What is the treatment for fungal infection with itching, and discharge in both ears?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a fungal ear infection on my left side, and I got treatment for the same. Now, I have the same with my right side ear. I have consulted my doctor and have had a tablet for the past two days. I am taking Montek LC tablet, Fluconazole 150 mg, Xaria tablet, and Candid ear drops. My doctor said that both ears are affected by a fungal infection and will be cured in three days, but I have ear discharge from Saturday night and have itching in my ears. My questions are: 1. Is fungal ear infection fully curable? 2. Does it spread from one ear to another or the brain? 3. What causes the infection? 4. Is dandruff associated with the problem? I appreciate any help you can provide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern. Fungal infection inside the ear is curable. It is treated with Candid drops and Ciplox drops, and the patient is asked to come every three days, and the doctor cleans the ear each time, gently suctioning out the fungal debris. This helps in healing faster. It does not spread from one ear to another unless you insert the same earbud into both ears and transmit it by instrumentation. Fungal infection in an immunocompromised or diabetic individual can cause invasive otitis externa that can eat bones and spread cranially. Causes of infection could be lodging of water and wax inside the ear. In addition, the usage of earbuds can cause infection. Sometimes the canal microflora may be suppressed by antibiotic drops, injudiciously causing fungus to increase at the cost of friendly commensal bacteria. Dandruff and dry, scaly skin inside the ear canal, along with oil, sebum, dead cells, and wax, can act as a nidus for the growth of microbes and may act in conjunction with other factors inside the ear to cause a frequent relapse of the fungal problem in your ear. I hope this information will help.