Fungal infections of the external ear

Fungal infections of the external auditory canal can pose a great clinical challenge both in diagnosis and in therapy. Most infections present in patients who have undergone previous medical treatment of the external canal, which has changed the pH and normal canal flora, or in those who have diminished capacity for resisting infections. Diagnosis is made by clinical inspection and selective cultures. Therapy consists of complete cleaning followed by use of topical antimycotic agents. Systemic therapy is rarely required.