What is the treatment and cause of ear fungus, Ear fungus is a fungal infection affecting the outer ear canal, also known as otitis media. It causes symptoms such as severe itching, discharge, a feeling of fullness, and ringing in the ear.
Ear fungus is often caused by excessive moisture or a weakened immune system, It can also occur when the ear canal is cleaned with cotton swabs. A doctor will diagnose the condition and prescribe appropriate antifungal eye drops and treatment.
Symptoms of Ear Fungus
The following symptoms may appear in cases of ear fungus infection:
- Burning and pain in the ear.
- Severe itching in the ear.
- Discharge, which may be white or yellow.
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear.
- Swelling and redness of the outer ear.
- Decreased or lost hearing.
- Scaling of the inner ear skin.
- Ringing in the ears.
Causes of Ear Fungus
Common causes of ear fungus include moisture and water entering the ear while swimming, or scratching the ear canal from frequent cleaning with cotton swabs.
It can also result from a weakened immune system, diabetes, and prolonged use of earbuds.
What is the treatment for ear fungus
Treatment for ear fungus depends on the severity of the infection. The doctor may prescribe antifungal creams and drops and clean the ear canal to remove accumulated material, allowing the medication to reach the affected area more effectively.
In severe cases or those that do not respond to topical treatment, the doctor may prescribe antifungal medications such as itraconazole or fluconazole. Sometimes, home remedies are recommended, such as mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water and applying the mixture to the ear.
Medications that treat ear fungus
- Neo Myxidin ear drops.
- Viotic ear drops.
- Otocort ear drops.
- Otocalm.
- Histotec tablets.
- Microserec tablets.
- Otal ear drops.
Diagnosis of ear fungus
Diagnosis of ear fungus depends on a medical examination by a specialist, which includes:
- Clinical examination with an otoscope to examine the ear canal, allowing the doctor to see any discharge or inflammation.
- Taking a sample of the discharge using a sterile cotton swab, which is then analyzed under a microscope.
- The doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as itching, ear pain, and hearing loss, to make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
- In severe cases, the doctor may order a CT scan to rule out the spread of the infection to the bones surrounding the ear.
Ways to Prevent Ear Fungal Infections
Here are some tips to help prevent ear fungal infections:
- Leave a small amount of earwax and don't remove it completely, as it has natural antifungal properties.
- Dry your ears thoroughly, especially after showering or swimming, using a hairdryer.
- Avoid scratching your ears to prevent skin damage, which can make it easier for fungi to enter.
- It's important to avoid putting cotton swabs in your ears.
- It's important to boost your immune system by following a healthy diet.
- Get enough sleep to reduce stress.
- It's important to manage chronic diseases like diabetes to prevent recurrent infections.
Complications of Ear Fungal Infections
Ear fungal infections can cause some complications, including:
- A perforated eardrum, which can occur due to chronic inflammation or pressure.
- Hearing loss, which can be temporary due to fluid buildup or permanent if the infection spreads to the inner ear.
- Narrowing of the ear canal due to dry skin inside the canal, which can affect hearing.
Article Summary
Ear fungus, also known as otomycosis, is a fungal infection of the external ear canal that causes symptoms such as hearing loss, itching, pain, discharge, and a feeling of fullness.
It can be caused by excess moisture from water entering the ear while showering or swimming, or by injury to the ear canal from cleaning it with cotton swabs. A doctor will prescribe antifungal ear drops.