On an ordinary day, Mr. Zhang walked into my office with a troubled look on his face. He had recently experienced an indescribable annoyance – not only was the inside of his ear extremely itchy, but he found that he couldn't relieve it with conventional methods. After examination, it is unbelievable that Mr. Zhang's ear canal is overgrown with fungus, a condition that is medically known as a fungal infection of the ear canal, but in life, we may call it "ear athlete's foot."Or "mushrooms grow in the ears." This not only bothered Mr. Zhang, but also greatly reduced his quality of life.
This case may sound strange and incredible, but it did happenAnd not an isolated phenomenon. Fungal infections of the ear canal, although not as well-known as ordinary athlete's foot, do occur quietly when ear hygiene is neglected. Many people are accustomed to cleaning their ears with cotton swabs or other tools, but they don't know that this excessive cleaning behavior may be the root cause of the problem.
When we talk about "athlete's foot", most people immediately think of fungal infections of the feet, a health problem that is both common and easy to understand. However, when the term appears in the context of the ear, it arouses the curiosity and confusion of many people. Fungal infections of the ear canal, although not often mentioned, are a health topic that requires our attention.
Fungal infection: an uninvited guest inside the ear.
Fungal infection of the ear canal refers to the growth and multiplication of fungi inside the ear canal, a phenomenon known medically as mycosis of the external ear canal. It usually occurs when the ear canal is injured or in the ear environmentAfter the change, it provides a suitable environment for the fungus to grow. Like fungal infections of the feet, fungal infections of the ear canal are also caused by fungal overgrowth, but it occurs within our auditory channels and can cause hearing loss, persistent itching, and even ear pain
Cause analysis: Why "athlete's foot" "patronizes" the ears.
Excessive cleaning: Many people have a habit of cleaning their ears with cotton swabs, an act that can disrupt the natural barrier within the ear canal, making the ear canal more susceptible to fungal attack.
Humid environment: Ears are not thoroughly dried after frequent swimming or bathing, and humid environments provide ideal conditions for fungal growth.
Decreased resistance: When the body's immunity is weakened, the microecological balance in the ear canal is easily broken, and fungi will take advantage of the weakness.
Prevention and response: how to avoid becoming a host of "ear athlete's foot".
The key to effective prevention of fungal infections in the ear canal is to maintain a healthy environment in the ear canal and avoid excessive intervention. Here are some practical suggestions:
Keep your ears dry: After bathing or swimming, gently wipe your outer ears with a clean towelAvoid water retention.
Avoid over-cleaning: Reduce the frequency of using a cotton swab to clean your ears to avoid damaging the inside of the ear canal**.
Strengthens physical fitness: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the body's overall resistance, and help the ear canal defend against foreign microbial attacks.
When there are unusual changes in the inside of the ear, such as persistent itching or increasing discomfort, this is often the first sign that there is a problem in the ear canal. Fungal infections of the ear canal, although not as common as fungal infections, once they occur, their impact on daily life cannot be ignored. Recognizing the following symptoms can help us detect and respond to fungal infections in the ear canal in a timely manner
Persistent ear itching: This is the first and most common symptom. If the itching is not accidental, but persistent, especially if the symptoms do not relieve or even worsen after the ear is cleaned, a high level of alertness is required.
Increased ear canal discharge: Normally, the ear produces a certain amount of earwaxto protect the ear canal. However, if a noticeable increase in discharge is observed, especially if the discharge is discolored (such as white or yellow) or has a foul odor, this may be a sign of fungal infection.
Hearing loss: An overgrowth of fungus in the ear canal can cause a blockage in the ear canal, which in turn can affect hearing. If you notice that your hearing is declining, especially if it is accompanied by the other symptoms mentioned above, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Scaling or redness in the ear: Fungal infections in the ear canal may cause scaling, redness, and swelling around the ear canal, which is due to an inflammatory response caused by the fungus.
The presence of these symptoms does not mean that you have to have a fungal infection of the ear canal, but they are a sign that we need to be vigilant and have further examination. The health of the ear is easily overlooked, and early intervention for fungal infections in the ear canal is simpler and more effective than late intervention. If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible and avoid using earplugs, cotton swabs, etc. to clean your ear canal by yourself, as these actions may worsen the symptoms or cause the infection to spread.
Seek the wisdom of a physician: a profession that cannot be ignored**.
This can be when the itching of the ears is unbearable and is not relieved by conventional methodsIt's a fungal infection in the ear canal that signals you for help. The first priority is to immediately stop any self-attempts, such as using a cotton swab or homemade liquid mixture to clean your ears, as these actions may exacerbate the infection.
A professional otolaryngologist will check to determine the infection and may use one or more methods to ** your earEarlobe. **Usually begins with a thorough cleaning of the ear canal to remove the environment where the fungus grows. Next, your doctor may prescribe topical antifungal creams or drops that act directly on the infected area, killing the fungus and reducing symptoms.
In some cases, oral antifungal medications may be needed if the infection is severe. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions throughout the process, and even if your symptoms are relieved, you should not stop the medication on your own to avoid a recurrence of the fungus.
Prevention is better than this: the rules of ear care.
In everyday life, the prevention of fungal infections in the ear canal is equally important. The key to maintaining good ear health is to keep your ears' natural environment balanced and dry.
Keep dry: After bathing or swimming, use a clean towel to gently wipe your outer ear to avoid water retention in your ear canal. You can tilt your head and shake it gently to help the water in your ears drain away.
Moderate cleaning: Avoid over-cleaning the ear canal, especially deep inside the ear canal. The inside of the ear canal has the ability to clean itself, and the earwax can be expelled naturally. If earwax removal is required, it is best to do so under the guidance of a professional.
The right way to wear earplugs: When moving in the water, if you are susceptible to infections, yesConsider using earplugs to protect your ears, but make sure you use them correctly to avoid damaging your ear canal.