Contributed by -Healthians Team
Itching is the most uncomfortable physical sensation we feel next to pain. When the itchy feeling occurs in a place where we are not able to reach, it can be difficult to find relief. Ear canals are the most common unreachable place where itching occurs. Itchy ears are a common problem that is not harmful, but if it persists for a long time and is left untreated, it can lead to more serious diseases. Read on to know more about the condition of itchy ears, and its causes, treatment, and prevention.
Why do your ears itch?
The ear canal is a very sensitive skin to the touch. Due to the warmth and moisture inside the ear, the ear canal is at a higher risk of getting an infection. The skin of the ear canal has specialized oil glands called ceruminous glands that secrete earwax. Tiny hair grows inside the ear to help prevent debris from entering the ears. Even the slightest accumulation of debris or dead hair can cause itchy ears. When you aggravate this problem by scratching your ears by using bobby pins, toothpicks, car or motorcycle keys, then bacteria enter into your skin through the layers of broken skin and causes itchiness inside the ear.
Itchy ears also occur due to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, a type of rash that affects the sebaceous glands, which produce oil. The glands are on the scalp, eyebrows, and in the ears. A severe case of dermatitis causes the skin to turn reddish and intensely itchy. Itchy ears can be caused by various factors such as dry skin inside ears, allergies, earwax buildup and more. Here are the causes of itchy ears in detail:
Earwax buildup and blockage
Ears produce earwax to remove the dead skin cells, dirt, hair and other foreign particles out of your ears, but too much of it can cause itchiness also. Using a cotton swab to clean the earwax may push the wax deeper inside, where it can get stuck and block the ear canal. The earwax blockage traps the bacteria in the ear and causes an infection, resulting in itchiness in the ears.
Ear infections
One of the most common causes of itchy ears is an infection caused by bacteria and viruses when you catch a cold or flu. Infections can also occur if water gets trapped in your ear or there’s a buildup of excess earwax.
Dry Ears
The skin inside your ears can become dry and itchy if your ears don’t produce enough wax, which works as a lubricant. The absence of earwax can cause an itchy feeling. You may even notice flaking skin, known as dandruff coming from the ear.
Food Allergies
If you have hay fever or pollen allergy, your ears may itch when you eat certain foods such as nuts, milk, fish, wheat and soy. This type of allergic reaction is known as oral allergy syndrome. It can also cause itchiness around your mouth. Oral allergy syndrome can cause due to foods like:
- Fruits such as apples, melons, cherries
- Hazelnuts
- Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
The condition called anaphylaxis can develop due to eating of certain foods or coming into contact with allergens. This is a serious allergic reaction and needs immediate care.
Hearing aids usage
Itchy ears can occur due to the plastic coating of hearing aids. Those who have sensitive skin may get an allergic reaction to that material. If water gets trapped behind the hearing device, people may experience itchy ears.
Swimmer’s ears
If the water gets trapped inside the ear, the germs can multiply and cause an infection. This condition is known as acute otitis externa or swimmer’s ear. If anyone has swimmer’s ear condition, they may notice symptoms such as:
- Ear blockage
- Pain in the ear
- Pain in the neck and head
- Inflammation around the ear
- Difficulty in hearing
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever, which happens if individuals have an allergic reaction to foreign particles such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It can cause itchiness in the ears along with other symptoms such as:
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Sneezing
Skin conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis may cause itchy ears. Some people may notice flaky and scaly patches on the skin of the ear or around the ear.
Cleaning of your ear
Putting cotton swabs into your ears can inflame your ear canal and cause itchy ears. Bobby pins, matchsticks, and nails in your fingers can also scratch the skin inside your ears, making it easy for bacteria to enter into the broken skin layer.
[Also read: Common causes of hearing loss and their symptoms]
What are the symptoms that might occur with itchy ears?
Following are the symptoms to watch out for, that indicates you have the itchy ears condition :
- Flaking skin of the ears
- Drainage or discharge from the ear
- Rash
- Redness of the skin around your ears
How can itchy ears be treated?
It’s always advisable to consult with your doctor before putting any ointments or drops inside or on your ear.
Your doctor may recommend or prescribe the following treatment if you complain of itching ears:
- antibiotic ointment
- baby oil to soften the skin
- steroid topical ointment that relieves inflammation
- swimmer’s ear eardrops, or a diluted solution of rubbing alcohol, acetic acid, or hydrogen peroxide
Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics doses to treat an infection if your itching ears are accompanied by a fever, or blood or pus draining from the ear.
If your itchy ears are the result of an allergic reaction, you should not use any products that cause that reaction to happen. These can be new earrings and personal care products.
How can you manage the symptoms of itchy ears?
You can lower the risk of getting ear infections by not sticking anything such as the following, into your ears:
- Cotton swabs
- Bobby pins
- Toothpicks
- Pencils
- Twisted cloths
Inserting these items into the ear can remove protective earwax, damage the ear, and push earwax deeper into the ear.
You should also be mindful of a few things when it comes to taking care of your ears, in order to prevent itchy ears:
- If you use earphones, you should ensure that the earphones you’re using fit inside your ear properly and also ensure to not use them continuously for too long.
- You can clean your ears using a clean cloth, but you should not insert or press it into the ear canal.
- If you experience itchy ears due to some type of food allergies, you can track your diet and symptoms to identify which foods trigger symptoms.
- If you are a swimmer, then you can wear earplugs when swimming.
If you persistently experience itchy ears, you should consult with your doctor or an ear specialist to find out the underlying cause.
