An itching of the ears is one of the problems that most often worry you, since it produces excessive discomfort, especially if it is inside, it because it is impossible to reach the exact place where the itching occurs to be able to scratch and relieve it. However, although most cases are not usually serious and have an easy treatment, it is best to go to a doctor if you feel discomfort or itching so that it leaves as soon as possible. The itching increases when it comes to the inner ear and you try to satiate this discomfort by putting in the ear some object that you have at hand to reach the place where itches, but without realizing it you are producing a greater inflammation and after a while it will itch you even more, although at that moment you have managed to calm said discomfort.
If you feel itchy in your ear and do not know what is the reason, in the following article of we answer your doubt about why my ears itch, so keep reading because here you will find the most common causes.
Why my ears itch – the main causes
This itching can occur in both the external and internal ear and the causes can vary greatly, so it will be necessary for a doctor to analyze you 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 on the outside of the ear and usually acquires recurrent character and even becomes chronic. It comes in the form of inflammation and irritation in the area where you have that annoying itch. It is not known what type of agents cause this problem, but it appears as excessive itching on the outside 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 discomfort will disrupt your sleep-in addition to your daily routine. The otic eczema must be treated by a specialist who will prescribe corticosteroids or specific products for a good cleaning of the ear, oils or moisturizers, or even sometimes topical steroids of low potency 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 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 notice any of these signs on the outside of your ear so that he can give you 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 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. Symptoms of shingles are 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 occurs that wax is produced in the ear and accumulates producing itching and stinging in it. This happens because the person produces a lot of earwax, due to a malformation or poor hygiene.
- Ear infection: Otitis media appears, as the name suggests, in the middle ear and is an inflammation and infection in the ear. Normally one of the symptoms that can be detected before is a pain and a ringing in the ear, but an itch may also appear due to certain discomforts.
If the itching is persistent, do not hesitate to go to your doctor to examine you and diagnose what is the cause that is producing this problem to apply a treatment that makes the itching disappear as soon as possible.
Treatment usually relies on sprays, ointment, or antibiotic ear drops, but you may also be prescribed an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory.
Home Remedies for Ear Itching
There are a number of home remedies that, well used, can help you get rid of the great discomfort caused by itchy ear. These are the home remedies for itchy ear that we recommend, but remember that it is always advisable to talk to your doctor to indicate the best options and combinations of medical and natural treatments.
- Mix alcohol with white vinegar and then with a spoon or syringe drop the mixture into your ear while you tilt your head. When two minutes pass, tilt your head to the opposite side so that the mixture comes out again. This will help you drain and dry your ear to decrease itching.
- Hot vegetable oil will also do its role applied to your ear. To do this, you will only have to put a little natural oil in a cup and heat it to an appropriate temperature, which does not burn or you could produce a greater evil in your ear. Add a few drops inside the ear and you're good to go.
- Aloe vera is a highly recommended remedy against this problem thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. You will only have to apply four drops of aloe vera gel in your ear and after a while you will feel a relief from the itching.
- Mix hydrogen peroxide with some water and drop it in your ear to help remove excess earwax.
- Elderberry syrup. It has properties that fight viruses, so in the face of an ear infection and ear pain it can help you recover by drinking a little of this liquid.
How to avoid itchy ear – 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 carry out good ear hygiene and always have it hydrated. In the face of an otic eczema, you have to avoid cleaning the affected area with swabs or swabs for the ears because you could produce greater inflammation. In addition, you will also have to avoid wetting the ear because it can worsen eczema due to moisture. For a good cleaning it is recommended to use special sprays for the ear and ear canal. The use of 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 otolaryngologist so that he can indicate some guidelines that help you prevent and avoid this problem.
