…just with a clear thin discharge (serous). Otomycosis usually affects the outer ear. Immunocompromised patients are more likely to experience chronic (persistent or recurrent) fungal infections of the middle ear (consider mucormycosis).
Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is a keratin mass in the middle ear. It may be congenital (present from birth) or acquired and predispose the middle ear to chronic infections. In addition, it may cause erosion of the surrounding tissue and even the skull. In a cholesteatoma, the tympanic membrane (eardrum) may be intact. While there is no perforation, ear discharge is still able to exit into the outer ear through a retraction of the eardum.
A cholesteatoma causes a chronic but scanty offensive smelling ear discharge. In the early stages, the condition is often painless and apart from the discharge, only an impairment of the hearing may be noticed. A cholesteatoma is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention by an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist).
Tumors
Cancer of the ear can affect the outer, middle or inner ear, although temporal bone cancer may responsible in outer ear lesions. In the outer and middle ear, the cancer may cause ulceration and erode surrounding tissue. A foul smelling blood stained discharge and pain is often noted although at times this may not be present. It nevertheless has to be considered as a possible cause especially if there is any degradation of the sense of hearing.
Remedies for Smelly Ear Wax
– Ear drops prepared from diluted white vinegar are effective in keeping the ear dry. It also acts as an antiseptic solution.
– The choice of antibiotic ear drops is always preferred when the infection is bacterial in origin. At times when the infection is substantially severe, your doctor may also prescribe oral anti-bacterial medications.
– Eating food with high nutritional value always helps boost your immunity. Maintain healthy immunity to ward off infections naturally.
– Make the ear wax soft and lose before you attempt to remove it. To do this, put a few drops of warm mineral oil in your ear passage and let it remain for few hours by plugging the ear with a simple and clean cotton ball.
– Dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and clean the outside ear canal once every week in a gentle manner. It helps clean the accumulated dirt and grime.