A small-sized boil that develops inside the ear canal can be quite painful. In most cases, it typically settles without treatment, but it might require pain medications and antibiotics in some instances.
What are the indications?
- Pain is the characteristic symptom of a boil in the ear canal. The pain can be quite intense even though the boil is small. The discomfort it causes is due to its location.
- Itchiness
- Irritation
- Brief hearing loss
Pain is the characteristic symptom of a boil in the ear canal. The pain can be quite intense even though the boil is small.
If the boil ruptures, there is sudden drainage from the ear. Once this occurs, the pain often subsides and the symptoms later settle.
Causes of an ear canal boil
In most cases, a boil develops for no evident reason. They appear the same as most spots or small-sized boils that develop on any part of the skin. In some instances, the infection develops on impaired skin.
The skin in the ear canal can be damaged if the individual pokes his/her ear with objects particularly a cotton bud. If the skin is slightly damaged, it becomes inflamed rapidly which leads to infection.
Management
A boil usually settles without requiring any treatment. The immune system typically clears out the bacteria that results to small-sized boils. Nevertheless, the pain can be intense until it settles.
- Pain medications
- A warm moist flannel can be applied against the affected ear to alleviate the pain
- Antibiotics such as flucloxacillin might be required if it does not settle on its own or the infection is severe
- Oftentimes, the boil is bigger and painful.
Prevention
In some individuals, soap, water, shampoo or even hair spray that enters the ears can cause trigger irritation or itchiness. The ensuing itchiness will urge the individual to prod or scratch the ear canal with a cotton bud. This can damage the skin in the ear canal and trigger inflammation. The inflamed skin is at high risk for infection.
Some individuals clean their ears using cotton buds. Take note that this is not only unnecessary but can also damage the skin in the ear canal.