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Suggest Treatment For Ear Pain When Suffering From Swimmers Ear

Posted on Thu, 7 Aug 2014

Question: I have swimmers ear and have been treating it with Otosporin drops 3 times a day for a 10 day course. This is my 6 day applying them. It was much better but today is starting to get painful again. DO I need to go back to the GP today to see if they can give me alternative eardrops or will I be OK to wait the full 10 days and go on Monday? If I wait and its worse tomorrow could I go to a MInor Injuries Unit instead as the GP will be closed?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get back to your doctor...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I do understand your concern and hence advise you consult your doctor immediately.

The reason behind this, is to rule out fungal infection, following prolonged use of otosporin ear drops.

If it's a fungal infection, the fungus will have to be cleared.

Meanwhile, you can take OTC pain killers for pain relief.

Hope I have answered your query. I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (33 hours later)

Thank you for your advice. I have been prescribed Locorten-Vioform eardrops, which I have been using for 24 hours. How long do you anticipate these will take to make a significant improvement? Swabs could not be taken on a Friday and I was told to go back for one next week if it does not improve. Which day should I give it till before going back? Is there an alternative treatment you could suggest for me to mention if it does not work? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can use this ear drops...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

If the diagnosis of fungal infection with otitis externa is correct, then you are on the right medicines.

I usually prescribe this drops for 3 days and call for follow-up after that. Most of the patients usually respond within 3 days (if they don't have any other medical problems, such as diabetes).

Apart from the drops, I usually prescribe oral antibiotics with an analgesic. This will hasten the process of healing.

Talk to your doctor. It's a very simple and common problem. With effective treatment it should heal within 3-4 days.

Hope this clears your doubt.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D