What are the Causes of Itchy Ear ? How to Cure?

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Causes of Itchy Ear

The problem of itching in the ear seems to be common. But without proper treatment, it may become serious. The ears are an important part of our body that helps us in hearing. If there is any problem or infection in the ears, then it may cause itching. In many cases, itching in the ears is usually caused by psoriasis or dermatitis. People who use a machine in the ear may experience slight itching. Excessive dirt in the ear can cause itching problems. It can also cause some other symptoms, such as ear pain, fluid discharge from the ear, or hearing loss. In this case, diagnosis and treatment should be done by a doctor, so that the problem of itching can be corrected. Let us explain in detail the causes of itchy ears in today’s article.

• Causes of Itchy Ear
• Symptoms of Itchy Ear
• Diagnosis of Itchy Ear 
• Treatments for Itchy Ear 

Causes of Itchy Ear

There can be many reasons for itching in the ears.

• Frequent itching in the ear may be due to infection. Some bacterial infections such as colds, flu, or some allergies can cause an ear infection.
• Sometimes an allergic reaction in the skin can cause an itching problem in the inner part of the ear. However, many people get itchy ears due to inserting a pin or rubbery thing in the ear.
• Excessive dirt in the ear causes itching. The environmental dust and dirt build-up in the ear resulting in itching.
• Some people have the habit of cleaning the ear, in which they keep digging the ear with pins, wood, and some pointed objects. Doing this can damage the ear resulting in further infection and itching.
• Psoriasis disease is a common cause of itching in the ears. It causes itching and rashes on the skin, which can occur anywhere, either ear or face.
• Many people are allergic to some fruits or vegetables that can cause itching in the ears.
• Some external infections can also cause itching in the ear, such as while swimming, water may get inside the ears resulting in infections. (Read more – Benefits of Neem in preventing skin infection)

Risk factors –

• Itching sensation in the ear due to lotion or soap getting inside the ears while bathing.
• Itching due to insect bites in the ear.
• Ear itching due to fungal infections.

Symptoms of Itchy Ear

Ear itching is a major symptom, in addition, there may be some of the following symptoms.

• Fluid discharge from ears
• Swelling in the ears
• Ringing in the ears
• Ear pressure
• Earache
• Inflammation of lymph nodes
• Headache (Read more – Home Remedies to Relieve Headache)
• Loss of hearing 
• Ear pain radiating into head and face
• Fever

Diagnosis of Itchy Ear

To diagnose the cause of itching in the ear, the doctor will ask you about your disease history. Some tests can be done to find out the exact cause of ear itching. The otoscope is a small device used to check for any blockage in the ear. This test helps in detecting ear infections. Also, the doctor may check for rashes, skin redness around the ear. However, during the test, doctors also check the status of the earwax and eardrum. If the itching is severe, the doctor may seek information about other symptoms.(Read more – What is tympanoplasty)

Treatments for Itchy Ear

Ear itching is treated based on the underlying cause. In some cases, the doctor recommends some measures to prevent itching in the ear.

• While taking a shower or swimming, always wear a shower cap to cover your ears. It prevents the water from entering the ears as well as reduce the risk of infection.
• If there is any abnormality in the ear, some ear drops can be given to prevent itching. Keep in mind that the patient should not go swimming until the itching of the ear is cured.
• If a person has too much dirt in his ear, then the process of searing and suctioning is used to remove dirt from the ear. In this process, the ear tube is cleaned thoroughly by removing the dirt.
• If the ear is itchy due to infection, the doctor recommends taking some antibiotic or antifungal medications. Apart from this, eardrops are given to put inside the ears. Apart from this, in case of damage to the eardrum, the doctor may prescribe some cream or medications.(Read more – Home remedies for eczema)

We hope that we could answer your questions regarding itching in the ears through this article.

If you experience itching in the ear, you can contact the ENT Specialist.

We only aim to give you information through the article. We do not recommend medication or treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you good advice because no one else is better than them.