Outer Ear Infections
Outer ear infections are common, especially among children, people with eczema or swimmers. In fact, outer ear infections are sometimes called “Swimmer’s Ear”.
If you think you or your child may have an outer ear infection, Murrays Chemist in Harrow can help diagnose and treat the infection.
What is an outer ear infection?
An outer ear infection, or otitis externa, is where the area between your external ear up to your eardrum becomes infected. The infection can be bacterial or from a fungus and may affect a small area or be more widespread throughout the ear canal.
What are the symptoms of an outer ear infection?
Outer ear infections can be very painful and can make anyone feel quite unwell. Other symptoms include:
- Itching
- Pain when you push or pull your external ear or move your jaw
- Discharge from the ear
- Swollen glands under your ear
- Dulled hearing in the affected ear
- Fever
If your child has a suspected ear infection and has severe pain plus a high fever, you should contact your GP.
What treatments are available for outer ear infections?
Outer ear infections are very treatable. You can take pain killers, such as paracetamol, for the pain. Ear drops and sprays can treat the infection itself. These usually contain antibiotics but are sometimes antifungal medications if the infection is fungal. Steroids creams are also used to treat inflammation.
Your treatment may involve one or more of these treatments depending on how mild the infection is.
How do I get treatments for outer ear infections in Harrow?
Murrays Chemist in Harrow offers a pharmacist consultation for helping people who have an outer ear infection. The pharmacist will assess your condition and prescribe you a treatment.
The pharmacist will give you the best course of action for your condition, including referring you to your GP if your infection is more serious.
You can drop into Murrays Chemist on Kenton Road to find out more about our pharmacist consultations. Or you can book online now using our booking form below so you can start your outer ear infection treatment as soon as possible.
