Customer question:
Can we get ear fungus? - question from an anonymous customer
Pharmacist's answer:
Otomycosis is an ear infection caused by a fungal infection. It is often seen in tropical and subtropical regions and during intense heat and humidity. Otomycosis usually affects the external ear canal - the canal that starts at the eardrum and ends on the outside of the head. However, in some cases, otomycosis can also affect the middle ear. Fungi cause about 10% of external ear canal infections.
Usually, with a fungal ear infection, the ear starts to itch and becomes unpleasant to the touch, but discharge may also occur. The itching is often worse with otomycosis than with other ear infections. The symptoms of a fungal ear infection are often the same as those of ear infections caused by germs (bacteria).
Earwax protects the lining of the ear from fungus, so anything that reduces the amount of earwax (such as splashing seawater into the ear canal or using cotton buds) can allow a fungal ear infection. Skin conditions such as eczema inside the ear can be another risk factor. 9 out of 10 cases of fungal infections are caused by a fungus belonging to the genus Aspergillus, and a fungus of the genus Candida causes the rest.
The doctor will most likely take an ear swab first. An ear swab is a relatively simple procedure and should not cause pain unless your ear is empathetic and inflamed due to an infection. Even in such a case, gentle withdrawal should cause only mild discomfort.
Interesting reading: Nail fungus forum
Interesting reading: Fungus in the ear
