How long outer ear infections last

Although swimming is a common cause of infection, excess water in the ear canal after showering, sweating, or from excessively humid weather can also lead to an outer ear infection. Irritations to the ear canal can result from using or misusing a number of common products. These include:.

With proper treatments an outer ear infection should clear up in 7 to 10 days. If ear drops are used they are usually applied for a slightly longer period of time, 10 to 14 days.

If an outer ear infection is left untreated, then not only can it can last much longer, but it can lead to dangerous complications where the infection spreads to the base of your skull, brain, or cranial nerves. Even for bacterial infections, antibiotics should be reserved for more severe or persistent cases.

Always consult a doctor before using antibiotics. If you think you are experiencing ear infection symptoms, and the symptoms last longer than one or two days, you should consult a doctor. Sometimes ear infections do resolve on their own after a couple of days, but if the pain worsens or lingers, you should seek medical attention. Additionally, if you have fluid draining from your ear or your hearing is impaired by any of the symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

If you think you have symptoms of labyrinthitis inner ear then it is best to contact a doctor right away. If properly treated, ear infections will not lead to any other complications. If left untreated, however, your ear infection can, in rare cases, pose more serious health issues, including:.

Letting an ear infection go on without treatment can lead to permanent hearing loss and possible spread of the infection to other parts of your head. If you suspect you might have an ear infection, consult with your doctor or visit an urgent care center to get treatment as soon as possible. Current management of pediatric acute otitis media. Ear Infection. Most PlushCare articles are reviewed by M. Ds, N. Click here to learn more and meet some of the professionals behind our blog.

The PlushCare blog, or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For more information click here. If you suffer from asthma or chronic allergies, then chances are you have…. My Feet Are So Itchy! Itchy feet can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if the itchiness is chronic or accompanied by….

Swimmer's ear — or otitis externa — usually develops in ears that are exposed to moisture. People who get it often have been diving or swimming a lot, which can bring germs directly into the ear canal. Swimmer's ear often happens during the summer months, when lots of us are enjoying water activities.

People who don't swim can also develop it by scratching their ear canals when they try to clean their ears. This is especially true if they use cotton swabs or dangerously sharp small objects, like hair clips or bobby pins.

Sometimes, in a person with a middle ear infection otitis media , pus collected in the middle ear can drain into the ear canal through a hole in the eardrum, causing otitis externa. The main sign is severe ear pain that gets worse when the outside part of the ear is pulled or pressed on. Sometimes there is itching in the ear canal before the pain begins. The outer ear might get red or swollen. Lymph nodes around the ear may get enlarged and tender. Sometimes, there's a greenish-yellow discharge of pus from the ear opening.

It can be hard to hear in the affected ear if pus or swelling of the canal begins to block passage of sound into the ear. Prescription ear drops usually cure swimmer's ear in 7—10 days. The pain should ease within a few days of starting treatment. External otitis is not contagious, so you don't have to limit your contact with friends as long as you're feeling well enough to socialize. If you have a spot or boil in your ear, the GP may pierce it with a needle to drain the pus.

You cannot always prevent ear infections, particularly inner ear infections caused by colds and flu. Page last reviewed: 16 June Next review due: 16 June Ear infections. Check if it's an ear infection The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include: pain inside the ear a high temperature being sick a lack of energy difficulty hearing discharge running out of the ear a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear itching and irritation in and around the ear scaly skin in and around the ear Young children and babies with an ear infection may also: rub or pull their ear not react to some sounds be irritable or restless be off their food keep losing their balance Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.

Differences between inner, middle and outer ear infections Differences between middle and outer ear infections Inner ear infection Middle ear infection otitis media Outer ear infection otitis externa Can affect both children and adults Usually affects children Usually affects adults aged 45 to 75 Caused by viral or bacterial infections Caused by viruses like colds and flu Caused by something irritating the ear canal, such as eczema, water or wearing earplugs Affects parts of the inner ear like the labyrinth and vestibular system, and can lead to labyrinthitis Affects the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear area behind the eardrum to the back of the nose Affects the ear canal the tube between the outer ear and the eardrum.

Do use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen children under 16 should not take aspirin place a warm or cold flannel on the ear remove any discharge by wiping the ear with cotton wool. Find a pharmacy. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you or your child have:.