Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the outer ear canal that commonly causes itching, discomfort, discharge, and a feeling of blockage in the ear. This randomized controlled study was conducted to compare two commonly used topical treatments for otomycosis: clotrimazole ear drops and 2% salicylic acid ear drops. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with otomycosis were enrolled and were randomly assigned in equal numbers to one of the two treatment groups. One group received clotrimazole drops three times daily for two weeks, while the other group received 2% salicylic acid drops at the same frequency and for the same duration. Patients were assessed at the start of treatment and again after two weeks. The main outcome measure was relief of ear blockage, which reflected improvement in canal patency after treatment. It was hypothesized that topical clotrimazole would be more effective than 2% salicylic acid in clearing ear blockage and improving short-term clinical recovery in patients with otomycosis. This study was conducted to provide evidence for selecting an effective, practical, and affordable topical treatment for routine clinical use.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
Three drops of clotrimazole were administered in the affected ear three times daily for two weeks.
Three drops of 2% salicylic acid were administered in the affected ear three times daily for two weeks.
Mayo Hospital, Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Resolution of ear blockage
Ear blockage was assessed clinically as present or absent in the affected ear. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who achieved absence of ear blockage after treatment, reflecting restoration of external auditory canal patency. The assessment was performed by the same ENT consultant in both treatment groups.
Time frame: 2 weeks after initiation of treatment.
Clearance of fungal debris
Fungal debris in the external auditory canal was assessed clinically as present or absent. The secondary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who showed clearance of fungal debris after treatment, as evaluated by the same ENT consultant .
Time frame: 2 weeks after initiation of treatment.
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