white fungus in ear - #14950
I am really worried about something that's been bothering me for the past few weeks. I noticed some strange symptoms and eventually discovered what appears to be white fungus in my ear. I didn’t think much of it at first, just some itchiness and a bit of discomfort, but then I saw these white spots in my ear canal! Ugh, it’s kinda freaking me out. I tried cleaning it with some cotton swabs (I know, probably not the best idea), but all that did was make it worse. It’s like the white fungus in ear just keeps coming back! I went to see my doc, and they mentioned it might be a fungal infection. They said it could be caused by moisture or maybe even using ear drops too much. Has anyone else dealt with white fungus in ear? I want to know what treatments work or if DIY remedies could help? I’m really anxious about it spreading or something. It’s also super embarrassing. I keep hearing about how common this is but nobody talks about how annoying and persistent white fungus in ear can be! What should I do, is it serious or just a minor issue I can treat at home? Thanks for any advice!
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Doctors’ responses
Addressing white fungus in your ear, commonly known as otomycosis, is important as it can be both uncomfortable and persistent if not properly treated. This kind of fungal infection is frequently caused by fungi such as Aspergillus or Candida. Moist environments, a common instigator, can contribute to fungal growth, especially if the ear remains wet after swimming showers or overuse of topical ear preparations. It’s a common condition yet can be frustrating to deal with due to its recurrent nature. You’ve already recognized that using cotton swabs to clean your ears isn’t advisable as it can irritate the ear canal or even push the fungus further in.
For such infections, it’s generally recommended to keep the ear dry and avoid unnecessary moisture exposure. Your doctor might have prescribed antifungal ear drops, which can be effective. If they did not, it might be worth following up with them about a prescription. In some cases, an oral antifungal medication may be appropriate, especially if the topical treatments are inadequate on their own. It’s usually best to refrain from lumping home remedies with antifungal treatments without professional guidance, as they might not be clinically tested or effective.
If you’re noticing any severe symptoms like significant pain, hearing loss, or discharge that’s increased, see your healthcare provider back promptly, as these could need more immediate or aggressive intervention. Routine follow-ups may be necessary to ensure the infection is clearing up completely, especially considering its tendency to recur. Take care to limit using earbuds or anything that traps moisture and heat against your ear, and consult with your healthcare provider or an ENT specialist on the best course of action moving forward if you’re still concerned. They can provide a more tailored treatment plan based on your specific circumstances and severity of the infection.
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