Dermatophytosis of the ear.

Abstract

The prevalence and characteristics of patients with and without dermatophytosis of the ear were investigated. Prospective clinical study. In 54 patients who complained of slight itching or accumulation of cerumen, and/or who had erythema and scales in the ears, the presence of dermatophytosis was examined by potassium hydroxide and dimethyl sulfoxide (KOH-DMSO test). Nineteen patients had dermatophytosis of the ear. Dermatophytosis was more frequent in May and June. Other clinical characteristics did not differ markedly from those without dermatophytosis. About one third of patients had dermatophytosis and their characteristics were similar to those of patients without dermatophytosis except for seasonal variation. Dermatophytosis of the ear may be increased. Its diagnosis is difficult without the KOH-DMSO test.