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Itchy Ears

January 10th, 2006

Itchy ear
 
Itchy ear treatment
 
Causes of an itchy ear

Inflammation or infection in the outer part of the ear can cause a maddening itch. An itchy ear can be the most awkward symptom in the world.

The condition is known formally as Otitis Externa but is also sometimes called swimmer’s ear or jungle ear.

The itchy ear of otitis externa is caused by inflammation in the skin of the ear canal. The ear canal is the tunnel you can just about get your finger into at the outer part of the ear.

Sometimes the problems arises due to  a chronic dermatitis or inflammation reaction. This is most common in people who have a very dry or dandruff prone scalp.
The inflammation is caused by infection – sometimes fungal infection, sometimes bacterial infection and sometimes a bit of both

Our ears are open to water on a regular basis – swimming, showering and bathing. When water gets into your ear, it brings with it those bacteria or fungus particles. Usually the water runs back out; the ear dries out, and the bacteria and fungi disappear. But sometimes the water remains trapped in the ear canal, and the skin gets soggy. Then the bacteria and fungi grow, flourish and infect the ear.

When otitis externa starts, the ear at first feels blocked and an itchy ear develops. Thereafter the ear canal swells up – sometimes to the point of closing. A runny milk colored liquid may drain out and the ear becomes tender to touch and often very sore.
 
 
Treatment of Itchy Ears due to Otitis Externa

Try to dry your ears well after swimming or bathing
Use alcohol drops, or a mixture of vinegar and alcohol if you swim very regularly
Buy a soothing ear drop mixture from your local pharmacy
You may need your doctor to treat you with antibiotic or antifungal ear drops. The infection is sometimes so bad that oral medication is required. This is rare.

If the ear is full of debris from wax and previous infections then you might need an ear nose and throat surgeon to wash the ears clean under direct vision. This is known as ear toilet.

Take care with ear drops for itchy ears if you think you might already have an ear infection, or if you have a perforated, ruptured, or punctured eardrum, or if you have had ear surgery – get advice from your doctor in these circumstances.

Further reading on this topic
Swimmers Ear 

Entry Filed under: Ear Nose and Throat