[Fungus culture of the ear discharge and therapeutic effects in 60 outpatients with otitis externa].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnosis and therapeutic effects for fungal otitis externa by clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and fungus culture of the ear discharge.

METHOD: Sixty outpatients diagnosed with otitis externa were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated with a thorough debridement of the ear and one antifungal medication regimens (compound resorcinol solution) in case of a positive fungus culture. One subgroup of patients treated with daub glycerol during 2 weeks of follow-up.

RESULT: Positive cultures were found in 42 cases. The efficacy was observed in all patients even in those who received only ear endoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Fungal otitis externa could be easily diagnosed by ear endoscopy. A thorough debridement of the ear and utility of compound resorcinol solution is an easy and effective approach for treatment of fungal otitis externa.