How long should a patient with swimmer's ear (otitis externa) avoid water after starting treatment?

Water Avoidance Duration for Swimmer's Ear

Patients with acute otitis externa (swimmer's ear) should keep water out of the affected ear during the entire treatment period and until symptoms completely resolve, which typically takes 7 days, but may require up to 14 days in some cases. 1

During Active Treatment

• Cover the ear canal opening with an earplug or petroleum jelly-coated cotton prior to showering or hair washing to minimize water entry during the treatment period. 1
• The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery explicitly recommends checking with your doctor regarding swimming or other water activities that may take place during, or soon after, your infection. 1
• Avoid scratching or touching the ear, and do not insert anything into the ear canal, including cotton-tipped swabs, throughout the treatment course. 1

Expected Timeline for Recovery

• Most patients feel better within 48 to 72 hours of starting topical antibiotic drops, though this represents symptomatic improvement rather than complete resolution. 1
• Minimal or no symptoms should be present by 7 days in most cases. 1
• Eardrops should be used for at least 7 days, even if you feel better sooner, to prevent relapse of infection. 1
• If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, continue the drops until symptoms resolve for a maximum of 7 additional days (14 days total maximum). 1

When to Resume Water Activities

• Swimming should not be allowed until drainage stops completely in cases where visible ear drainage is present. 1
• The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery advises that patients should check with their doctor regarding the appropriate timing for resuming swimming or other water activities. 1
• Patients can expect their symptoms to last approximately 6 days after treatment begins, and water exposure should be avoided at minimum until this point. 2

Special Considerations

• If you taste the eardrops during treatment, this indicates a tympanic membrane perforation—inform your doctor immediately, as this may require extended water avoidance. 1
• Patients with tympanostomy tubes who develop otitis externa with visible drainage should prevent water entry into the ear canal during bathing or hair washing and avoid swimming until the drainage stops. 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not resume swimming prematurely based solely on feeling better—symptomatic improvement at 48-72 hours does not mean the infection has fully resolved. 1
• Failing to protect the ear during showering or hair washing can reintroduce water and delay healing. 1
• Discontinuing eardrops too early (before 7 days) increases the risk of relapse, even if symptoms have improved. 1