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Ear Infection Treatment Online — Including Swimmer's Ear

Ear pain, pressure, and drainage are no way to spend a vacation. Get evaluated and treated by a board-certified physician from the beach.
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Ear Infection Symptoms

Ear infections come in two main types — middle ear (otitis media) and outer ear canal (otitis externa / swimmer’s ear). Both are extremely common among beach vacationers.

  • 👂 Deep ear pain or pressure
  • 🔊 Muffled hearing or feeling of fullness
  • 💧 Fluid or drainage from the ear
  • 🌡️ Fever (more common in children)
  • 😫 Itching or burning in the ear canal (swimmer’s ear)
  • 😵 Dizziness or balance issues (call us right away)
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    Swimmer's Ear vs. Middle Ear Infection

    Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, almost always caused by water exposure. It’s the beach diagnosis — the ear hurts when you pull on the outer ear, the canal looks red and swollen, and there’s often clear or white drainage.

    Middle ear infections develop behind the eardrum, often following a cold or respiratory infection. Pain is deeper, there may be pressure or muffled hearing, and fever is more common. Both are treatable with telemedicine.

    “Swimmer’s ear affects thousands of beach vacationers every summer. Most cases resolve in 7 days with the right ear drops — we can have your prescription ready the same day.” — Dr. Will Carlson, MD

    “Swimmer’s ear affects thousands of beach vacationers every summer. Most cases resolve in 7 days with the right ear drops — we can have your prescription ready the same day.”

    — Dr. Will Carlson, MD

    — Dr. Will Carlson, MD
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    How We Treat Ear Infections via Telemedicine

    During your virtual visit, your physician will evaluate your symptoms, duration, and any associated conditions. Treatment options include:

  • Antibiotic ear drops — First-line for swimmer’s ear (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone)
  • Oral antibiotics — For middle ear infections in adults and children
  • Pain management — OTC recommendations or prescription ear drops for fast relief
  • Watchful waiting guidance — For mild cases that may resolve without antibiotics
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    Pediatric Ear Infections on Vacation

    Ear infections are the #1 reason parents call a doctor while traveling. Our physicians are experienced in pediatric ear infections and can evaluate your child by video — assessing severity, recommending treatment, and prescribing antibiotics when clinically indicated.

    For children under 2 or those with high fever, we’ll always guide you carefully on whether in-person evaluation is needed.

    PETERSEN’S PLAYBOOK Dr. Erik Petersen, MD Board-Certified · Emergency Medicine · 20+ Years CARLSON’S CORNER Dr. Will Carlson, MD Board-Certified · Family Medicine · Emergency Medicine
    PETERSEN’S PLAYBOOK Dr. Erik Petersen, MD Board-Certified · Emergency Medicine · 20+ Years
    PETERSEN’S PLAYBOOK Dr. Erik Petersen, MD Board-Certified · Emergency Medicine · 20+ Years
    PETERSEN’S PLAYBOOK
    Dr. Erik Petersen, MD
    Board-Certified · Emergency Medicine · 20+ Years
    CARLSON’S CORNER Dr. Will Carlson, MD Board-Certified · Family Medicine · Emergency Medicine
    CARLSON’S CORNER Dr. Will Carlson, MD Board-Certified · Family Medicine · Emergency Medicine
    CARLSON’S CORNER
    Dr. Will Carlson, MD
    Board-Certified · Family Medicine · Emergency Medicine
    ⚠️ When to Go to the Emergency Room High fever that won’t come down (103°F+) Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Severe chest pain Signs of severe allergic reaction (throat swelling, rash spreading rapidly) Altered mental status or confusion Symptoms rapidly worsening despite treatment If in doubt, call 911 or go to your nearest ER. Virtual care is best for non-emergency situations.
    ⚠️ When to Go to the Emergency Room
  • High fever that won’t come down (103°F+)
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Severe chest pain
  • Signs of severe allergic reaction (throat swelling, rash spreading rapidly)
  • Altered mental status or confusion
  • Symptoms rapidly worsening despite treatment

    • If in doubt, call 911 or go to your nearest ER. Virtual care is best for non-emergency situations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can telemedicine treat ear infections? Yes. A physician can evaluate ear infection symptoms by video — examining your ear canal with a phone camera if needed — and prescribe antibiotics or ear drops when appropriate.
    Can telemedicine treat ear infections?
    Yes. A physician can evaluate ear infection symptoms by video — examining your ear canal with a phone camera if needed — and prescribe antibiotics or ear drops when appropriate.
    How do I know if it’s an ear infection or just swimmer’s ear? Middle ear infections (otitis media) typically cause deep ear pain, pressure, and sometimes fever. Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) causes pain in the outer ear canal, especially with tugging on the ear. Both are treatable via telemedicine.
    How do I know if it’s an ear infection or just swimmer’s ear?
    Middle ear infections (otitis media) typically cause deep ear pain, pressure, and sometimes fever. Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) causes pain in the outer ear canal, especially with tugging on the ear. Both are treatable via telemedicine.
    How long does an ear infection last with antibiotics? Most bacterial ear infections improve significantly within 48–72 hours of starting antibiotics, with full resolution in 7–10 days.
    How long does an ear infection last with antibiotics?
    Most bacterial ear infections improve significantly within 48–72 hours of starting antibiotics, with full resolution in 7–10 days.
    Can adults get ear infections? Yes — adults frequently develop ear infections, especially after colds, sinus infections, or water exposure. Swimmer’s ear is particularly common among adults at beach destinations.
    Can adults get ear infections?
    Yes — adults frequently develop ear infections, especially after colds, sinus infections, or water exposure. Swimmer’s ear is particularly common among adults at beach destinations.
    What’s the difference between a viral and bacterial ear infection? Viral ear infections typically resolve on their own with supportive care. Bacterial infections usually require antibiotics. Your physician can help determine which you likely have based on your symptoms and history.
    What’s the difference between a viral and bacterial ear infection?
    Viral ear infections typically resolve on their own with supportive care. Bacterial infections usually require antibiotics. Your physician can help determine which you likely have based on your symptoms and history.

    Related: Virtual Urgent Care · Pediatric Care

    Virtual Urgent CarePediatric Care
    Love Vacation Medicine? Meet Our Sister Practice FirstCall DPC — Your Doctor, Everywhere You Go If you loved your Vacation Medicine experience, FirstCall DPC takes it further. Direct Primary Care membership gives you same-day access to Dr. Petersen and the team — available in 20+ states for primary care, chronic disease management, hormone optimization, and more. No insurance bureaucracy. Just your doctor. Explore FirstCall DPC → firstcalldpc.com · 20+ states
    Love Vacation Medicine? Meet Our Sister Practice FirstCall DPC — Your Doctor, Everywhere You Go If you loved your Vacation Medicine experience, FirstCall DPC takes it further. Direct Primary Care membership gives you same-day access to Dr. Petersen and the team — available in 20+ states for primary care, chronic disease management, hormone optimization, and more. No insurance bureaucracy. Just your doctor.
    Love Vacation Medicine? Meet Our Sister Practice
    FirstCall DPC — Your Doctor, Everywhere You Go
    If you loved your Vacation Medicine experience, FirstCall DPC takes it further. Direct Primary Care membership gives you same-day access to Dr. Petersen and the team — available in 20+ states for primary care, chronic disease management, hormone optimization, and more. No insurance bureaucracy. Just your doctor.
    Explore FirstCall DPC → firstcalldpc.com · 20+ states
    Explore FirstCall DPC →
    firstcalldpc.com · 20+ states
    Ear Pain Shouldn’t Ruin Your Vacation Board-certified physicians · Swimmer’s ear specialists · Prescriptions sent fast Book a Virtual Visit →
    Ear Pain Shouldn’t Ruin Your Vacation
    Board-certified physicians · Swimmer’s ear specialists · Prescriptions sent fast

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    Book a Virtual Visit →
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