How to treat ear mites in humans? - briefly
Ear mite infestations in people are managed with topical antiparasitic agents—commonly permethrin or ivermectin cream applied to the ear canal after careful cleaning. A repeat dose after 7–10 days and observation for secondary infection complete the regimen.
How to treat ear mites in humans? - in detail
Ear mite infestations in people require prompt identification and targeted therapy. The parasite typically colonizes the external auditory canal, causing itching, inflammation, and possible secondary infection. Diagnosis is confirmed by visual inspection with an otoscope or by extracting and examining debris under a microscope.
Effective management consists of three steps: parasite eradication, symptom control, and prevention of reinfestation.
Eradication
- Apply a topical acaricide approved for human use, such as permethrin 5 % cream or ivermectin 1 % lotion, directly into the ear canal according to the product label.
- For resistant cases, a single dose of oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) may be prescribed; repeat after 7 days if mites persist.
- Clean the canal with a gentle saline flush after medication has been absorbed, removing dead organisms and debris.
Symptom control
- Use a mild corticosteroid ear drop (e.g., hydrocortisone 0.5 %) to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Apply an antihistamine ointment (e.g., diphenhydramine) if pruritus remains severe.
- Treat any bacterial superinfection with a topical antibiotic (e.g., neomycin‑polymyxin B‑hydrocortisone) or an oral antibiotic if systemic involvement is evident.
Prevention
- Keep the ear dry; after bathing, gently dry the canal with a soft towel or a low‑flow air dryer.
- Avoid sharing headphones, earplugs, or other devices that contact the ear canal.
- Launder bedding and personal items at high temperature weekly to eliminate residual eggs.
- Perform a follow‑up otoscopic examination 10–14 days after treatment to confirm eradication.
When symptoms persist beyond two weeks, reassess the diagnosis and consider alternative causes such as eczema, fungal infection, or foreign bodies. Consultation with an otolaryngologist ensures accurate management and reduces the risk of complications.