Ear Infection

Yes. Children aged 1–17 with earache can be assessed free under NHS Pharmacy First — our pharmacist examines the ear and can supply NHS treatment where it's needed. For adults 18 and over with an outer-ear infection, our private ear infection treatment service includes an otoscope examination, with prescription drops or spray supplied only if suitable.

Often, yes. Most ear infections start to improve within about three days and clear without antibiotics — the body fights them off itself. Paracetamol or ibuprofen ease the pain in the meantime, and holding a warm or cold flannel against the ear can help. If it isn't settling after three days, get it assessed.

A middle-ear infection (otitis media) sits behind the eardrum, often follows a cold, and is most common in children. An outer-ear infection (otitis externa) affects the ear canal itself, is more common in adults, and is often linked to swimming or scratching the canal. They're treated differently — which is why an examination matters.

Get urgent advice — your GP or NHS 111 — if there's swelling or redness behind the ear, fluid or discharge coming from the ear, hearing loss, a very high temperature, or the person seems very unwell. Children under two with earache in both ears, and anyone not improving after three days, should also be seen.

Keep ears dry — dry them gently after swimming or showering — and avoid poking cotton buds or fingers into the ear canal, which irritates the skin and lets infection in. If you swim a lot, earplugs or a swimming hat over the ears can help. Infections that keep returning are worth discussing with our pharmacist or your GP.