OTOMYCOSIS

Otomycosis is an ear infection which is caused by fungus. It causes dryness, pain, inflammation and discharge in the ear canal. It can affect either one or both the ears. People of the warm or tropical areas are most commonly affected. It affects the external ear canal and is also known as otitis externa. The external ear canal starts from the eardrum and continues to the outside of head. In some cases, middle ear is also affected. Otomycosis occurs mostly in people who do swimming, have diabetes or some skin infection.

Otomycosis has several treatment options available. It is usually treated with topical antifungal medications.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF OTOMYCOSIS?

Otomycosis occurs because of several reasons. Following are the causes of otomycosis:

• Fungal infection – There are many types of fungi responsible for otomycosis. The most common type of fungi responsible for it are – Aspergillus and Candida. Aspergillus is a fungus which is found everywhere in the form of spores. Candida is a type of yeast which lives inside or outside the body. But it is present in optimum amount. When the amount increases from an optimum level, it leads to infection.
• Increased use of antibiotics – Widespread and prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to decreased body resistance. It affects the pH level of ear canal and kills the bacteria which compete with fungi. Therefore, when the bacteria die due to antibiotics, fungal growth becomes easier.
• Overuse of steroids
• Weakened immune system – Immune system helps in providing protection to the body against foreign micro-organisms. When the immune system is weak, various types of micro-organisms can cause infection.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF OTOMYCOSIS?

There are some factors which make a person more prone to otomycosis. Following are the risk factors of otomycosis:

• Suffering from diabetes mellitus
• Ear trauma due to use of hearing aids or cotton swabs
• Swimming in contaminated water
• Surfing
• Chronic skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis
• Decreased formation of wax in ear as it leads to excessive growth of bacteria and fungus in the ear canal
• Using chemical irritants such as hair dye or hair spray
• Any ear injury

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OTOMYCOSIS?

The signs and symptoms of otomycosis are:

• Pain in the affected ear
• Inflammation or swelling
• Feeling of fullness in ear
• Itching
• Redness in the outer ear
• Flakiness
• Loss of hearing
• Ringing sound in ears
• Headache
• Discharge of fluid from the ear which can be white, yellow, brown or green
• Burning sensation in the affected ear

HOW OTOMYCOSIS CAN BE PREVENTED?

Otomycosis can be prevented by following some of the precautionary steps:

• Wear earplugs or swim cap while swimming
• Do not use cotton swabs or any other objects to clean the ears
• Use hair dryer on low setting for removal of moisture from the ears
• Do not scratch the ears which anything sharp

HOW DIAGNOSIS OF OTOMYCOSIS CAN BE DONE?    

The doctor will ask about the signs and symptoms of the disease to the patient. He will do physical examination of the patient through otoscope. The fungal spores and debris may be present in the ear canal. A sample can be taken from there and will be sent to the laboratory  for identification of the micro-organisms.

MANAGEMENT OF THE OTOMYCOSIS WITH THE MEDICATIONS OF CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurved centre which are used for the treatment of otomycosis:

1. Detox Premium Powder

Detox premium powder is a very effective ayurvedic medicine to cure blemishes as it purifies the whole body by removing excess toxins from the body. The powder is composed of shukta pishti, giloy satv, gandhak rasayan, moti pishti, akik pishti, shankh bhasma, etc. The ingredient reduces all the signs and symptoms associated with the blemishes.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.

2. Twak Churana

This herbal powder is prepared from two herbs Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) & Chopchini (Smilax malabarica) that in combination reduces uneven pigmentation. Manjishtha mainly helps in deep detoxification and blood purification. It can also be used for hand lotion to treat dry, cracked hands, or feet. This herbal powder is good for dry skin, rashes, acne. It has been used in psoriasis. Skin Glow powder removes toxins and impurities of blood. This powder helps to rejuvenate and promote the longevity. It helps to open the blocked sweat pores. This powder is used in infectious conditions like, eczema, pimples, and chronic skin disorders.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful twice a day with normal water.

3. Twak Tailam

Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification and blood purification without any side effects.

Method of Application– Apply over the affected area of the skin.

4. Skin care tablet

Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It help to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice daily.

5. Itch Care Tablet

It is pure herbal combination which is purely natural. Skin primarily protect our body from toxins present in environment. Itching is related to various skin problems like dermatitis or irritates such as nickel in jewelry, infected cut. Chronic skin condition like psoriasis, acne and due to internal conditions like blood, lungs, and liver. Mainly toxins in skin arises due to excess rakta dhatu and rasa or  plasma nourishes the skin.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice daily.

6. Handmade Neem Soap

NEEM capsules 100% Safe and purely Ayurvedic preparation. CAC NEEM CAPSULES is natural and herbal product prepared from the standard extract of herb Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem herb is widely used to cure acute to chronic Skin problems such as Pimples, Itching, Dryness, Blemishes, Dark spots, Pigmentation, Scars etc. Neem leaves are rich in Vitamin-E, Fatty acids & emollients. It is such a wonderful herb that is easily available and shows Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-microbial, Antifungal, Antiseptic properties. Neem cleanses the pores and protects the skin from various infections, Psoriasis, Eczema, Leprosy, Skin ulcers.