AskDocDoc
/
/
/
Fungal infection in ear symptoms?
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
General Health
Question #12233
45 days ago
109

Fungal infection in ear symptoms? - #12233

Yash

I am dealing with some weird stuff going on in my ear and I'm really confused about it all. I’ve had this annoying itch in my ear for a couple of weeks now, and honestly, it feels like something’s crawling in there sometimes! I found out there can be a fungal infection in ear symptoms, but I’m not sure if that’s what this is. I’ve noticed some discharge that smells kinda musty, which makes me think, “Is that normal?” Some friends mentioned redness around my ear, and that has been happening too, plus I’ve had some mild pain. It’s not unbearable, but still, it worries me. I swabbed my ear and it was like a little clump of yucky stuff came out. Ugh, so gross! I’m trying to connect the dots, like could this be a fungal infection in ear symptoms? But then again, I use q-tips a lot and maybe that’s made it worse? Heard somewhere that keeping ears dry is important but who knows... Did I mess it up? Anyone know what really are the common fungal infection in ear symptoms? Should I see an ENT, or is there something over-the-counter I could try first? Would love any insights cause I'm just feeling a lil freaked out here!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

Fungal infections in the ear, also known as otomycosis, can be perplexing but are relatively common, especially in warm, humid environments. You’re right to connect your symptoms to a potential fungal infection, as they generally include persistent itchiness, a sensation of fullness or something crawling in the ear, and sometimes there’s discharge which can be musty-smelling, like you’ve noticed. The clumpy discharge you’re describing rings typical for fungal involvement, where the debris might appear somewhat thick or flaky. Redness around the ear and mild pain also align with inflammatory reactions to the presence of fungal elements. Q-tips might actually exacerbate the situation by irritating the skin inside the ear or pushing debris further in, creating an environment fungi favor. Keeping the ears dry can often help prevent recurrence. To address this condition practically, avoiding moisture in the ears is key, like using a hairdryer on a low setting after showering. Non-prescription antifungal ear drops are available, though they can vary in effectiveness. If symptoms persist though, it’s wise to consult an ENT specialist, as they can properly clean the ear, offer a definitive diagnosis, and provide stronger, prescription-grade treatments if needed. Cultures or visual examination typically cinch the diagnosis in unclear cases. To optimize your chance of quick recovery, prioritizing professional care is best, particularly as untreated or improperly managed otomycosis can sometimes lead to more discomfort or complications.

5963 answered questions
72% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions