Itching owing to a fungal infection in the ear canal is particularly intense and agonizing, and occurs above all in humid weather in the summer months. While other forms of otitis externa diffusa can be identified by a reddening and swelling of the skin, in mycotic infections a white or yellow to black batting-like substance, depending on the type of fungus involved, forms on the reddened skin of the ear canal. As mycoses of the outer ear generally take a very long time to clear up, sufferers must unfortunately wait longer before they are free from their chronic itching than those with other variations of inflammation of the ear canal. A special seasonal form of otitis externa diffusa is so-called swimming-pool otitis, or, more commonly, swimmer’s ear. It is primarily caused by bacteria such as pseudomonas and proteus, which thrive in quarry ponds and marsh ponds, as well as popular outside swimming pools, and attack ear canals that have lost their protective coating of fat through frequent swimming and diving. Swimmer’s ear also starts with itching, but often turns into a serious and painful inflammation that requires the attention of an ENT specialist. There is also the danger that the infection will spread to the eardrum and ear bones behind it, which, if left untreated, can lead to deafness. Yet it rarely comes to that, as swimmer’s ear can be quickly treated with antibiotics.

The following applies to all forms of otitis externa diffusa: The first and most important step is to have a doctor care- fully clean and dry the ear canal several times, followed by the local use of disinfectant, antibiotics, often in combination with cortisone preparations and, if necessary, anti- fungal drugs (antimycotica).

Anno Bachem