How do I find out if I have a fungal infection in my ear?

Question

I noticed that my ears itch whenever the humidity in the air is high, or soon after I take a shower, or when I go for a swim. They also itch when the climate get a little cooler. So I suspect that I have a fungal infection in my ear. I have gone for numerous checks, but all the ENTs I have been to say that there is nothing in the ear that they can find, and just tell me that it will subside. But it never does. I have been having this problem since almost 2 years now. I don't know what I should do. Can anyone help me?

Answer 1

Fungus is not the only thing that causes ears to itch. The pattern you are describing is characteristic of allergies or dermatitis - allergies seem the more likely. Its not uncommon for people to have an allergic reaction to water and changes in temperature, particularly if the person's allergies are already aggravated by some other allergen such as house dust or mold.

You can see if this is caused by allergies by trying two things - take benedryl when this happens and see if it helps; and use a cortisone after your shower to see if it stops the problem from occurring. If either of these things work, that means the problem is probably an allergic reaction. If you haven't used benedryl before - try it the first time in the evening - it puts some people to sleep, so don't take it if you have to drive anywhere. If it looks like the problem is allergy related, you might consider seeing an allergist.