Are outer ear infections contagious?

Outer ear infections, also known as otitis externa, are more common in adults aged 45 to 75 and cause inflammation of the ear canal, which is the tube between the outer ear and the eardrum.

These infections can’t be spread from person to person – but the viruses and bacteria that cause them certainly can! 

The outer ear infections, in themselves, aren’t infectious.  

It’s the viruses and bacteria that trigger them that cause all the problems as they can lead to the spread of the infection, from one person to another.  

You can’t spread the ear infection but you can spread the germs that led to that infection. 

Outer ear infection complications are rare (especially if the symptoms are treated quickly) but can still happen. 

In rare cases, you can develop a deep tissue infection, known as cellulitis, where the ear infection spreads into deeper layers of your skin.

It can also spread into nearby cartilage and bone. This is more likely to happen with people who already have a weakened immune system.

With treatment, symptoms of outer ear infections should clear up within a few days, and your pharmacist can help and advise you.

Without treatment, the outer ear infection can still get better but may take up to several weeks.

If the ear infection doesn’t clear up within a few weeks or after OTC treatment, see your GP. 

Outer ear infection is also referred to as ‘swimmer’s ear’ because of the way it is normally contracted. 

 Bacteria, the prime cause of infection, can grow in the stagnant water that’s left in your ear after swimming or bathing.  

While this isn’t normally a problem, if you have a scratch or sore on your ear, this can lead to bacterial infection. 

Getting water, soap or shampoo in the ear canal can irritate the skin, leading to infection; similarly, hot, humid weather can make inflammation of the ear canal more likely.  

Here are some practical steps to avoid getting an outer ear infection: 

• Try to prevent getting water, soap or shampoo in the ear canal when having a bath or shower 

• Clean the outside of the ear using a dry tissue or alcohol-free baby wipe after bathing or showering 

• Be sure not to use cotton buds, tissues or material to soak up any moisture in your ears – let them dry naturally 

• Wear a tight-fitting swimming cap over your ears when swimming 

• If your ears feel wet after swimming, you can use a hairdryer for a few minutes on the lowest setting, holding it 20 cm or 8 inches from the outside of the ear.

To summarise, outer ear infections are not contagious and they may not lead to middle ear infections.  

Talk to a pharmacist if you’re worried about an outer ear infection, so they can support you with treatment. 

We can all still enjoy our showers and swimming sessions, we just have to be mindful and take some precautions. 

Earcalm Spray is used for the treatment of minor infections of the outer ear. It contains the active ingredient acetic acid, an antibacterial agent that targets the bacteria causing the infection, helping to relieve the symptoms. Always read the label.