Bacterial Otitis Externa

1 medicine

Bacterial otitis externa, sometimes called swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal usually triggered by trapped water. Antibiotic ear drops are the mainstay of treatment.

Ciprodex

Ciprofloxacin, Dexamethasone

0.3/0.1%

Ciprodex is a eye care medication containing Ciprofloxacin + Dexamethasone, available as 0.3/0.1% bottles.

from $15.30 / bottle View

Key facts

  • Bacterial otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear canal, sometimes called swimmer's ear because trapped water strips away the canal's protective acid layer and lets bacteria take hold.
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are the bacteria most often responsible, producing pain that worsens when the outer ear is tugged, itching, swelling, and sometimes a clear or yellowish discharge.
  • Antibiotic ear drops are the mainstay of treatment; ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone effective against the usual culprits and is often combined with dexamethasone to reduce swelling and ease pain faster.
  • See a doctor if pain is severe, the ear canal is completely blocked, or you have a fever, since spread beyond the canal needs systemic treatment.

What drives the infection and how it feels

The skin lining the ear canal is normally slightly acidic, which keeps bacteria in check. When water gets trapped after swimming or bathing, or when aggressive ear cleaning or an existing skin condition disrupts that acid barrier, bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus colonise the canal. The result is pain that worsens noticeably when the outer ear is tugged or pressed, along with itching, swelling of the canal, and sometimes a clear or yellowish discharge.

How it's treated

Antibiotic ear drops are the mainstay of treatment. Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is effective against the bacteria most commonly responsible for otitis externa and is often combined with dexamethasone to reduce swelling and relieve pain more quickly. Keeping the ear dry during treatment, and avoiding swimming or submerging the ear until symptoms clear, helps recovery and reduces the chance of the infection returning.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if pain is severe, the ear canal is completely blocked by swelling, or you develop a fever, since spread of the infection beyond the ear canal needs systemic antibiotic treatment rather than drops alone. Recurrent episodes are also worth discussing with a doctor, since an underlying skin condition or cleaning habit may need addressing.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.