What is meant by otomycosis?
Overview. Otomycosis is a fungal infection that affects one, or occasionally both, of the ears. It mostly affects people who live in warm or tropical areas. It also often affects people who swim frequently, live with diabetes, or have other chronic medical and skin conditions.
What fungus causes otomycosis?
This study revealed that Aspergillus and Candida species were the most common fungal pathogens causing otomycosis. Aspergillus niger is the predominant fungal isolate.
What does otomycosis look like?
Physical examination findings that suggest otomycosis include a thick fibrinous accumulation of debris, small well circumscribed areas of granulation tissue within the external canal or on the tympanic membrane and watery discharge.
How is Otomycosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Otomycosis They’re likely to use an otoscope to look into your ear canal. Sometimes fungal spores may be seen. They may take a sample of any pus and debris in your ear canal. This sample will be sent to a lab to identify the microorganisms.
What bacteria causes mucormycosis?
The most common types that cause mucormycosis are Rhizopus species and Mucor species. Other examples include Rhizomucor species, Syncephalastrum species, Cunninghamella bertholletiae, Apophysomyces, Lichtheimia (formerly Absidia), Saksenaea, and Rhizomucor.
What is an otomycosis ear infection?
Otomycosis is an ear infection caused by a fungus. It’s more commonly seen in tropical and subtropical parts of the world, and during times of intense heat and humidity. It’s also known as fungal otitis externa. Otomycosis usually affects the outer ear canal. This canal starts from your eardrum and continues to the outside of your head.
Why is otomycosis more common in tropical countries?
Common fungi include Aspergillus and Candida. Sometimes bacteria can combine with the fungi and make the infection more complicated. Otomycosis is more common in tropical and warm regions because fungi can grow better in these areas. This infection is also more common during the summer months. Fungi need moisture and warmth to grow.
What can I do to prevent otomycosis?
There are some things you can try at home to help prevent otomycosis: Wear a swim cap or earplugs when swimming. After swimming, dry your ears with a towel. Use a hair dryer on a low setting to remove moisture from your ears. Don’t put the hair dryer too close to your ears.
What is ototitis externa caused by?
otitis externa caused by a fungal infection; it thrives in warm, moist climates and is encouraged by poor local hygiene and swimming. Symptoms include itching, which may be intense, pain, and a stinging sensation in the external acoustic meatus.