This is where that terrible itch in your ears comes from
Have you ever suddenly had a terrible itch in your ears? This is very annoying because you can’t just scratch it. Some people try to scratch the itch with cotton swabs, but this is not a good idea. Using swabs can damage your ear canal. But some people suffer so much that they can’t think of anything else. Knowing why your ears are itchy can help you get rid of that itch.
This is how to get rid of the itch.
Itching
The main reason for itching in your ear canal is because you regularly put something in it. These can be earbuds (for all you music lovers), earplugs to protect against noise or water, internal headsets or hearing aids. No matter how well these contraptions fit your ears, they will always cause some irritation in your ear canal. This produces itching that you cannot seem to scratch. These devices also close your ears, which traps in heat.
Scratch
Now that your ears are itching, what should you do? The best solution is to leave them alone. If you are going to scratch with cotton swabs or your finger, you will just disturb the acidity in your ear canal. You will also irritate the ear canal even more. All of this causes your ears to dry out (after all, you’ve likely removed most of the ear wax), which will make them tender and sensitive. And the more you irritate your ear canal, the more it will start to burn.
Inflammation
If the itching is mild, simply let it itch. If one or more of the following symptoms accompany the itching, you may have inflammation in your ear canal.
- Dry and flaky skin around the entrance to the ear
- Crusts around the opening of the ear
- Redness of the ear canal
- Earache
- Fluid or blood from the ear
- Trouble hearing
- Dizziness
Earwax
Removing earwax only leads to more complaints—all you really end up doing is increasing the acidity of the ear canal. Because it protects your ears and ensures skin flakes and dirt exit the ear, earwax is actually very useful. If you remove your earwax with a cotton swab, you may subject yourself to a lot of irritation.
Irritation
Other factors that can cause extra itching include swimming, bathing, cosmetics and eczema. If you regularly swim in a swimming pool, whether with chlorine or natural water, you may end up with an irritated ear canal. Bathing with soap or bath oil can also inflame your ear canal. Make sure that soap, oil, shampoo and conditioner do not get in your ears.
How to treat
The best way to treat an itch is by doing absolutely nothing. At some point, the acidity in your ear canal will recover and heal wounds and dry spots. Are you experiencing extreme itching that is accompanied by other discomfort in the ear canal? Here are some things you can do:
- Have your ears cleaned by your doctor. The doctor will safely clean your ears.
- A doctor can also gently rinse your ears.
- Sometimes the doctor can prescribe acid drops that will disinfect any wounds.
- You can also try carefully dripping white vinegar in your ears using a sterile gauze pad and patting gently.
- Some doctors also prescribe ointments or drops with corticosteroids or antibiotics. These inhibit inflammation and kill bacteria.
