How to treat flaky dry skin and itching in ears?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had an ear infection for two to three weeks, that started in my right ear. Now my left ear is also infected. The symptoms include occasional itching inside the ear and flaky dry skin inside the ear tunnel. About two months back, water had entered my ear while taking a shower. I thought that water will drain out naturally as I sleep on my side but instead, I feel the itch at times in my throat. What medication or ear drops can you suggest?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for briefing the problem in concern. There is absolutely nothing that you need to worry about, as this is a very common entity that we come across daily. There are two possibilities in your case. 1. Recurrent fungal infection called otomycosis. 2. Recurrent infection of the hair follicle in the outer ear, a condition known as otitis externa. You can consider the following advice. 1. Take the tablet Ciplox (Ciprofloxacin) 750 mg (500 +250 mg), one tablet two times a day after meals, twelve hours apart for one week. This is an antibiotic and can cause loose motions. If the loose motions get too severe you can take probiotics, two times a day for one week. 2. Take the tablet Zerodol TH (Aceclofenac and Thiocolchicoside) 8 mg or its equivalent, one tablet two times a day after meals, twelve hours apart for one week. 3. Take the tablet Ultracet (Tramadol hydrochloride and Acetaminophen) or its equivalent, one tablet at night after dinner for one week. 4. Take the capsule Pan-D (Pantoprazole and Domperidone) or its equivalent, one capsule once in the morning before breakfast for one week. 5. Keep the ears dry and refrain from using earbuds. 6. You can use antifungal ear drops, a combination containing Clotrimazole and Lidocaine, 3 drops three times a day for five days. In otitis externa, you will develop a very excruciating pain in the ear which does not resolve with any pain killer. The infection typically takes around three days to subside if the antibiotic is working on it. If your symptoms reduce in the next few days, it is better to get yourself re-examined by an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist to re-evaluate and treat you. If there is anything more you need to know or enquire, please do let me know. There is nothing too serious out there and you need not worry as things should be fine in a few days.