Outer ear infection treatment

These are different services.

Our Outer Ear Infection Treatment service is a private service for infections affecting the outer ear or ear canal (otitis externa).

If you're aged 1–17 years and have symptoms of an infection affecting the middle ear (acute otitis media), you may instead be eligible for the NHS Pharmacy First Earache service, subject to NHS eligibility criteria.

If you're unsure which service is suitable for you, our pharmacy team can help identify the most appropriate option based on your symptoms.

If you're experiencing symptoms of an outer ear infection (otitis externa), you don't have to wait for a GP appointment.

Our private Outer Ear Infection Treatment service allows you to book an appointment at your preferred PillBox Chemists branch for a professional assessment. Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and, where clinically appropriate, provide suitable treatment to help manage the infection and relieve your symptoms.

An outer ear infection, also known as otitis externa, is inflammation or infection of the ear canal. It can affect one or both ears and may develop when the skin inside the ear canal becomes irritated or damaged, allowing an infection to develop.

Common symptoms can include:

• Ear pain or discomfort

• Itching inside the ear

• Redness or swelling around the ear canal

• Discharge from the ear

• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear

• Temporary changes in hearing

Symptoms can vary from person to person, so our pharmacist will assess your individual symptoms before recommending treatment.

During your appointment, our pharmacist will:

• Ask about your symptoms and how long you've had them

• Review relevant medical history and any medicines you're taking

• Assess your ear and symptoms

• Discuss the most appropriate treatment options

• Provide suitable treatment where clinically appropriate

• Explain how to use your treatment correctly

• Provide advice on caring for your ear and managing your symptoms

If your symptoms suggest that you need further investigation or treatment that we cannot provide, we'll advise you on the most appropriate next step.

Treatment will depend on your symptoms and the findings of your pharmacist's assessment.

Where clinically appropriate, treatment may be provided to help:

• Treat the infection

• Reduce inflammation

• Relieve pain or discomfort

• Manage associated symptoms

Your pharmacist will explain how to use your treatment correctly, how long to use it for and what to do if your symptoms do not improve.

Treatment is only supplied following a clinical assessment and where appropriate for the individual patient.

• Convenient pharmacy appointments

• No need to wait for a GP appointment

• Professional pharmacist assessment

• Treatment available where clinically appropriate

• Advice on managing your symptoms

• Professional and confidential service

• Convenient local pharmacy locations

The Outer Ear Infection Treatment service is a private service and charges apply. Any applicable consultation and treatment costs will be explained to you by the pharmacy team.

Treatment is only supplied following a clinical assessment and where clinically appropriate.

If you're unsure whether this service is suitable for you, our pharmacy team will be happy to help. We'll assess your symptoms, provide advice and treatment where appropriate, or refer you to another healthcare professional if needed.