Otomycosis

Background

• Also known as "Singapore Ear"
• A superficial fungal infection of the outer ear canal
• More common the tropical countries.

Etiology.

• Aspergillus niger
• Candida albicans

Clinical Features

• Similar to otitis externa, but with more itching than pain
• Characteristic appearance on exam; like mold growing on spoiled food
• Malodorous discharge, inflammation, pruritus, scaling, and severe discomfort
  • Greyish white thick debris "wet blotting paper"

Differential Diagnosis

Ear Diagnoses

External

• Auricular hematoma
• Auricular perichondritis
• Cholesteatoma
• Contact dermatitis
• Ear foreign body
• Herpes zoster oticus (Ramsay Hunt syndrome)
• Malignant otitis externa
• Otitis externa
• Otomycosis
• Tympanic membrane rupture
  • Otic barotrauma

Internal

• Acute otitis media
  • Bullous myringitis
• Chronic otitis media
• Mastoiditis

Inner/vestibular

• Labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis
• Meniere's disease
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Management

• Cleaning of ear canal (debridment)
• Topical antifungal