Otomycosis

What is Otomycosis?

Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the ear, which is sometimes referred to as “swimmer’s ear.” It is common in warm, humid climates, and can affect anyone who spends time in wet conditions, like swimming pools. On average, more than 30 million people are diagnosed with otomycosis each year.

The ear is a warm and moist environment where fungi and bacteria can thrive. If someone spends too much time in water, the ear canal can become a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria, leading to an infection. Otomycosis is most common in warm and humid climates with plenty of moisture and minimal fresh air, but can occur anywhere.

Signs and Symptoms of Otomycosis

The most common sign of otomycosis is a feeling of fullness in the ear. The patient may also experience hearing loss, itching or pain, drainage or discharge from the ear, a foul odor, and redness or flaking of the ear canal. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the ear or even the head and neck area.

Causes of Otomycosis

The most common cause of otomycosis is exposure to warm and humid environments, such as swimming pools. Other factors can increase the risk of developing otomycosis, such as having an underlying medical condition, using hearing aids, or having narrow or hairy ear canals. Fungi and bacteria can also enter the ear through small cuts or abrasions, which can be caused by trauma or using cotton swabs.

Treatment of Otomycosis

If caught early, otomycosis can usually be treated with an anti-fungal cream or lotion. This should be applied to the outside of the ear twice a day for up to four weeks. If the infection is more severe or the treatment is not working, the doctor may prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove any debris in the ear canal or to flush out the ear with an antiseptic solution.

Prevention of Otomycosis

The best way to prevent otomycosis is to avoid activities that expose the ear to warm and humid environments, like swimming pools or hot tubs. In addition, using ear plugs or a swim cap can help to reduce the risk of infection. If the ear does get wet, it should be dried immediately with a soft towel or cotton swab. People with hearing aids should have them removed and changed periodically, and any cuts or abrasions in the ear should be cleaned and treated immediately.

Risks and Complications

If left untreated, otomycosis can spread to other parts of the ear or the head and neck area. It can also lead to permanent hearing loss and damage to the ear drum. Treatment with anti-fungal medications can also cause side effects, such as skin irritation and allergic reactions.

For Further Reading

• Handy, A. and Rosen, B. (2020). Otomycosis: A clinical overview. Royal Society of Medicine.
• Unger, E.A., Norrild, B., and Svanholt, B. (2019). Otomycosis: Diagnosis and treatment. The European Respiratory Journal.
• Shen, R. and Dainty, M. (2017). Otomycosis: An update on diagnosis and management. Inflammatory & Allergy Drug Targets.