An itchy ear is one of the problems that most often worries you, since it causes excessive discomfort, especially if it is inside the ear because it is impossible to reach the exact place where the itching occurs in order to scratch it and relieve it. However, although most cases are not usually serious and have an easy treatment, it is best to see a doctor if you feel discomfort or itching so that it goes away as soon as possible. The itching increases when it comes to the inner ear and you try to quench this discomfort by putting some object you have at hand in the ear to reach the place where it itches, but without realizing it you are producing a greater inflammation and after a while it will itch even more, although at that moment you have managed to calm said annoyance.
Why do my ears itch – the main causes
This itching can occur in both the external and internal ear and the causes can vary a lot, so it will be necessary for you to be examined by a doctor to find the definitive cause and apply the best treatment. The causes of itchy ears are as follows.
- Otic eczema:This is a kind of otitis that occurs in the external part of the ear and usually becomes recurrent and even chronic. It comes in the form of inflammation and irritation in the area where you have that annoying itching. It is not known what type of agents cause this problem, but it appears as excessive itching in the outer part of the ear and is usually accompanied by dry skin of the ear canal, redness and inflammation of the skin, pain in the ear and skin peeling. This nuisance will disrupt your sleep as well as your daily routine. Otic eczema must be treated by a specialist who will prescribe corticosteroids or specific products for good cleaning of the ear, oils or moisturizing creams, or sometimes even low-potency topical steroids to eliminate discomfort and itching. Studies have shown that steroids applied to the affected area do not have 100% efficacy because applied over a long period of time they can produce contradictions. In certain cases the treatment may not work.
- Psoriasis: this problem appears in the form of red or whitish scales and is due to an immune system disorder that manifests itself in your ear. You will have to go to your doctor if you observe any of these signs on the outside of your ear so that he can administer the treatment that best suits this type of itching caused by psoriasis .
- Cradle cap: Cradle cap is a dermatitis that appears on the scalp, inside the ear, and on the eyebrows, especially in babies. The symptomatology is similar to that of psoriasis and if it appears in adults it is usually due to lack of hygiene
- Herpes Zoster: It is common in people over 50 years of age and is caused by an infection that is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. The symptoms of shingles are skin rash, burning, and pain. It originates in an arm and can spread through the ear canal, cartilage and eardrum, so it can be the cause of an itchy ear.
- Excess earwax: it sometimes happens that wax is produced in the ear and accumulates, producing itching and burning in it. This happens because the person produces a lot of earwax, due to a malformation or due to poor hygiene.
- Ear infection: otitis media appears, as its name suggests, in the middle ear and is an inflammation and infection in the ear . Normally one of the symptoms that can be detected first is pain and ringing in the ear, but itching can also appear due to certain discomforts.
If the itching is persistent, do not hesitate to go to your doctor so that he can examine you and diagnose what is the cause that is causing this problem to apply a treatment that will make the itching disappear as soon as possible.
Treatment is usually based on antibiotic ear sprays, ointment or drops, but you may also be prescribed an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory.
Home remedies for itchy ears
There are a number of home remedies that, if used properly, can help you get rid of the great discomfort caused by itchy ears. These are the home remedies for itchy ears that we recommend, but remember that it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor so that they can tell you the best options and combinations of medical and natural treatments.
- Mix alcohol with white vinegar and then with a spoon or a syringe drop the mixture into your ear while tilting your head. After two minutes, tilt your head to the opposite side so that the mixture comes out again. This will help drain and dry out the ear to reduce itchiness.
- Hot vegetable oil will also do its part applied to your ear. To do this, you will only have to put a little natural oil in a glass and heat it to a suitable temperature, which does not burn or you could cause greater damage to your ear. Add a few drops inside the ear and voila.
- Aloe vera is a highly recommended remedy for this problem thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. You only have to apply four drops of aloe vera gel in your ear and after a while you will feel relief from itching.
- Mix hydrogen peroxide with a little water and drop it into your ear to help remove excess earwax.
- Elderberry syrup . It has properties that fight viruses, so in the face of an ear infection and pain it can help you recover by drinking a little of this liquid.
How to avoid itchy ears – tips
You always have to avoid contracting this problem, since it brings with it one of the worst discomforts that is due to the itching it produces and complications can occur. To avoid this, it is essential to practice good ear hygiene and always keep it hydrated. Faced with an otic eczema you have to avoid cleaning the affected area with cotton swabs or cotton buds because you could cause greater inflammation. In addition, you will also have to avoid getting your ear wet because it can make eczema worse due to humidity. For a good cleaning it is recommended to use special sprays for the ear and the ear canal. The use of cotton swabs can irritate the affected area more, so you should try to avoid using it to clean your ear frequently.
You should always go to a doctor or an otorhinolaryngologist so that he can indicate some guidelines that will help you prevent and avoid this problem.
