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What is the Treatment for an Outer Ear Boil?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

Treatment for an outer ear boil depends on whether an infection is present. Typically, when a boil is the result of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are often prescribed. Generally, oral antibiotics are recommended, although topical antibiotic ointment or a combination of both can be given. In addition to antibiotics, warm compresses can be used to help ease the pain and soothe inflammation.

A boil on the outer ear is usually painful and causes significant inflammation. For the pain, people can opt to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug or acetaminophen. For best results, however, anti-inflammatories usually work better because they treat pain as well as inflammation. Acetaminophen pain relievers only relieve mild to moderate pain, and do not manage inflammation. Both types of medications have side effects, and patients may want to discuss taking them with a medical professional.

Hair products should be avoided during the presence of an outer ear boil.
Hair products should be avoided during the presence of an outer ear boil.

It can be tempting for some individuals to squeeze an outer ear boil, however, this can be dangerous. It can not only cause additional pain and swelling, it can contribute to a secondary infection. Only a healthcare provider should attempt to lance a boil, and only under sterile conditions. This is sometimes done to facilitate the drainage of pus and speed the healing process. After the procedure, the wound is typically covered with antibiotic ointment and covered with a sterile dressing.

Oral antibiotics may be required to treat an outer ear boil.
Oral antibiotics may be required to treat an outer ear boil.

If a medical professional decides that the boil is not related to an infection, it may be enough to keep the area clean and apply cold compresses four or more times a day. Although cold compresses are preferred, some people might choose warm ones because they can help ease irritation. Each time a compress is applied, a clean one needs to be used. Using the same one over and over can contribute to cross contamination.

Warm compresses can be used to help ease the pain and soothe inflammation.
Warm compresses can be used to help ease the pain and soothe inflammation.

During the acute phase of an external ear boil, the surrounding hair should be kept clean and the use of hair products should be avoided. In addition, the boil should not be touched unless the hands have been thoroughly washed. Although this swelling is not especially contagious, if it is caused by an infection, care should be taken if it is draining or bleeding.

A boil on the outter ear may be extremely painful.
A boil on the outter ear may be extremely painful.

In the rare occasion where the ear boil is accompanied by severe pain, fever, and body aches, a medical professional should be immediately notified. These symptoms can signal a serious infection and may need medical intervention. Since an outer ear boil typically does not affect the inner ear, hearing is usually not in danger. If left untreated, however, a secondary infection can develop, as can extensive scarring.

Discussion Comments

anon352584

I have one on the left side of my face. It is swelling and painful. Two days prior I pierced my own ears and may have infected the area near by. Warm wash cloth heps tremendously. Today is day three and my left ear canal feels pressure and my head feels hot. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow because the boil is directly on a blood tumor I have under the skin.

ddljohn

After I noticed the boil in my ear, I put antiseptic cream on it and waited for a few days. But the boil got bigger and bigger. It was basically closing up my ear canal and I couldn't hear as well anymore.

I finally went to the doctor who put me on a strong antibiotic for an outer ear infection. It's only been a few days on the antibiotic, but the swelling and redness is going down.

literally45

@donasmrs-- Unless you press very hard on the boil, it shouldn't be a problem. I would recommend using a warm washcloth rather than something like a heating pad. You don't need so much heat.

Also, how do you know that this is a boil from an infection? Have you seen a doctor? If it is an infection caused boil, you probably need antibiotics.

Sometimes oil and hair in the ear can cause cystic pimples that look like boils. These are still an infection but don't require antibiotics. If that's the case, you don't need to do much aside from keeping the area clean and avoiding touching it.

donasmrs

I've been applying warm compresses on the boil in my ear. It makes it feel better and relieves the throbbing pain somewhat. But will the heat make the boil pop? I don't want it to pop because I'm scared that the virus or bacteria is going to spread.

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    • Hair products should be avoided during the presence of an outer ear boil.
      By: Boris Bulychev
      Hair products should be avoided during the presence of an outer ear boil.
    • Oral antibiotics may be required to treat an outer ear boil.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Oral antibiotics may be required to treat an outer ear boil.
    • Warm compresses can be used to help ease the pain and soothe inflammation.
      By: fotomatrix
      Warm compresses can be used to help ease the pain and soothe inflammation.
    • A boil on the outter ear may be extremely painful.
      By: Von Schonertagen
      A boil on the outter ear may be extremely painful.
    • After a doctor has lanced the boil, it will be covered with a sterile dressing to reduce the risk of secondary infection.
      By: Sherry Yates
      After a doctor has lanced the boil, it will be covered with a sterile dressing to reduce the risk of secondary infection.