A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN CLOTRIMAZOLE DROPS AND ACETIC ACID WASH AS A TREATMENT FOR OTOMYCOSIS

Abstract

Background: Otomycosis is infection caused by fungi in the external auditory canal and is frequently diagnosed by clinical presentation. There was no common agent in treating otomycosis even though many studies were conducted to conclude the effective antifungal agent. Aim: This study was conducted to compare rate of improvement of otomycosis treatment with topical medications such as clotrimazole and acetic acid wash. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 100 patients during the period of June 2022 to June 2023. After receiving the ethical committee approval, this study was initiated. All the patients were included in the study who were referred to ENT Department Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences Hyderabad. A group (Group A) of patients were treated after cleaning the ear canal with suction with 8 drops of 1% clotrimazole (ear drop) each 8 h. Other group (Group B) of patients were treated with acetic acid wash. Results:  Males (56) were more than females (44) in the present study. Aspergillus Spp were observed in 60 patients and Candida Spp were observed in 40 patients. Recurrence after 14 days in group B was 4% and in group A was 6%. Between two groups, no significant difference was observed in rate of recurrence (P=0.71). Recurrence after 21 days in group B was 8% and in group A was 6%. Between two groups, no significant difference was observed in rate of recurrence (P=0.76). Duration of
treatment in group-B is significant when compared to others. Conclusion: Both clotrimazole and acetic acid have shown similar therapeutic efficacy in otomycosis treatment however, acetic acid is better suggested to be opted due to its significantly shorter duration of treatment and to reduce the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.