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H62.0 – Otitis Externa in Mycoses Explained

H62.0 is the ICD-10 code for otitis externa in mycoses – a fungal infection of the outer ear canal causing itching, pain, and discharge.

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Things worth knowing about "H62.0"

H62.0 is the ICD-10 code for otitis externa in mycoses – a fungal infection of the outer ear canal causing itching, pain, and discharge.

What is H62.0 – Otitis Externa in Mycoses?

H62.0 is a diagnostic code from the ICD-10 classification system. It refers to otitis externa caused by mycoses, meaning an inflammation of the external ear canal caused by a fungal infection. This condition is also known as otomycosis. It primarily affects the outer ear canal and, in rare cases, the eardrum.

Causes

Otomycosis is most commonly caused by the following fungi:

Aspergillus niger and other Aspergillus species (most frequent cause)
Candida albicans and other Candida species

Predisposing factors include:

Warm and humid climates or frequent swimming
Prior antibiotic treatments that disrupt the natural microbial balance
Weakened immune system or diabetes mellitus
Perforated eardrum or previous ear surgery
Excessive cleaning of the ear canal, which removes the protective earwax (cerumen)

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of H62.0 include:

Intense itching in the ear canal (most common complaint)
Ear pain or a feeling of pressure
Discharge from the ear (otorrhea), often whitish, grayish, or blackish-green depending on the pathogen
Sensation of fullness or reduced hearing
Visible fungal growth or debris in the ear canal

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically established through:

Otoscopy: direct visual examination of the ear canal using an otoscope
Microbiological swab: collection of a sample for laboratory culture and identification of the fungal pathogen
In uncertain cases, microscopic examination of secretions or fungal culture may be performed

Treatment

Treatment of otomycosis depends on the identified pathogen and includes:

Local (Topical) Treatment

Antifungal ear drops or creams (e.g., containing clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin)
Thorough cleaning and drying of the ear canal by an ENT specialist (e.g., suctioning or irrigation)

Systemic Treatment

In severe or extensive infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, systemic antifungal therapy (e.g., fluconazole or itraconazole) may be required

General Measures

Keep the ear dry and avoid getting water in the ear when bathing or swimming
Avoid manipulation of the ear canal with cotton swabs
Regular follow-up appointments with an ENT specialist

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience persistent ear pain, severe itching, discharge from the ear, or hearing loss, you should consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent the spread of infection and potential complications such as damage to the eardrum.

References

World Health Organization (WHO): International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Geneva: WHO, 2019.
Kaur R, Mittal N, Kakkar M, et al. – Otomycosis: A Clinicomycologic Study. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 2000;79(8):606-609. PubMed.
Jackman A, Ward R, April M, Bent J – Topical antibiotic induced otomycosis. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2005;69(6):857-860. PubMed.

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