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[Dermatophytosis of the external auditory meatus]
N Morishita1, A Oshima, J Ninomiya
1Department of Dermatology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, 1-30 Fujigaoka, Aoba-ku, Yokohama 227-8501, Japan.
Abstract:
Dermatophytosis of the external auditory meatus is believed to be a fairly rare disease. In the past three and a half years we have had seven cases of dermatophytosis in the external auditory meatus. All cases except one were associated with tinea of other lesions. Case 1: A 44-year-old man had tinea of the auricle, tinea pedis and tinea unguium. Case 2: A 14-year-old boy, the son of case 1 had no tinea elsewhere on his body, including the auricle. He scratched the auditory meatus with an earpick which his father had used. Case 3: A 62-year-old man had tinea of the auricle, tinea pedis and tinea unguium. Case 4: A 50-year-old man had tinea of the auricle, tinea pedis and tinea unguium. Case 5: A 36-year-old man had tinea of the auricle, tinea pedis, tinea unguium and tinea cruris. Case 6: A 30-year-old woman had tinea of the auricle. Case 7: A 68-year-old man had tinea of the auricle, tinea pedis, tinea unguium and tinea manuum. Endoscopic examination (except for cases 4 and 7) revealed dry cerumen from cartilaginous to bony region of the external auditory meatus. Direct examination using KOH method of the cerumen in all cases demonstrated numerous fungal elements. Fungal cultures identified Trichophyton rubrum except for cases 3 and 6. All cases were successfully treated with oral itraconazole or terbinafine. We suggest that tinea of the external auditory meatus is frequently associated with that of the auricle.
Insights
Dermatophytosis of the external auditory meatus, a fungal infection, is more common than previously thought. It often co-occurs with fungal infections of the auricle and other body parts.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
Context:
- Dermatophytosis of the external auditory meatus is considered a rare condition.
- This study investigated seven cases over three and a half years.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of external auditory meatus dermatophytosis.
- To identify associated fungal infections and effective treatments.
Summary:
- Seven cases of external auditory meatus dermatophytosis were identified, with most cases linked to tinea infections elsewhere.
- Microscopic examination revealed fungal elements in all cases, with Trichophyton rubrum being the most common isolate.
- All patients responded well to oral antifungal medications like itraconazole or terbinafine.
Impact:
- Suggests that external auditory meatus dermatophytosis is frequently associated with auricle infections.
- Highlights the importance of considering fungal etiology in external auditory canal infections, especially when co-existing with other tinea infections.