Otomycosis: An Overview in Hyderabad Karnataka Region

Abstract

Otomycosis is a common clinical problem in Hyderabad Karnataka region because of the hot, humid climate of this region. The infection can be diagnosed clinically on the basis of symptoms like itching, otalgia, discharge, blockage, hearing loss and presence of debris resembling wet blotting paper appearance in the external auditory meatus. It is common in males and occurs more in the 21-30 year age range. The most common symptoms in our review were itching followed by hearing loss, otorrhoea and blockage. Otomycosis was predominantly unilateral with left ear affected more. The species of fungus causing the disease in our center is Aspergillus Niger. Drugs like clotrimazole/ lidocaine, acetic acid hydrochloride (eardrops) or Gentian violet are indispensible topical agents in the management of otomycosis. Gentian violet should only be used as treatment of last resort because it discolors the external auditory canal giving a poor cosmetic appearance during treatment.

Otomycosis treated with Nufookh (Insufflation) therapy in Unani system of medicine: A case report

“…It is usually associated with increased ear canal moisture, warmth and use of topical antibiotic ear drops, which may lead to depletion of protective cerumen layer, maceration of underlying skin, increase in ambient pH and modification of the microbial flora of external auditory canal. Many studies have been revealed that itching in the ear and earache are the major clinical feature of otomycosis [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] . However, in this case study, both patients had many clinical features viz; earache, heaviness, ear blockage and ear discharge.…”