Otomycosis is a superficial mycotic infection of the outer ear canal. The infection may be either subacute or acute and is characterized by inflammation, pruritus, scaling, and severe discomfort. The mycosis results in inflammation, superficial epithelial exfoliation, masses of debris containing hyphae, suppuration, and pain

Symptoms

 

the typical presentation is with inflammation, pruritus, scaling, and severe discomfort. The mycosis results in superficial epithelial exfoliation, masses of debris containing hyphae, and suppuration,Pruritus is more marked than with other forms of ear infections and discharge is often a marked feature.

Factors that predispose to otitis externa include absence of cerumen, high humidity, increased temperature, and local trauma, usually from use of cotton swabs or hearing aids. Cerumen has a pH of 4 to 5 and so suppresses both bacterial and fungal growth. Aquatic sports including swimming and surfing are particularly associated because repeated exposure to water results in removal of cerumen and drying of the external auditory canal. There may be a history of previous invasive procedures on the ear

Treatment

Burrow's solution or 5% aluminum acetate solution should be used to reduce the swelling and remove the debris. An aqueous solution of 0.02-0.1% phenyl mercuric acetate, 1% thymol in metacresyl acetate, or iodochlorohyroxyquin should be considered if drying the ear does not work satisfactorily. Antifungals with proven efficacy include nystatin, clotrimazole and econazole