A fungal ear infection, also calledotomycosis, is an infection of theouter earthat is resulting from a fungus.
They typically occur in one ear at a time.
Symptoms of a fungal ear infection include:
Your ears may also get red, swollen, and inflamed.
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The skin of your affected ear may become flaky.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Fungal ear infections are not likely to go away without treatment.
If you experience any symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Causes
The cause of a fungal ear infection is a fungus.
There are many different kinds of fungi that can infect the ear, but the two most common areCandidaandAspergillus.
Candidacauses most yeast infections.Aspergilluscan lead to allergic reactions, lung infections, and infections in other organs.
However, people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get fungal infections.
How Common Are Fungal Ear Infections?
They will look for signs of infection in the ear canal and eardrum.
This testing helps them find out whether the ear infection is bacterial or fungal.
Both infections have similar symptoms, but knowing what is causing the ear infection will make treatment more effective.
More involved tests like cultures are often not needed because fungal infections usually look a certain way.
There are different tools a provider can use, including a rinse or a suction tool.
Clearing out your ear makes sure that the medication can do its job.
Ear Drops
Antifungal ear drops for fungal ear infections are usually clotrimazole.
However, other types of medications such as econazole, miconazole, and amphotericin B can also be used.
Clotrimazole is effective at both curing the infection and preventing it from coming back.
Topical medications for these infections include clotrimazole, fluconazole, and ketoconazole.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help with the pain and inflammation of a fungal ear infection.
Oral prescription medications are usually needed if the infection is severe or takes longer than expected to heal.
The length of treatment for a fungal ear infection can last up to four weeks.
During this time, your symptoms will continue to improve while the medications work to clear up the infection.
Once you see your provider and get diagnosed and start treatment, you should start feeling better.
Summary
A fungal ear infection is due to fungus.
If you have symptoms of a fungal ear infection, you better see a healthcare provider for treatment.
doi:10.4084/MJHID.2011.003
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Aspergillosis.
