Health for a lifetime >>>> Why do my ears itch?

Why do my ears itch?

Who doesn't know the unpleasant itching sensation inside the ear? In addition to the fact that itchy sensations can occur as a result of poor cleaning of the inner ear from accumulating wax or be a sign of a skin disease (for example, psoriasis), there is also the possibility of a fungus entering the ear, which provokes unbearable itching. The presence in the ear of a microorganism of fungal origin is called otomycosis.

Otomycosis or ear fungus can be acquired in a completely banal way: without washing your hands, scratch the external auditory canal with your finger, clean your ear with an object that is unsuitable for hygiene standards (a pen, pencil, hairpin, match, etc.) instead of a cotton swab.

Most often, ear fungus is caused by representatives of the natural microflora of the mucous membranes of the ear (Candida fungi), which, due to a violation of the interspecific balance of microorganisms - human saprophytes, have increased their colonies, or by fungal microorganisms found in the human environment (in the air, on household items, on unwashed fruits and vegetables, in the soil, on the walls of premises, etc.) - Phycomycetes, Aspergillus, Ascomycetes, Mucor.

Ear fungus signs:

Intolerable itching in the external auditory canal,
Redness of the mucous membrane of the external auditory canal,
Possible pain symptom developing in the inner part of the ear,
Noise in the ear is possible if the fungus is deeply affected by the structures of the inner ear,
Possibly a feeling of ear congestion,
Possibly moldy smell from the ear canal,
Possible headache from the affected ear,
On examination, serous discharge from the ear is observed,
There may be yellowish or white crusts.

Treatment of otomycosis involves not only carrying out measures aimed at destroying the pathogenic fungus, but also aimed at eliminating factors that contribute to the spread of the fungus inside the ear canal (hand and ear hygiene, protective equipment when working indoors and with objects presumably affected by the fungus). Therapy for ear fungus is based on the use of ointments and ear drops of antifungal action (Fluconazole and its synonyms, Amphotericin B, Intraconazole, Clotrimazole). If signs of ear fungus are found, then it is necessary to diagnose the causative agent of otomycosis (scraping and bio-examination of the ear contents), which allows you to accurately select the drug for the effect on the fungal organism.