Acute Otitis Externa

Acute otitis externa is an infection of the skin lining the outer ear canal. It is often called swimmer’s ear because water trapped in the canal softens the skin and disrupts its natural defences, allowing bacteria to take hold. The result is pain that typically worsens when the outer ear is touched or pulled, along with itching, a feeling of fullness, and sometimes a clear or yellowish discharge.

Medicine used to treat Acute Otitis Externa

Ciprodex

Ciprofloxacin, Dexamethasone

0.3/0.1%

Indicated to manage bacterial ear infections and formulated to alleviate inflammation and oedema within the ear canal.

From $15.30 / bottle View

What drives the infection and how it is treated

The vast majority of cases are caused by bacteria, most often Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic ear drops combining ciprofloxacin (to clear the bacterial infection) with dexamethasone (to reduce inflammation and ease pain quickly) are a standard approach. Keeping the canal dry and avoiding cotton buds speeds recovery; a clean cotton plug when showering can help. If pain is severe, hearing is muffled, or symptoms have not improved after a few days of treatment, see a doctor promptly, as infection occasionally spreads beyond the canal.