Minor Ailments

Swimmer’s Ear

Treat swimmer’s ear with effective remedies, pharmacist assessment, and guided care.

What Is Swimmer's Ear?

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, usually caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming or bathing, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can thrive. It can also result from scratching the ear canal or using objects that damage the skin. While painful, swimmer’s ear is treatable and usually resolves quickly with appropriate care. Your PharmaChoice pharmacist can recommend the right treatment and prevention strategies.

Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear

Symptoms typically begin with itching and redness inside the ear, followed by increasing pain that worsens when the outer ear is touched or pulled. Other symptoms may include drainage or discharge from the ear, reduced hearing, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

How Your Pharmacist Can Help

Your PharmaChoice pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter ear drops to help treat mild swimmer’s ear and advise on pain management. For more severe infections, they can help determine if prescription antibiotic ear drops are needed and refer you to a physician if necessary.

Find Swimmer's Ear Treatment Near You

Find a PharmaChoice pharmacy near you for advice and treatment options for swimmer’s ear. Book an appointment with a pharmacist at your convenience.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about swimmer’s ear, including how it is treated, how long it lasts, and how to prevent it from recurring.

What causes swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear is caused by excess moisture in the ear canal that allows bacteria or fungi to grow. It can also be triggered by scratching the ear, using cotton swabs, or inserting foreign objects that irritate the skin of the ear canal.

How is swimmer's ear treated?

Treatment typically involves antibiotic or antifungal ear drops. Mild cases may respond to over-the-counter acidifying ear drops. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort while the infection clears.

How long does swimmer's ear last?

With appropriate treatment, swimmer's ear usually improves within a few days and resolves completely within 7–10 days. Without treatment, symptoms can worsen and spread.

Can I prevent swimmer's ear?

After swimming or bathing, tilt your head to drain water from each ear and gently dry the outer ear with a towel. Avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear canal. Preventive ear drops containing a diluted alcohol and vinegar solution may also help.

When should I see a doctor for swimmer's ear?

See a doctor or pharmacist if pain is severe, symptoms worsen after 2–3 days, you develop a fever, or you have a history of ear surgery or a perforated eardrum, as some treatments may not be suitable.

Get care guidance and treatment support from your pharmacist.

Our pharmacists can assess symptoms and prescribe treatments for minor ailments.