ear fungus treatment - #14179
I am dealing with this really annoying issue right now, and I can't seem to find any decent help! A couple of weeks ago, I started getting this odd itching in my ear, and I thought maybe it was just dry skin or something, but then it got worse. I noticed this weird, kinda smelly discharge and I realized I have an infection or something going on, possibly even ear fungus?! I went to see my doc, and he mentioned that it could be ear fungus, which freaked me out! He just told me to use some over-the-counter drops but I wanted more than that. Can anyone share their experience with ear fungus treatment? Did you need prescription meds, or did home remedies work? It feels like the ear fungus treatment isnt really clear-cut, and I’m starting to wonder if I should ask for a second opinion. The itching is driving me crazy, and it's really uncomfortable. I feel like I'm stuck in this loop of trying to clean it and making it worse. Just want to know what actually helps, what worked for you guys? Should I be worried about it spreading or causing more issues? Looking for some advice on effective ear fungus treatment. Thanks!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Ear fungus, medically known as otomycosis, can certainly be a frustrating condition to deal with. It’s a fungal infection in the ear canal often caused by aspergillus or candida species. The itching, discharge, and discomfort are quite common symptoms, and it’s understandable why you might want clarity on treatment. The primary goal is to create an environment in the ear that’s inhospitable to fungal growth, so your initial steps should involve thorough yet gentle cleaning by a healthcare professional, ideally an ENT specialist. This is essential because over-the-counter drops or even prescription antifungal treatments won’t be as effective if there’s still debris present. It’s perfectly reasonable to explore antifungal ear drops, such as clotrimazole or tolnaftate, as initial treatment options. If these don’t offer relief, or symptoms worsen, a prescription antifungal like fluconazole or itraconazole might be considered by a doctor. Avoid using cotton swabs or attempting to clean your ears yourself, as this can exacerbate irritation and may push debris further into the ear canal. Keep your ears dry—consider using earplugs during showers or swimming to minimize moisture exposure, which can promote fungal growth. While the risk of spreading beyond the immediate ear area is low, persistent or worsening symptoms do warrant a follow-up with a healthcare provider. Especially if there’s increased pain, hearing loss, or if symptoms don’t improve after a week or two of treatment, seeking an ENT consultation would be the best course of action. They can also rule out other potential conditions like bacterial infections, which often require different treatment strategies.
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.