AskDocDoc
/
/
/
what is otitis externa
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 22M : 22S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Health
Question #26681
90 days ago
153

what is otitis externa - #26681

Hriday

I am seriously worried about my ear situation. Like, a week ago, I started feeling this strange itch in my outer ear, and then it got really red and painful. It hurt a lot when I touched it, and I even noticed some weird discharge coming out. I went to the clinic, and they told me I might have otitis externa but didn’t go into much detail. What is otitis externa, anyway? I looked it up online, and it seems like it has something to do with inflammation of the ear canal. But why is it itchy? I’m not sure if I can remember what my doctor said but I think he mentioned it could be caused by water exposure, like from swimming, which makes sense since I just got back from the beach. I really don’t wanna keep dealing with this pain. What is otitis externa usually treated with? Is it common? I’ve also heard about people using home remedies, but I’m a bit scared to try anything without knowing if it’s okay. Do I need to see a specialist or can a regular doc help too? Just looking for some advice here since I can't shake off this discomfort.

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Otitis externa, often referred to as “swimmer’s ear,” is an inflammation of the external ear canal, and you’re right about it being connected to factors like moisture exposure. It occurs when water remains in your ear long enough to allow bacteria or fungi to grow. This environment becomes a breeding ground for microbes that can irritate the skin of the canal, leading to symptoms like itchiness, redness, pain, and sometimes discharge. The itchiness is part of the inflammatory response, as your body reacts to these irritants.

Treatment for otitis externa typically involves cleaning away debris and infection from the ear canal if necessary and using medicated ear drops. These drops often include a combination of an anti-inflammatory like a corticosteroid and an antibiotic or antifungal to address any bacterial or fungal infection. It is generally advised against using home remedies such as inserting objects to scratch or clean the ear, or applying oils or vinegar without medical advice, as they can worsen the condition. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful to manage discomfort.

Seeing a specialist isn’t usually required unless there’s severe pain or if the infection isn’t responding to initial treatments; a regular doctor can effectively manage this condition. However, you should return to your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or persist, as they can assess whether the treatment plan needs some adjustments or if there’s any complication. Preventative measures include keeping the ears dry, avoiding inserting objects into the ear canal, and using earplugs or swim caps when swimming. An expert can also guide whether further interventions are necessary.

Prompt and proper treatment can help alleviate your symptoms fast, allowing you to return to your normal activities and avoid complications. Regular follow-up ensures the infection is appropriately resolved, so it’s important to heed any medical follow-up advice provided by your doctor.

20239 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


what to mix with coconut oil for hair growth
which metal is best for cooking utensils
doctor specialization
bladder of the patient should emptied before physical examination
does vinegar expire
what to eat in cold and sore throat
Brainfog oversleeping forgetfulness
what are the benefits of beetroot juice
I swallowed a pill but i think it is stuck in my airway
i feel tired and low energy nd upset mood
rubbing ice cube on face
how to maintain body heat
what causes nasal polyps
febrile phase of dengue fever
how to remove acne scars from face
We don’t know yet what he really has
how breast cancer occurs
How I can help my sick daughter
earing aid
10000 steps per day benefits
what is menthol
is dolo paracetamol
chikungunya treatment
What causes gas and chest heaviness?
red banana side effects
is honey good for liver repair
What to do if I have chest swelling and heart pain after shaving my underarms?
is lipoma curable
human life style
weak liver treatment
red rice benefits and side effects
ear canal infection
baking soda also known as
symptoms for viral fever
What should I do if I'm feeling anxious about rabies after a cat scratch?
symptoms of ear fungal infection
what is the best blood group
how to reduce teeth pain immediately
natural ways to detox liver
what can i take instead of ibuprofen for inflammation
solution of loose motion
4 types of headaches
how to improve liver function naturally
mouth swelling inside cheek home remedies
can i eat curd rice during loose motion
What should I do after accidentally taking 7 Enzoflam pills in an hour without any symptoms?
cleanse liver
fastest healing part of the body
why is my ear itching
is mastrubation causes energy loss
urine routine test results normal range
which water bottle is good for health
what is marma therapy
which fruit juice is best for health
how to know original shilajit
how long does it take for shilajit to work
pimples on face indicates
cheek swelling without pain
symptoms of liver pain
sinus and headache
how bilirubin increase
does ibuprofen help with sore throat
Brucella urine discharge sexual function
how to clean blood naturally
ear blocked due to cold home remedy
my ear is paining what should i do
which oil is used for body massage
how to detox body at home
I get headaches and feeling of nausea frequently
dolo tablet side effects
sudden weight loss causes
how to treat dry throat
How to recover from feeling weak after using metformin without a prescription?
Comment réduire les sensations dans mon sex
leukocyte count means
is leech therapy painful
can we take shilajit daily
ashwagandha churna how to use
which fruit juice is good for cold and cough
How to reduce pain in the chest?
how to use arjun ki chaal for cholesterol
Which yoga is best for blood circulation?
face clean tips
detoxification of blood
how to take shilajit gold capsule
how to remove bleaching powder from water
What is the theory behind allopathic medicine and how does it work?
How to cancel monthly withdrawals for a one-time consultation charge?
coconut water is good for loose motion
How to recover from feeling unwell after taking metformin without a prescription?
تشخيص الحالة حسب المعجبات و توجيه
Experiencing Dizziness and Hand Pain with Irregular Periods
Blood in mucus with headache and dizziness
Which yoga is best for cholesterol control?
what is the use of ashwagandha powder
which kadai is good for cooking
side effects of aceclofenac
One testicle hanging lower than the other one
Walnut on ass hole ............
dolo 650 in hand