Outer Ear Infections
Ear infections can affect both the inner ear and the outer ear. Otitis external is an inflammation of the skin lining in the ear canal.
Often, an outer ear infection occurs due to a combination of factors. There is commonly some trauma to the skin and additionally there is a fungal and bacterial infection.
It can also be associated with other skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, where your skin is more prone to infection.
Treating Outer Ear Infections at IPSA
Contact IPSA clinic for an appointment with our resident GP. Our experienced doctors can offer you immediate treatment to relieve distressing symptoms like ear pain and pressure.
IPSA patients are seen in clean, quiet and confidential environment and our doctors can offer you an immediate appointment at a time to suit you. We will always take your symptoms seriously.
During your consultation, we will give you a full examination including an inspection of your ear canal to exclude any serious causes for your symptoms.
The doctor will usually begin the treatment by cleaning the ear. We may recommend treatments such as antibiotics, analgesia, immunity boosters, steroid sprays or antibiotic creams to help clear up your ear infection. We can also provide medical sick notes if needed.
At IPSA, we aim to give you complete peace of mind and full accessibility to our doctor if you need the service following your consultation.
If you have any further worries or questions when you go home with your treatment, we will provide you with easy access to our doctor over the phone.
Symptoms of Outer Ear Infection
- An outer ear infection often begins with an itchy ear
- Discharge from the ear
- Pain in the ear, which becomes worse when you push or pull your ear lobe or move your jaw
- The inflamed skin becomes swollen and your ear canal may partially close
- Hearing may be reduced in severe cases
How to Avoid Otitis
An outer ear infection can be caused by different things. It can start with an irritation by a foreign object like a cotton bud or earplugs that are left in the ear for a period of time, or hair products such as colouring or hair spray.
If you have diabetes or other diseases that can increase vulnerability to infections then you may develop an outer ear infection. It can also occur due to skin allergies and other skin conditions.
To help limit the risk of infection, you can take the following steps:
- Avoid cleaning the ear with cotton buds
- Try to avoid getting water in your ears. When in the shower, you can avoid this by plugging your ears with cotton wool coated with petroleum jelly
- Avoid swimming in dirty water
- If you have previously experienced otitis and you think the symptoms are returning, it is a good idea to restart treatment early
In rare cases, an ear infection can become chronic. In these cases, the inflammation makes the ear canal so narrow that it becomes very difficult treat the condition. But with appropriate treatment, the problem is usually resolved quickly.
If you suspect you may have an outer ear infection, contact IPSA for an immediate appointment.
Alternatively you can book online for a same-day appointment with one of our experienced doctors.
