AskDocDoc
/
/
/
fungal ear infection symptoms
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
General Health
Question #15383
45 days ago
77

fungal ear infection symptoms - #15383

Neil

I am feeling really worried about this weird situation with my ears lately. I was swimming in a lake about a month ago and ever since, I’ve been having this itchiness and trouble hearing in one ear. At first, I thought it was just water trapped in there, but then the fungal ear infection symptoms started kicking in. I noticed flaky skin around my ear, like really dry and scabby. Not to mention, I’ve been having this tingling feeling, and sometimes I get a weird discharge that kinda smells. I read online that fungal ear infection symptoms can be super annoying, but man, I didn't expect it to be this bothersome. I tried some OTC drops, but they haven’t really helped. I’m worried this is going to get worse or turn into something serious if I don’t act fast. A friend mentioned seeing a doc right away if I have these fungal ear infection symptoms because ignoring it can lead to complications. I’m thinking I should go, but I'm unsure if it’s really necessary or if there are home remedies that could work first? Like, when should you know to rush to the doctor versus trying to handle it yourself? What are the key fungal ear infection symptoms that I should really be watching for? Thanks for any advice!

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 ear infections, also known as otomycosis, can indeed be pretty bothersome, especially after having been exposed to water for prolonged periods, like swimming in a lake. The symptoms you’re describing—itchiness, hearing difficulty, flaky skin, tingling, and odd-smelling discharge—are quite typical for a fungal ear infection. Over-the-counter ear drops sometimes provide relief, but they often aren’t effective against fungal causes unless they’re specifically antifungal. Hearing difficulty and continuous discharge can become problematic if left untreated, potentially leading to more serious complications such as worsening infection or affecting the ear canal’s structure. Generally, if symptoms haven’t improved after a week of using OTC options, or if they are getting worse, it’s wise to see a healthcare professional. Red flags include severe pain, fever, spreading redness, or swelling around your ear, as these can signal a more serious condition requiring prompt medical attention. It’s usually best to have this checked out by a doctor, who may culture the discharge if necessary and prescribe specific antifungal medications or ointments. Self-care tips at home include keeping the ear dry and avoiding inserting anything into the ear canal, like cotton swabs, which can aggravate symptoms or worsen the infection. Avoid using alcohol-based solutions or home remedies not recommended by healthcare professionals as these can sometimes irritate or damage the ear further. So, considering you have persistent symptoms and OTC drops haven’t made a significant impact, visiting a healthcare provider would be a sensible next step to ensure appropriate treatment and avoid potential complications.

9715 answered questions
81% 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