Contents:
- Medical Video: Ear Problems : Why Does My Ear Itch?
- Causes of itchy ears
- 1. Your ears are dry
- 2. Inflammation in the ear canal
- 3. Outer ear canal infection
- 4. You use a hearing aid
- 5. Psoriasis
- How to treat itchy ears?
Medical Video: Ear Problems : Why Does My Ear Itch?
Itchy inner ear canal is a very common problem for some people. Not infrequently if you might scratch while gouging into the inner ear. This is not recommended, because it can cause blisters and trauma to the ear canal. Then, what conditions are the causes of itchy ears? How do you handle it?
Causes of itchy ears
The most common causes of itchy ears are fungal infections and some skin diseases such as psoriasis or contact dermatitis. Sometimes people who have allergies itch also complain that their ears also itch.
Sudden itching in the ear (not due to infection, yes), can actually be overcome alone by using antihistamine drugs temporarily. And one thing to note, itching in the ear can be an indication that leads to an infection in the ear.
The following are some of the causes of itchy ears, including infections:
1. Your ears are dry
It turns out that the inner ear canal has its own humidity. If your ears are dry, the ear cannot produce enough wax or moisture, as a result the effect can be itchy. When your ears don't have enough moisture, sometimes your ears will peel off as a sign that your ears aren't moist.
2. Inflammation in the ear canal
Ear canal inflammation is a condition that occurs when the skin in and around the ear canal becomes inflamed. This condition can be caused by an allergic reaction to the product you use in the ear or in the surrounding area. Examples such as skin care products or even wear earrings made of metal or plastic.
3. Outer ear canal infection
Otitis externa or infection of the outer ear canal, can be one of the causes of itchy and sore ears. This is also common for swimming athletes. So not infrequently this type of ear infection can cause the ear to become red and swollen.
4. You use a hearing aid
When you use a hearing aid, this can cause water or other objects to get stuck in the ear. In addition, this condition can trigger an allergic reaction to the hearing aid itself. Hearing aids that do not fit the size can also put pressure on certain areas of the ear to cause itching.
5. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a person to experience a red and itchy rash in the area affected by an autoimmune process. Psoriasis can sometimes occur in visible parts of the body, such as the arm or even in the ear. Not infrequently, ears that suddenly itch can become one of the symptoms of psoriasis in the ear.
How to treat itchy ears?
If itching persists in your ear for a long time, it's a good idea to seek medical help immediately. See an ENT doctor if your symptoms of itching do not improve along with doing home care, as described above.
In handling, your doctor will usually examine your ears while asking for an ear health history to help identify certain causes. The doctor will also notice excess earwax or earwax that is very close to the eardrum, which can cause itching.
After that, you will be given a drug like the following:
- You will be given an antibiotic ointment that will be smeared in the ear area
- You will be given baby oil to soften the ear skin
- You will be given a prescription topical steroid ointment that reduces inflammation, such as hydrocortisone cream or betamethasone cream
- Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat itchy ear infections
- Also consider scheduling regular meetings with your doctor to do ear cleaning. This can minimize injury due to cleaning one's own ears, while helping to remove excessive earwax.
