Otomicosis: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Otomycosis is the infection produced by some bacteria and fungi on the skin that forms the external auditory canal. They are frequent infections, especially now that the heat and bathing in beaches and swimming pools arrive.

It can affect anyone, so it is convenient to know its symptoms and how to treat it. Next we will tell you everything you need to know about this pathology.

What is otomycosis?

The outermost part of our ear is the external auditory canal. This begins in the ear and goes to the eardrum. It is shaped like a tunnel and is covered by a skin similar to that of the scalp. In this skin, we find glands capable of producing earwax.

In addition, normally, we find in it a very varied bacterial flora. This means that different microorganisms are found naturally in it without causing disease.

However, on some occasions or favored by some circumstances, these fungi and bacteria get out of control. New ones capable of causing pathology may also appear.

Therefore, otomycosis is nothing more than infection of the external auditory canal by different microorganisms. The most common are some types of bacteria and fungi that produce different symptoms and discomfort in the person who suffers from it.

What are your causes?

As we have said, on certain occasions, the reproduction of some bacteria or fungi goes out of control. It can also happen that bacteria that are not usually part of the normal flora of the ear colonize the canal and cause infection.

The microorganisms that are most frequently involved in otomycosis are the following:

• Bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas .
• The fungi Candida Albicans and Aspergillus Niger .

Although it can occur at any time and to anyone, there are certain times and circumstances when otomycosis is more likely to appear. Some of them are the following:

• Hot and humid climates : Hot and humid conditions make it easier for these bacteria and fungi to proliferate in the ear. That is why it is frequent especially in summer times, in which people bathe in the sea and in swimming pools.
• People with a perforated eardrum.
• Changes in the pH or skin conditions of the ear canal.
• Microtrauma to the skin from scratching or hearing aids.
• In people with other skin conditions such as psoriasis  or seborrheic dermatitis.
• History of external otitis or the use of antibiotics that may have unbalanced the bacterial flora.
• People with a tendency to form wax plugs.

Symptoms of otomycosis

The symptoms of otomycosis will vary from one person to another, as will the intensity of them. The most frequent are the following:

• Strong itching in the ear : this itching is constant and can sometimes cause pain.
• The person may notice hearing loss : this occurs because the change in flora and infection can cause the amount of wax and secretions inside the ear canal to increase.
• There may be inflammation and ear pain that increases when you touch.
• Sometimes it is possible to find a purulent discharge from the ear with a bad smell, as well as peeling.

How is it diagnosed and what is its treatment?

The diagnosis of otomycosis will be based on the symptoms and a physical examination with the otoscope by the doctor. Generally, no additional test is necessary. Sometimes a culture is necessary to determine which microorganism is causing the condition.

Treatment will depend on the causes and intensity of the pathology. Normally, it is based on proper ear hygiene. It will be necessary to clean the ears well and avoid humidity and the use of cotton swabs, as these can also promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.

In addition to hygiene, it may be necessary to apply antibiotics or antifungal drops in the ears. These are the specific drugs that act against bacteria and against fungi. In some cases, it will be necessary to complement the drop treatment with another oral one in pill form.

The importance of preventing otomycosis

Otomycosis is a fairly common external ear infection that can affect anyone. The important thing to prevent it is to maintain proper ear hygiene, as well as avoid the use of cotton swabs.

In addition, we must monitor the humidity of our ears. As always, in the presence of any symptoms or discomfort, we must go to the specialist. This will be the one who establishes the diagnosis and proposes the most appropriate treatment in each case.