How can my wife manage recurring fungal ear infections?

Question

Hi doctor,

My wife is suffering from Aspergillus otomycosis. She has had tympanoplasty surgery. She then had a surgical ear cleaning, removing the infected skin in her middle ear. This initially worked to remove the fungus, but now her ear seems to be infected again. I am not sure if it is a fungus, but her ear seems to be infected again. She has taken Clotrimazole, and she is currently taking an alcohol or borax solution.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In one of the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity) sporangia seem to be there, but in the rest of the pictures, it is just wax. However, it is not likely to require debridement. It should go with the medications she is using.

Thank you

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It may be A. Niger but is likely to be superficial only and in about 80 % of cases, it is well treated by topical antifungals and solutions like 4 % borax. Yes, you need regular sectioning and dry mopping. If your wife develops severe pain, fever, persistent otorrhea or ear discharge, then it signifies invasive fungal otomycosis and may need debridement and systemic therapy. Otherwise should be controlled with topical therapy and regular cleaning.

Thank you