Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the ear. It is commoner in the warmer regions of the world. The sufferer has itching, scaling, discharge and a bad odour from the ear.

Their condition tends to be sub-acute or chronic. It is superficial and affects the outer ear. This area consists of the auditory canal and the outer part of the ear which you can see. Aspergillus is one of the commonest bugs causing this condition. The fungus usually attacks skin which has already been damaged. This could be by bacterial infection or trauma such as a scratch or abrasion. Excessive wax can also lead to the problem.

Otitis externa is the medical name for outer ear infection. It is common and in its acute form will affect four out of every thousand people per year. The chronic form will be suffered by between 3% and 5% of the population. Acutely the condition is caused by bacteria in 90% of cases and fungus in 10%. It is often associated with excessive moisture in the air or localised trauma.

Otomycosis is more common in countries where the weather is warm and humid. This is particularly the case in the rainy season. It more often affects people with lower household income and poor personal hygiene. It is also more often seen between the ages of 10 and 30. Those who work in mouldy and dusty environments are certainly at higher risk. Undernourished children are also more likely to be affected.

Local factors involved in chronic infection are the use of steroids and ear drops. Swimming and fungal infection elsewhere in the body can also cause the condition to become long-term. Our swimming ear plugs from https://zenplugs.com/swimming-earplugs are ideal for preventing this.

Localised skin damage caused by bacterial otitis externa can be significant. Cavities caused by operations can also lead to the problem. Waterlogging of the ear canal is also a risk factor.

Ongoing discharge from the ear after treatment with antibiotic drops can be a sign of the condition. Doctors need to be aware of this. The antibiotic ofloxacin is very good at treating bacterial infection. Unfortunately it does seem to increase the number of cases of otomycosis.

Recently there have been an increased number of cases of the condition and this has been put down to the extensive use of bacterial agents.

If any of the disorders or issues mentioned in this post may affect you then you should seek medical advice. Please do not not use this article as a substitute for medical assessment.

Dr Toby Bateson