ears while showering or bathing.

Irritation due to foreign objects, such as cotton buds or earplugs, that are left in the ear for a period of time.

Skin allergy and other skin conditions.

Diabetes or other diseases that may cause increased vulnerability to infections.

Hair spray or hair colour that gets into the ear canal.

What can be done to avoid otitis?

Avoid cleaning the ear with cotton buds.

Try to avoid getting water in your ears. For example, cotton wool coated with petroleum jelly can be used to plug the ears in a shower.

If you have previously experienced otitis, it is a good idea to restart treatment early if it seems to be recurring.

How does the doctor diagnose otitis?

Inspection of the ear canal will show redness and swelling of the lining, some flaking of the skin and, perhaps, a foul-smelling discharge if it is very active.

Possible deterioration

The infection can become chronic. In rare cases, the inflammation makes the ear canal so narrow that the condition becomes very difficult treat. With appropriate treatment, however, the problem usually resolves quickly.

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