ABSTRACT
Introduction: Otomycosis is a term used to describe the epithelial infection caused by yeast and filamentous fungi, in the External Auditory Canal (EAC). It is one of the common infections seen in ENT OPD because of its prevalence in hot and humid climate. Due its high recurrence rate and different treatment modalities, it’s important to come out with ideal treatment modality. Aim: To compare efficacy of 1% clotrimazole drops vs. 1% clotrimazole cream vs 10% povidone- iodine in the treatment of otomycosis. Materials and methods: Randomized control study was performed for 2 months on clinically diagnosed otomycosis patients. Total 60 patients were included in the study, which were randomly divided in 3 groups and treated by 1% clotrimazole drops, 1% clotrimazole cream and 10% povidone- iodine respectively. Patients were reviewed after 7 days on the basis of clinical response and symptoms of pain, ear blockage, pruritus and burning sensation. Results: After 7 days of treatment groups treated with 1 % clotimazole drops and cream had good response of 90% and 95% as compared to 10% povidone-iodine group which was 70%. Clotrimazole cream group had more ear blockage complain which was 75% and clotrimazole drops group had more burning sensation complain which was 55%.Conclusion: 1% clotrimazole drops and cream are equally effective in management of otomycosis but 10% povidone-iodine can be considered if patient has complain of ear blockage and burning sensation.