General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
After swimming, ear pain may arise in the outer ear canal. Moisture and small injuries favour this infection; pain alone does not confirm that you have otitis externa.
The doctor examines the canal and eardrum with an otoscope. Wax swollen by water can also hurt: examination distinguishes causes and helps choose the appropriate treatment.
Do not restart leftover ear drops. Some must not be used with a perforated eardrum; report a known or suspected perforation before prescribing and check the product with your pharmacist.
To prevent recurrence, avoid scratching the canal and using cotton buds. Prevent moisture from lingering in the canal and seek treatment for eczema around the ear.
Very severe pain with fever or marked tiredness, especially with diabetes, needs medical advice without delay. A red, swollen and very painful outer ear also needs prompt examination.
Follow the prescription and arrange the examination after treatment. The doctor checks healing and causes of recurrence; persistent discomfort is not a reason to extend ear drops yourself.
Sources
- Assurance Maladie — otite externe, définition et causes, 24 février 2025
- Assurance Maladie — symptômes et diagnostic, 24 février 2025
- Assurance Maladie — traitement et suivi, 24 février 2025
- ANSM / Base publique des médicaments — ANTIBIO SYNALAR, RCP du 14 juin 2018, fiche actualisée le 29 septembre 2026
- HAS — gouttes auriculaires, mise au point publiée le 6 juillet 2018
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