ear fungus infection treatment - #16224
I am really struggling with this ear fungus infection thing. A few weeks ago, I noticed a weird itching sensation in my right ear, which I thought was just something minor, but it got worse. Then I started feeling this kinda muffled feeling, like my ear was clogged or full. I dismissed it at first, thinking maybe it was just wax build-up or something, but then I noticed some weird discharge too. It wasn’t a lot, but enough to freak me out. I went to my family doctor, and after looking in my ear, they said it looked like an ear fungus infection. I didn’t even know that could happen! They prescribed me some drops but didn't give me a lot of information on ear fungus infection treatment. I was just wondering how long does it usually take to heal? Like, should I be doing anything special at home aside from using these drops? I keep worrying, like what happens if this ear fungus infection treatment doesn’t work? I read online that some people end up with chronic issues or their symptoms just keep coming back. What can I do to make sure I tackle this ear fungus infection properly? Any advice would really help, thanks!
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Doctors’ responses
Ear fungus infections, often known as otomycosis, can be uncomfortable, but with the right treatment, most people recover well. The antifungal ear drops your doctor prescribed are a common and effective treatment option. Generally, the infection starts improving within a few days of starting treatment, but it might take a week or two for full recovery. Be diligent with the drops as prescribed; don’t stop early even if symptoms seem better. It is important to keep your ear as dry as possible during treatment. If water enters the ear, for example during a shower, gently dry the outer ear with a dry towel or use a hair dryer on a low setting at a safe distance. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or anything else into your ear, as this might irritate it further. If symptoms persist despite treatment, or if they worsen, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. There are many types of fungi, and sometimes a different antifungal might be needed, or there could be other complications that need to be addressed. For some individuals, there may be an underlying reason for frequent infections, such as eczema or a compromised immune system, that could require attention. In general, taking steps to avoid excessive ear moisture, including carefully avoiding unnecessary ear manipulations, can help prevent future recurrences. If the infection becomes recurrent or chronic, further evaluation or a different treatment approach might be necessary to prevent ongoing issues.
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