Otomycosis, a type of external otitis, is an acute, subacute or chronic infection caused by yeast and filamentous fungi that affects the external auditory canal. The causative agents vary depending on the geographical area but many cases are caused by the yeast 'Candida albicans' and the fungus 'Aspergillus niger'.
The majority causes of this type of infections are pseudomonas bacteria and fungi such as 'Candida albicans' and 'Aspergillus niger'.
The following have been indicated as risk factors for developing the infection:
- Skin changes in the external auditory canal.
- pH changes.
- Alterations in earwax production.
- Heat.
- Excessive humidity.
- Microtraumas caused by scratching, protections, hearing aids...
- Baths or immersion in water.
- Antecedents of otitis externa.
- Seborrheic dermatitis.
- Contact dermatitis.
- Psoriasis.
- Eccema.
The main symptom of otomycosis is a constant itching that is quite annoying, sometimes with pain. Other signs are: peeling, hearing loss if the ear canal is blocked by fungi, earwax and epithelial debris.
- In the case of otomycosis caused by Candida, the external auditory canal has moist and inflamed epithelium, with whitish spots of irregular presence. There is stinging, itching and moderate pain.
- Acute symptomatic otomycosis presents with inflammation, moderate ear pain (moderate otalgia), and serous discharge.
- Chronic symptomatic otomycosis presents pruritic dermatitis, slight odorless, colorless or yellowish serous discharge, itching and dry peeling.
- Otomycosis associated with bacterial infection is characterized by severe ear pain, pus in the external auditory canal (otorrhea) and, sometimes, a bad odor.
The diagnosis begins with the description of symptoms, visual examination and examination with the otoscope in addition to a combined tissue (histological) and microbiological study as well as imaging tests such as a computed tomography (CT).
The treatment of otomycosis consists of cleaning the external auditory canal very frequently and then applying antifungal drops. These products hinder the growth of the agents that cause the infection. Treatment may also require oral drugs, but only in the most severe cases.
To prevent otomycosis, moisture in the ear is essential. There are some very useful tips: to try to prevent this infection:
- Do not wet your ears.
- Avoid antibiotics.
- Follow a diet rich in vitamins and proteins.
