Otitis externa is an infection of the skin of the ear canal and is common in children and adults. It occurs more commonly when water enters the ear canal, such as after swimming. When the ear canal is wet for long periods of time, the skin becomes soft and 'soggy' which makes it an ideal environment for infection. Otitis externa is usually one-sided.
Symptoms of otitis externa:
Pain and tenderness in the ear canal
Itchiness
Foul smelling yellow or green pus in the ear canal
Reduced hearing/'blocked ear'
Noises inside the ear, such as buzzing, humming or ringing (tinnitus)
When should you worry?
If your child has any of the following:
Is going blue around the lips
Has pauses in their breathing (apnoeas) or has an irregular breathing pattern
Too breathless to talk/eat or drink
Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
Becomes extremely agitated, confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the 'Glass Test')
Has a fit/seizure
Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)
You need urgent help
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
If your child has any of the following:
Develops swelling behind the ear or increasing pain/redness behind the ear
Develops dizziness or is losing their balance
Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up)
Is complaining of a severe headache and neck stiffness/pain or discomfort with bright lifts (photophobia)
Is having breathing problems, such as rapid breathing, shortness of breath or laboured breathing (drawing in of muscles below the lower ribs when they breathe in)
Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or no urine passed for 12 hours)
Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain
Is 3-6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C / 102.2°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)
Signs of otitis externa and fever of 38.0°C or above
Is getting worse or if you're are worried
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today
Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk
If none of the above features are present
Self care
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111
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This guidance was last reviewed 20/12/2024.
Treatment
Most children with otitis externa do not need antibiotics. That's because research has shown antibiotics make very little difference to how quickly your child gets better. If you think that your child has otitis externa, you should consider using 2% acetic acid ear drops (e.g. Earcalm), which is an effective treatment for otitis externa. These are available without a prescription from your pharmacist, for a child over the age of 12.
If your child is still no better after a week of using acetic acid drops, they should see a GP who may consider starting them on antibiotic ear drops.
If your child has redness extending to the skin around the ear (cellulitis), go and see your GP as they may need treatment with oral antibiotics. In addition, if your child has any features of severe infection (amber or red features above), they will need to be urgently seen by a healthcare professional who may decide that your child may benefit from antibiotic treatment.
It is not possible to prevent ear infections; however, you can do things that may reduce your child's chances of developing the condition.
Avoid cleaning your child's ears with cotton buds - this may damage and irritate the ear canal and also push wax further into the ear. Wax is designed to come out by itself
Try not to let soap or shampoo get into your child's ear canal
Try to keep your child's ears dry; if water gets in, tip it out. This can be extremely challenging in young children!
Ensure your child is up-to-date with their immunisations
Avoid exposing your child to smoky environments (passive smoking)
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