Ear infections can affect different parts of the ear, so choosing the right option starts with identifying what you’re treating. Outer ear infections (otitis externa / swimmer’s ear) often cause itching or soreness in the ear canal, discomfort that can feel worse when you touch the outer ear, and sometimes mild discharge—commonly after swimming, sweating, or trapped moisture. Middle ear infections sit behind the eardrum and can cause deeper earache, fever, reduced hearing and feeling generally unwell (especially in children), and may need medical assessment.
Shop UK pharmacy products that may be suitable for minor outer ear infections and related irritation. Some items on this page are intended for infected or inflamed skin around the outer ear (not the ear canal), so always read the directions and product information carefully. If you’re not improving within a few days, symptoms are worsening, you have significant discharge, or you’re unsure what’s causing your ear pain, speak to a pharmacist, NHS 111 or your GP.
Shop by ear infection type
Popular types of ear infection products
- Otitis externa sprays for minor outer ear infections (ear canal)
- Ear drops (choice depends on cause, age, and suitability)
- Antiseptic creams for minor infected skin around the outer ear
- Anti-itch / mild steroid creams for short-term inflamed skin (where appropriate)
- Pain relief options to help manage earache alongside appropriate treatment
How to choose the right option
- Check the likely location: itchy/tender ear canal after moisture exposure suggests otitis externa; deep earache with fever may need medical review.
- Use the right format: sprays/drops are for the ear canal (when suitable); creams are for skin around the ear only.
- Check age guidance: pharmacy ear infection products can have age restrictions—always confirm suitability before buying for a child.
- Avoid ear-canal products if a perforated eardrum is possible: get advice first if you have heavy discharge, sudden hearing change, prior ear surgery, or known eardrum problems.
- Know what to expect: if you’re not improving within a few days or symptoms are worsening, seek advice rather than continuing to self-treat.
- Escalate urgently if needed: severe/worsening pain, high fever, swelling around the ear/face, spreading redness, dizziness/vomiting, or facial weakness needs urgent assessment.
Quick links: common needs
FAQs
What’s the difference between otitis externa and a middle ear infection?
Otitis externa affects the ear canal and is commonly linked to moisture or irritation. A middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum, can cause deeper pain and fever, and is more common in children—often needing medical assessment.
Can I buy ear infection treatment online from a UK pharmacy?
Some pharmacy treatments may be suitable for minor outer ear infections when you meet the safety criteria on the label. Suitability questions may be used to help ensure a product is appropriate. If symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent, or uncertain, speak to a pharmacist, NHS 111 or your GP.
Which products are for the ear canal and which are for skin?
Ear sprays/drops are designed for use in the ear canal (when suitable). Creams are generally for skin (for example, infected or inflamed areas around the outer ear) and are not the same as a treatment for an ear canal infection.
When should I avoid using ear drops or sprays?
Avoid self-treating if you suspect a perforated eardrum, have had ear surgery, have significant discharge, sudden hearing loss, severe pain, or worsening symptoms. Get medical advice before putting anything into the ear canal.
Can I swim with otitis externa (swimmer’s ear)?
It’s often best to avoid swimming and getting water in the ear while symptoms are active, as moisture can irritate the ear canal and delay recovery. If you need tailored advice (especially if symptoms are significant or recurring), speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Could earwax build-up feel like an ear infection?
Sometimes. Earwax build-up can cause blocked hearing, discomfort and a feeling of fullness, which can be confused with infection. If you’re unsure, have pain, discharge, fever, or worsening symptoms, speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice on the safest next step.
What symptoms mean I should seek urgent help?
Seek urgent help for high fever, severe or rapidly worsening pain, swelling around the ear or face, spreading redness, severe headache, confusion, dizziness with vomiting, facial weakness, or if a child is very unwell.
Important: This content is general information and does not replace medical advice or diagnosis. Always read the label and patient information leaflet and answer any suitability questions honestly. Do not use ear-canal products if you may have a perforated eardrum. If symptoms are severe, unusual, persistent, worsening, or you’re buying for a child, speak to a pharmacist, NHS 111 or your GP.
