fungal ear infection

[mc1124]

I was diagnosed with a fungal ear infection (tropical ear) today - I have had repeatedly dealt with 'swimmers ear' over the past 3 years, sometimes as often as 3 times per year.  I have had severe pain in the affected ear, as well as pain in the temple on the affected side.  Starting 2 days ago, the lymph node behind that ear (which has been swollen since Nov. 07) became extremely painful.  It's like having cramps in the side of your neck at times.  My ENT prescribed ZOTO-HC OTIC SOL.  My question:  Is or has anyone else dealt with this type of infection - and how long does the pain last?  I have been in pain since New Year's Eve, and used three different types of drops, along with Zithromax.  The only thing that seems to help is piggy-backing Aleve and Ibuprofen (2 Aleve, 2 Ibuprofen three hours later - repeating evey 6 six hours).  I know that is twice the recommended amount of Aleve you should take in a day, and you shouldn't combine the two - but I am at my wits end - I have to be able to function to work and take care of my kids!  Tylenol is useless.  Any suggestions??

[Flightofthepigeon]

Years ago I was prescribed zithromax. I took the pills as I should but was not told to go on probiotics. Soon after I got a massive fungal rash on my back, and got bad dandruff. Later, I noticed that I had what seemed to be "ear dandruff", and my ear was sometimes itchy. After months of tryin I finally got rid of the rash on my back, but the dandruff has persisted for years. Now I have had a painful earache went to the hospital emergency room one evening.  I was prescribed an antibiotic suspension for my ear.  I  researched ear infections and found that fungal infections get much worse if an antibiotic is used on them.  Is there a chance my ear could be infected with the same fungus that is causing my dandruff? I don't know what to do, I am in great pain but afraid to fill the antibiotic prescription. I read that a mixture of cider vinegar and peroxide would take care of the infection. What should I do?

[shellz227]

Try GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract). Nutribiotics makes it and it is a powerful antibacterial/antifungal. I went through all of the numerous doctors, specialists etc. This works......takes awhile...but it works. I mix about ten drops in Glycerin and heat it up. Then I put about five drops in the ear. I let it sit in the ear for about five minutes and then I let it drain. Persistence is the key here.
Good luck.

[jp820]

Some folks may also benefit from dermotic solution if they have developed an allergy because of long term exposure to fungus

[jp820]

Clotrimazole, AF Antifungal AthleteS Foot Topical Solution 1% (Generic Lotrimin) works good after the infection subsides  - stay away from the cream version

[jp820]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXMake sure you read the last two posts together

[jp820]

I forgot to add that you need to be using an antifungal with this treatment. Oral ketoconazole works best but you have to follow up with liver tests. The doc can put a few drops of a strong antifungal solution in your ear after it is irrigated.