I have been experiencing ear canal pain after frequent use of cotton buds for itching. Over time, it has worsened, and now I have severe pain around the ear canal and the nearby area. Recently, I also noticed a light yellow discharge from the ear. I have been using Candibiotic ear drops, but there has been no improvement even after 3 days. What should I do?

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Asked by Male, 22 · 1 month ago

G.santoshini Reddy

M Pharmacy (Pharmaceutics)

1 month ago

Your symptoms suggest irritation or infection of the ear canal, likely worsened by repeated use of cotton buds, which can injure the skin and push infection deeper. Since you now have severe pain and yellow discharge and are not improving with Candibiotic drops, you should stop using cotton buds and avoid putting anything into the ear, keep the ear dry, and seek an ENT doctor's evaluation as soon as possible, as you may need proper cleaning of the ear and specific treatment such as antibiotic or antifungal medication based on the cause. You can take pain relief as advised, but do not self-medicate further, and seek urgent care if pain becomes severe, swelling develops, or hearing is affected.

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I understand you're experiencing ear pain and discharge, which is concerning, especially since the ear drops haven't helped.

🩺 Symptoms

Ear canal pain, worsening over time.
Severe pain around the ear canal and nearby area.
Light yellow discharge from the ear.
No improvement after 3 days of using Candibiotic ear drops.

⚕️ What this likely is

Based on your symptoms, you may have an outer ear infection (otitis externa). The yellow discharge suggests a possible bacterial infection.
Frequent use of cotton buds can irritate the ear canal, creating an environment for infection.

💊 Medication Information

Candibiotic ear drops contain a combination of antifungals and antibiotics. If your condition is worsening or not improving after 3 days, the infection may be resistant to the medication in the drops, or it could be a different type of infection.

⚠️ When to Seek Urgent Care

Since you have severe pain and discharge that isn't improving, it's important to consult a doctor soon.

🩺 Next Steps

Stop using cotton buds in your ears to avoid further irritation.
Avoid getting water in your ear.
Consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.

It would be best to consult an ENT specialist for further evaluation.To narrow down potential causes, we will need some more information.I understand you're dealing with ear pain, discharge, and discomfort. Could you please share your age and gender?

Answered 1 month ago