Methods for treating and preventing otitis externa with a course of treatment consisting of as little as a single dose are provided. The methods are practiced by topical administration of compositions having a lipid carrier, such as liposomes and non-vesicular lipids, to the outer ear canal. Such compositions lack viscocity-enhancing celluloses or adhesives, and are preferably not in the form of a gel. Active agents useful for treating pain, inflammation, fungal or parasitic infestation and/or infections in the outer ear are co-administered in or with the composition.