ear fungal infection - #19829
I am dealing with what seems like an ear fungal infection and honestly it's been driving me crazy! This all started a few weeks ago when I noticed this weird itchiness in my ear, which I figured was just wax build-up or something. But then my ear started feeling kinda blocked and that itch got REALLY annoying. Went to the doc who said it might be an ear fungal infection, but wasn't super convinced. They gave me some drops and told me to keep it dry, but like, how do I even do that?? The drops are messy, and I swear I can still feel something weird going on. I’ve read that an ear fungal infection can cause discharge too, but mine isn't too bad... like just a tiny bit, mostly clearish. Am I just worrying for nothing?? Anyone had a similar experience with an ear fungal infection? How long did it take for you to feel normal again? I’ve got a big presentation coming up and I really don’t want to be distracted by this ear thing. Should I just wait it out or try a different treatment? What’s your take on all this? Thanks!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Ear fungal infections, or otomycosis, can indeed be annoying but with the right approach, they can be managed effectively. The itchiness and blocked sensation you’re experiencing is typical. The key factors in managing it include keeping the ear canal dry and applying antifungal ear drops as prescribed. While you’re right about the discharge being a common symptom, the clearish appearance is reassuring because it often suggests less severe involvement. One challenge with antifungal drops is getting them deep enough into the canal. To improve their effectiveness, try lying on your side for a few minutes after applying the drops, allowing gravity to help them reach the intended area. Clear instructions from your doctor should accompany these medications, but if results aren’t apparent in a few days, it’s reasonable to return to your healthcare provider for follow-up. In terms of keeping the ear dry, avoid inserting anything into it like cotton swabs or fingers which could worsen irritation and bring moisture. During showering or when swimming, you could use a cotton ball coated in petroleum jelly in the outer ear to help prevent water intrusion. As with any treatment plan, adherence to prescribed therapies is crucial, so if the drops are bothersome, don’t hesitate to discuss alternatives with your doctor. Given your upcoming presentation, ensure you’re getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding further irritants like loud environments, which could exacerbate symptoms. While the condition is generally mild, if you notice worsening symptoms—particularly increased pain, heavy discharge, or hearing loss—seek more urgent medical evaluation as these could indicate a more significant issue requiring prompt attention. Aim to keep stress about the situation in check, and most importantly, prioritize treating the infection consistently; improvements might take several days to materialize fully, but consistency is key.
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.