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ENT Conditions > Ear

Ear Discharge

Acute Otitis externa

Otitis externa is when the skin of the ear canal becomes inflamed. This may happen if you have scratched your ear or if you have a skin condition such as eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis. Otitis externa may be painful and give you a watery discharge. There is usually little or no hearing loss.

Treatment may be by the application of topical ointments, removal of debris and advice on future maintenance.

Ear discharge may be symptomatic of more serious middle ear disease and does require diagnosis and treatment.