Description

Treatment for Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)

Earcalm Spray Overview

Earcalm Spray is a medicated ear spray used for the treatment of otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. It contains acetic acid 2%, which works by restoring the ear canal’s natural acidic environment, helping to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi responsible for infection.

In the UK, Earcalm is classified as a pharmacy medicine and can be supplied following assessment by a pharmacist. It is intended for short-term treatment of mild to moderate outer ear infections in adults.

Understanding Otitis Externa

What is otitis externa?

Otitis externa is an infection or inflammation of the external ear canal, the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. It most commonly develops when moisture, skin damage, or irritation allows microorganisms to grow within the ear canal.

Common contributing factors include:

• frequent swimming or water exposure
• trapped moisture in the ear
• damage to the ear canal skin
• use of cotton buds or other objects in the ear

Symptoms of otitis externa

Typical symptoms include:

• ear pain or tenderness
• itching inside the ear canal
• redness or swelling of the outer ear or canal
• discharge or fluid from the ear
• discomfort when touching or moving the outer ear

Hearing may feel reduced if swelling or debris partially blocks the ear canal.

What Is Earcalm Spray?

Earcalm Spray contains acetic acid 2%, a mild antiseptic that lowers the pH of the ear canal. Many bacteria and fungi associated with otitis externa cannot survive in acidic conditions.

Unlike antibiotic or steroid ear drops, Earcalm:

• does not contain antibiotics
• does not contain steroids
• supports the ear’s natural defences

This makes it suitable for appropriate cases of uncomplicated otitis externa.

How Does Earcalm Spray Work?

Mechanism of action

Earcalm works by:

• restoring the natural acidic environment of the ear canal
• inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth
• reducing inflammation linked to infection

As the infection clears, pain, itching, and discharge usually improve.

Why ear canal pH matters

A healthy ear canal is naturally slightly acidic. Water exposure, over-cleaning, or skin damage can disrupt this balance, increasing the risk of infection. Earcalm helps re-establish this protective environment.

What Earcalm Treats — and What It Does Not

What it treats

Earcalm Spray is used to treat:

• mild to moderate otitis externa
• outer ear infections caused by bacteria or fungi
• inflammation associated with swimmer’s ear

What it does not treat

Earcalm does not:

• treat middle ear infections (otitis media)
• relieve ear pain caused by impacted earwax
• treat perforated eardrums
• replace prescription treatment for severe infection

If symptoms are severe or worsening, medical assessment is required.

Who Is Earcalm Spray For?

Earcalm Spray may be suitable for:

• adults aged 18 years and over
• individuals with symptoms consistent with otitis externa
• those assessed by a pharmacist as suitable for pharmacy treatment

It is often recommended when symptoms are mild to moderate and there is no history of eardrum perforation.

Who Should Avoid Earcalm Spray

Earcalm Spray should not be used if:

• you are allergic to acetic acid
• you have a perforated eardrum or ear grommets
• you have severe ear pain or sudden hearing loss
• the ear infection has not been properly assessed

Children under 18 should only use Earcalm on the advice of a healthcare professional.

How to Use Earcalm Spray

Dosage and application

• Use one spray into the affected ear, three times daily
• Continue treatment for 2 days after symptoms resolve
• Typical treatment duration is up to 7 days

Important usage advice

• Tilt your head to allow the spray to reach the ear canal
• Keep the ear dry during treatment
• Do not insert cotton buds or other objects into the ear

Safety, Warnings and Side Effects

Common side effects

Some people experience:

• mild stinging or burning after application
• temporary irritation of the ear canal

These effects are usually short-lived.

Important safety advice

• for ear use only
• do not use if ear pain is severe or sudden
• avoid use if discharge is bloody

When to Seek Medical Advice

Speak to a GP or pharmacist if:

• symptoms do not improve after 2–3 days
• ear pain becomes severe
• discharge increases or becomes foul-smelling
• hearing worsens
• infections recur frequently

These may indicate a more serious condition requiring prescription treatment.

Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek advice from a pharmacist or GP before using Earcalm Spray.

How Earcalm Compares to Other Ear Treatments

Earcalm vs antibiotic ear drops

Antibiotic ear drops are typically prescribed for more severe otitis externa or when inflammation is significant. Earcalm is suitable for early or mild infections and may reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Earcalm vs steroid-containing ear drops

Steroid-containing drops reduce inflammation but require prescription and careful monitoring. Earcalm offers a non-steroid option for appropriate cases.

Supporting Ear Health and Prevention

To reduce the risk of otitis externa:

• keep ears dry after swimming or showering
• avoid inserting objects into the ear
• avoid excessive ear cleaning
• use earplugs if prone to swimmer’s ear

Good ear care can help prevent recurrence.

Earcalm Spray Summary

Earcalm Spray is an effective pharmacy treatment for mild to moderate otitis externa. By restoring the ear canal’s natural acidity, it helps clear infection and relieve symptoms without the use of antibiotics.

If symptoms persist or worsen, further medical assessment is essential.