FUNGUS IN THE EAR-OTOMYCOSIS

Itching in the ear is a very common symptom. It can be assosiated with pain in the ear and discharge which is mainly watery in nature.This is an acute condition and its main cause is fungus in the external auditory canal and is known as otomycosis. The commonest fungus causing this is aspergillus fumagatus and niger and candida albicans. This is common in humid climates and also after swimming. Diabetics and immuno compromised persons have a more chance of getting the infection.The patient feels pain, itching and heaviness of the ear.On examination whitish or blackish cotton wool like fungus is seen in canal.Best treatment is to get suction cleaning of the ear and instillation of anti fungal drops like clotrimazole or miconazole and hot fomentation of the ear.