What distinguishes the fungal infection is that it is often chronic or recurring, and may be associated with daily habits or environmental factors that the child is exposed to. Understanding the causes accurately helps the parents with prevention, early discovery, and avoiding complications. And it is important that we know that these infections are not associated with lack of hygiene only, but with the interference of several factors that affect the health of the ear.
Weak immunity of children and its effect on ear infection
Weakness of the immune system in children may lead to:
- Children who suffer from weak immunity are more susceptible to fungal infection.
- Deficiency of vitamins or minerals like zinc and vitamin D reduces the body's resistance.
- Chronic diseases may make the immune system less effective.
- Lack of sleep and continuous stress may contribute to weak immunity.
Humidity and its effect on ear infection
Humidity is from the most important factors that help fungi to grow. And children who spend a long time in swimming or live in a humid environment are more susceptible to fungal ear infection. The accumulation of humidity inside the ear canal provides an ideal environment for the multiplication of fungi and makes the inflammation more difficult to treat.
Giving antibiotics to children frequently
Children taking antibiotics frequently leads to:
- Taking antibiotics for long periods eliminates the beneficial bacteria.
- With the disappearance of bacteria,the fungi get a greater opportunity to multiply.
- Children who take antibiotics to treat repeated infections are more susceptible to fungal infection.
- Random use of antibiotics increases the severity of inflammations.
Cleaning the child's ear incorrectly
Inserting cotton swabs or sharp tools into the child's ear may wound the thin skin inside the ear canal. These small wounds allow the fungi to enter and grow. Also, excessive cleaning removes the natural waxy layer that protects the ear, which facilitates its infection with inflammations.
The child's exposure to excessive sweating
The child who is more exposed to sweating leads to his repeated infection with ear inflammations:
- Physically active children are exposed to the accumulation of sweat in the ear.
- Wearing hats or head coverings for long periods increases humidity.
- Excessive sweat makes the ear environment warmer and more humid,which encourages the growth of fungi.
- Lack of ventilation of the ear increases the risk of inflammation.
Presence of a foreign body in the ear
Presence of a foreign body inside the ear leads to the occurrence of infections as follows:
- The entry of small objects like sand grains or toys may cause irritation.
- The foreign body creates an ideal environment for the accumulation of fungi.
- Sometimes these bodies may remain without the parents noticing for a long time.
- This leads to repeated and chronic infections.
Children's infection with skin diseases increases ear infection
Children infected with skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis may suffer from dryness or cracks in the ear canal. These skin changes make the ear more susceptible to catching fungal infection. Also, the continuous itching resulting from skin diseases may push the child to scratch his ear with his fingers, which facilitates the entry of fungi.
Effective methods for treating ear infection
Treating fungal ear infection in children depends on the doctor's diagnosis first to confirm that the cause is fungal and not bacterial. It often includes cleaning the ear carefully to get rid of discharges and excess humidity, then using antifungal drops specified for children.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe antifungal creams if the inflammation extends to outside the ear canal. And it is important to avoid inserting any tools into the ear during the treatment period, and to ensure keeping it completely dry. Also, it is advised not to use antibiotics except when necessary and under the supervision of the doctor to avoid the repetition of infection.
Article summary
Fungal ear infection in children is a problem that occurs as a result of multiple factors like weak immunity, humid environment, or excessive use of antibiotics. And incorrect cleaning of the ear, the presence of foreign bodies, and excessive sweating are from the common reasons that increase the probability of infection.
Also, skin diseases and sharing personal items contribute clearly to the transmission of infection. The treatment depends on correct diagnosis and the use of antifungal drops alongside maintaining the dryness of the ear.
Prevention is possible through avoiding wrong habits and paying attention to the health of the ear from a young age. And understanding the causes and methods of treatment helps the parents to protect their children from the complications and pains accompanying this type of inflammation.