ask: WHAT COULD CAUSE SMELLY, BLACK DISCHARGE FROM MY EARS?

Dear Anon,

Do you suffer from eczema? Many times people who have eczema will develop Otitis Externa which is usually caused by bacteria and affects the outerear and ear canal.

A patient with eczema may subsequently develop black ear drainage. This would be suggestive of an accompanying fungal infection. This may be what you have.

Your ear should be kept dry, nothing should go into it (no scratching, no cotton swabs, etc.) and this definitely warrants a trip to the doctor for medication. Otherwise, an untreated ear infection can lead to swelling of the glands and side of face, difficulty swallowing, and hearing loss.