Question 1

can i buy over-the-counter remedies for otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Otitis externa: Hello, mix 2 parts white vinegar with 3 parts water and irrigate your ear 3x/day for 7-10 days.

Question 2

what is the best treatment for otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Ear drops: For uncomplicated otitis externa that's not severe, drops like cortisporin (neomycin polymyxin and hydrocortisone) otic work fine. Severe cases may require different ear drops, and maybe oral antibiotics if it's really bad. To prevent, use drops that are a mix of 2 parts vinegar & 1 part rubbing alcohol- let them run in & right back out any time you get water in ears; don't use if already infected.

Question 3

what's a simple, cheap treatment for my otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Vinegar: For mild cases, white vinegar can help. It can also be used after swimming ( a couple of drops) to prevent swimmers ear. But the ear drum needs to be intact (without a hole) before one can use it..Otherwise it will burn.

Question 4

what are the treatments for acute otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic drops: As above, occasionally the debris must be cleared for drops to get deep into the troubled area.

Question 5

my otitis externa is now okay and doesn't hurt anymore but there's a pimple like still inside i can feel it. and some smelly water coming out.

Accepted Answer

Continue treating: Continue applying the medication you were using until this has cleared.   Or go back and see an ENT doctor.

Question 6

i have otitis externa. is it ok that i don't have any medicine for my ear? i just take pain reliever to ease the pain.

Accepted Answer

Try to dry out: There are home remedies that are out there if you don't have antibiotics, but the most important thing is to try and keep the ear dry. You may want to try and use a blow dryer on an air setting and gently blow the air into the affected ear to dry it out. Whatever you do, if you're not getting better in a week seek further help - the infection can extend in the area and cause a bigger problem.

Question 7

what are the symptoms associated with otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Pain: These patients have ear pain that is worse when they pull on there ear or press near the ear canal.

Question 8

otitis externa still not going away. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor : Otitis externa, especially one that does not resolve with initial antibiotic drops, should be evaluated by a doctor.

Question 9

can you fly with otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

See below: You may be okay as long as you don't have inner ear (otitis media) involvement with the otitis externa or fluid behind your tympanic membrane.  If you do that would be very painful on the flight.

Question 10

what is otitis media vs otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

3 ear sections: Inner ear= the ear nerve
middle ear= the chamber with the ear bones between the ear drum and the ear nerve
outer ear= canal and outer ear structure 
otitis media implys  germs inside the ear drum in the middle chamber.Otitis externa implys germs or inflammation of the canal.

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Doctor answers about:

Over the counter treatment for otitis externa

A member asked:

Can i buy over-the-counter remedies for otitis externa?

A member asked:

What is the best treatment for otitis externa?

A member asked:

What's a simple, cheap treatment for my otitis externa?

A member asked:

What are the treatments for acute otitis externa?

A member asked:

My otitis externa is now okay and doesn't hurt anymore but there's a pimple like still inside i can feel it. and some smelly water coming out.

A member asked:

I have otitis externa. is it ok that i don't have any medicine for my ear? i just take pain reliever to ease the pain.

A member asked:

What are the symptoms associated with otitis externa?

A member asked:

Otitis externa still not going away. what should i do?

A member asked:

Can you fly with otitis externa?

A member asked:

What is otitis media vs otitis externa?

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