What Home Remedy Can I Use For Itchy Ears?😫
Outline
Introduction
Understanding Itchy Ears
Common
Causes of Itchy Ears
Risk
Factors for Developing Itchy Ears
Symptoms
Associated with Itchy Ears
Home Remedies for Itchy Ear Relief
Olive
Oil
Hydrogen
Peroxide
Apple
Cider Vinegar
Salt
Water Rinse
Garlic
Oil
Warm
Compress
Avoid
Irritants
Over-the-Counter
Eardrops
Treating the Underlying Cause of Itchy Ears
Managing
Allergies
Clearing
Earwax Buildup
Getting
Rid of an Ear Infection
Controlling
Eczema or Psoriasis
Preventing
Swimmer's Ear
Seeking Medical Care for Ongoing Itchy Ears
Conclusion
FAQs
Introduction
Itchy ears are very common and
can range from a minor annoyance to a disruptive problem impacting sleep and
daily activities.🤧 The medical term for
itchy ears is pruritus and it refers to the irritating and inflamed sensation
deep inside the ear canal. While occasional itching may be no big deal, chronic
itchy ears should be evaluated to identify the root cause.🧐
Understanding what triggers ear itching and having home remedies readily
available can provide fast relief when those ears start to itch! Let's explore
why ears itch in the first place along with smart treatment options.🦻
Understanding Itchy Ears
Itchy ears have many potential
causes including infections, allergies, skin conditions, moisture trapped in
the ear canal, and foreign objects rubbing against the sensitive skin inside
the ear.🤔 The reasons for itchy ears can also vary
based on age and health status. Kids are prone to itchy ears when small objects
get stuck in their ears whereas seniors may develop itching as part of
age-related hearing loss.😣 Knowing the factors
that commonly provoke ear itching guides how to treat it.
Common Causes of Itchy Ears
Allergies – Seasonal allergies to
pollen or year-round allergies to dust mites or pet dander can trigger itchy
ears due to histamine release in the body. Food allergies may also manifest as
itchy ears after consuming the problematic food.
Ear Infections – Bacterial and
fungal infections disturb the normal environment in the ear canal leading to
inflammation, redness, swelling and severe itching.🤒
Excessive Earwax – Ears naturally
produce wax to protect and clean the ear canal. When too much wax accumulates,
it presses on the ear canal walls causing irritation and itchiness.👂
Swimmer’s Ear – Also called
otitis externa, swimmer’s ear is an infection in the outer ear canal typically
caused by water that remains in the ear after swimming which breeds bacteria
and fungi.🚣♂️
Psoriasis – This autoimmune
condition causes a buildup of skin cells that create red, scaly, flaky patches
that are very itchy. The ear canal is one area that can be impacted.🦴
Eczema – Eczema is characterized
by extremely dry, sensitive skin. Flare ups create very itchy rashes that may
occur behind the ears. 💨
Dry Skin – Lack of moisture in
the sensitive skin inside the ear canal causes irritation, inflammation, and
itching. The ears may appear scaly.🧴
Foreign Objects – Tiny items like
a bead or cotton tip stuck in the ear canal can rub against the skin triggering
mild to severe itching. This is most common in children.🧸
Hearing Aids or Earbuds – Plastic
from these devices rubbing in the ear canal all day can become an irritant
leading to redness and itching. Improperly fitted devices are common culprits.🎧
fungal – This autoimmune condition causes a
buildup of skin cells that create red, scaly, flaky patches that are very
itchy. The ear canal is one area that can be impacted.🦴
Eczema – Eczema is characterized
by extremely dry, sensitive skin. Flare ups create very itchy rashes that may
occur behind the ears. 💨
Dry Skin – Lack of moisture in
the sensitive skin inside the ear canal causes irritation, inflammation, and
itching. The ears may appear scaly.🧴
Foreign Objects – Tiny items like
a bead or cotton tip stuck in the ear canal can rub against the skin triggering
mild to severe itching. This is most common in children.🧸
Hearing Aids or Earbuds – Plastic
from these devices rubbing in the ear canal all day can become an irritant
leading to redness and itching. Improperly fitted devices are common culprits.🎧
Risk Factors for Developing Itchy
Ears
- Swimming – Frequent swimming or
exposure to pool and ocean water without properly drying the ears increases
risk of swimmer’s ear infections.
- Allergies or Asthma – Those
with known allergies have a greater chance of seasonal allergies flaring in the
ears.
- Eczema or Psoriasis –
Individuals with these skin conditions often experience itchy ears during
disease flares.
- Chronic Ear Infections –
Repeated ear infections damage the protective lining of the ear making itching
more likely.
- Age - The very old and very
young are at increased risk due to weaker immune systems.
- Excess Ear Hair – More hair in
the outer ear traps moisture, wax, debris, and skin cells against the ear
canal.
- Hearing Aid Use – Constant
rubbing and irritation from the device being worn each day makes ears prone to
itching.
- Environmental
Irritants–Allergens, chemicals, cigarette smoke, and air pollution may trigger
itching.
- Genetics – Defects in filaggrin
proteins or chronic dry skin disorders can be inherited.
- Nutritional Deficiencies –
Being deficient in vitamins A, D, and E or omega fatty acids can lead to very
dry, itchy skin.
Symptoms Associated with Itchy Ears
- Intense itching deep inside the
ear canal, may be severe at night
- Visible redness or swelling
around or in the ear
- Flaking, peeling, scaly skin
near the ears or inside the canal
- Drainage from the ear - clear
fluid or yellowish pus
- Sensation of fullness or
blockage in the ear canal
- Increased pain when touching or
pulling on the outer ear
- Muffled hearing or ringing
sensations
- Crusting or scabbing around the
outer ear
- Strong odor coming from the ear
- Coughing, headache, or dizziness
from ear inflammation
- Loss of balance from inner ear
swelling and fluid buildup
Home Remedies for Itchy Ear Relief
The good news is that many
effective remedies for itchy ears can be found right in your home.🌿
Before reaching for a prescription medication or antibiotic, try some of these
simple natural treatments that help treat the symptoms and sources of
irritating ear itches:
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a common household
staple that can be used to safely moisturize dry, flaky skin in the ear canal
that is leading to itchiness.🍾 The oil contains
anti-inflammatory compounds like oleocanthal and oleacein which reduce swelling
and irritation. Here’s how to use it:
- Warm up a teaspoon of extra
virgin olive oil by rubbing it between your hands or placing the container in a
bowl of hot water briefly. Never microwave olive oil.
- Tilt your head and gently drip
4-5 drops of the warm olive oil into the sore ear canal using an eyedropper or
pipette.
- Keep your head tilted for
several minutes allowing the oil to fully coat the skin inside the ear.
- Place a clean cotton ball at
the outer ear opening to prevent leaking as the excess drips out.
- You can repeat this 2-3 times a
day until the itching subsides. The oil helps moisturize, traps debris and also
prevents swimmer’s ear.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective
way to soften and remove built-up earwax and other debris trapped in the ear
canal that may be causing inflammation and irritation.👂
Here’s how to safely use it:
- Only use food grade 3% hydrogen
peroxide, not the stronger concentrations.
- Fill an eyedropper with the
hydrogen peroxide.
- Tilt your head sideways and add
2-3 drops into the clogged ear canal.
- Keep your head tilted for
several minutes allowing the solution to break up the wax.
- Stay tilted over a sink and use
a rubber ear bulb syringe to flush out the peroxide and dissolved earwax.
- Repeat daily if needed until
blockage is cleared. This also helps dry up fluid drainage.
- When done, wipe away any
remaining liquid and apply some olive oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a
versatile home remedy for itchy ears thanks to its acidic pH which creates an
unfriendly environment for germs.🍎 It has antibacterial
and antifungal properties ideal for treating infections. Follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts apple cider
vinegar and rubbing alcohol which helps the vinegar penetrate deeper into the
ear.
- Use an eyedropper to put 2-3
drops of the solution into the sore ear canal.
- Keep your head tilted allowing
the liquid to coat the infected skin for 2-3 minutes.
- Absorb any remaining liquid
with a clean cotton ball so it doesn’t irritate the outer ear.
- You can do this treatment 2-3
times a day until the itch and discomfort improve. The vinegar restores the
ear’s natural pH.
Salt Water Rinse
A simple warm salt water rinse
can instantly relieve very itchy ears thanks to the soothing anti-inflammatory
properties of salt.⏰ Here is how to mix this easy
home remedy:
- Heat up a mug of clean water
until warm but not overly hot. Test on your wrist first.
- Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt or
iodide-free table salt and stir thoroughly to dissolve.
- Allow the solution to cool
slightly so it’s comfortably warm.
- Tilt head sideways and use a
clean eyedropper to put 5-10 drops of the salt water into the irritated ear.
- Keep head tilted for 5 minutes
allowing the water to fully coat the canal before it drains out.
- You can repeat the salt water
rinse 2-3 times a day to relieve itchiness and draw out fluid.
Garlic Oil
Garlic is a powerful
antimicrobial making garlic oil an effective home remedy for itchy ears caused
by bacterial or fungal infections.🧄 Follow these simple
steps:
- Crush 2-3 cloves of fresh
garlic to release the potent oils.
- Add the crushed garlic to 2
tablespoons of warm olive oil and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Strain out the solid garlic,
leaving just the garlic-infused oil.
- Use an eyedropper to put 2-3
drops of the oil into the infected ear canal.
- Keep your head tilted for 5
minutes before wiping away excess oil with a cotton ball.
- Apply 2-3 times a day at first
sign of infection. The oil reduces inflammation, pain, swelling and itching.
Warm Compress
Applying something warm to the
outer ear can provide fast relief for painful itching in the ear canal.🥵
The heat improves blood circulation in the area so more immune cells and
nutrients reach the irritated skin. Follow these instructions:
- Soak a clean washcloth in warm
water until thoroughly saturated. Wring out any excess moisture.
- Make sure the cloth is not
dripping wet, just nicely heated and damp.
- Hold the warm compress over the
affected outer ear for 10-15 minutes as needed to ease the itching.
- For continued relief, you can
reheat the cloth in warm water when it cools down.
- Doing this 2-3 times a day can
relax swollen tissue that reduces inflammation and itching.
Avoid Irritants
Being proactive and avoiding
potential irritants is key to preventing painful, itchy ears in the first
place. Here are some tips:
- Do not stick cotton swabs,
bobby pins, keys or other objects into the ear canal - this can scratch
delicate skin.
- Be mindful of contact irritants
like hairsprays, shampoos, skin products and fabrics that rest on the ears.
- For earbud users, keep volume
low and limit wearing time to prevent irritation from pressure.
- Those with metal allergies
should choose hypoallergenic earring posts and backings.
- After swimming, thoroughly dry
ears and apply rubbing alcohol to prevent swimmer’s ear infections.
Over-the-Counter Eardrops
There are some effective
over-the-counter eardrop products available containing active ingredients to
relieve itchiness:
- Benzocaine eardrops temporarily
numb and soothe irritated ear canals and outer ears.
- Hydrocortisone eardrops reduce
inflammation and swelling that triggers ear itching.
- Antibacterial/antifungal
eardrops clear up underlying infections causing symptoms.
- Wax softening eardrops safely
break down excess wax that could be irritating the skin.
- Ask a pharmacist to help you
choose an appropriate eardrop for your specific type of ear problem.
Treating the Underlying Cause of
Itchy Ears
While home remedies can
temporarily alleviate itchy, irritated ears, truly finding relief requires
uncovering and treating the root cause.🔴 Let’s explore how to
conquer some common triggers leading to chronic itchy ears:
Managing Allergies
If seasonal or environmental
allergies are provoking itchiness and swelling in the ears, see an allergist
about possible solutions.🤧
- Allergy testing can identify
specific triggers to avoid like pollens or pet dander.
- Immunotherapy involves getting
small injections of an allergen to desensitize your immune response over time.
- Antihistamines block release of
inflammatory histamines, reducing allergy symptoms.
- Nasal sprays containing
steroids shrink swollen sinus membranes that can cause congestion and itchiness
traveling to the ears.
Clearing Earwax Buildup
Excessive earwax can constantly
irritate the ear canal. Here is how to treat wax blockages:🕯️
- Use over-the-counter
wax-softening eardrops for 3-4 days to loosen wax so it drains out on its own.
- Try a hydrogen peroxide rinse
to both soften and help flush out the loosened earwax.
- See a doctor to safely remove
blocked wax using an ear curette or gentle water irrigation.
- Applying mineral oil weekly can
help prevent wax from becoming impacted.
Getting Rid of an Ear Infection
Bacterial or fungal infections
require prescription antibiotic or antifungal drops to eliminate the problem.🦠
- See a doctor to determine the
type of infection based on exam and culture of ear discharge.
- Follow dosage instructions
carefully when using medicated prescription eardrops.
- Take over-the-counter pain
relievers to reduce swelling, pain and fluid buildup.
- Follow up to ensure the
infection is fully cured before stopping treatment.
Controlling Eczema or Psoriasis
Managing flare ups of these
chronic skin conditions helps minimize itchy ears.🤕
- Moisturize frequently inside
ears using gentle oils like coconut or jojoba oil.
- Apply medicated prescription
steroid creams/ointments to rashes behind ears.
- Avoid harsh soaps, fragrances
and rough fabrics that contact the ears.
- Take antihistamines to control
inflammation and itchiness during flares.
- For severe cases, immune
suppressing medications may be required.
Preventing Swimmer’s Ear
Avoid pain and itching after
swimming or bathing with these tips:🏊
- Put a few drops of rubbing
alcohol in ears after exiting the water to rapidly dry out moisture.
- Tilt and shake head side to
side to drain out clinging water after swimming.
- Apply a layer of petroleum
jelly around the outer ears before swimming to form a barrier.
- Consider earplugs or a swim cap
for kids prone to frequent swimmer’s ear infections.
- Thoroughly wash and rinse ears
to remove any soaps, shampoos or pool chemicals after swimming.
Seeking Medical Care for Ongoing
Itchy Ears
Make an appointment with your
doctor if itchy ears do not improve after 1-2 weeks of diligent at-home
treatment.🩺 You should also seek immediate medical care
if experiencing:
- Itching combined with head/ear
pain, vertigo, or hearing changes
- Fluid draining from the ears -
especially yellow/green discharge signaling infection
- Redness, swelling or tenderness
in the bony ridge behind the ear
- Rash spreading around the ears
and cheeks
- Extreme itching, pain, or
sensitivity to sound and light indicating severe inflammation
- Loss of balance or falling
which could indicate inner ear problems
For chronic itchy ears, a doctor
can probe for underlying health conditions that need to be addressed and
provide prescription-strength remedies for relief.🩺
They may examine the ears with a scope to visualize the canal and eardrum for
signs of infection or structural issues. Allergy testing, skin biopsies, CT
scans, or bloodwork help pinpoint causes like psoriasis, eczema, thyroid
disorders, or autoimmune problems.
For severe chronic itching and
inflammation, oral or injected steroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling.
Antibiotics or antifungal medications treat stubborn infections not resolving
with home treatment. Medicated rinses with stronger concentrations of
ingredients like hydrocortisone or antihistamines can be provided.
Ongoing wax impaction may require
flushing of the ears by a doctor to thoroughly remove the buildup. They may
also recommend prescription-strength eardrops to soften wax routinely to
prevent reoccurrence.
For those with severely blocked,
narrow ears, surgery could be required to remove the debris and widen the canal
so it can remain free of obstructions.
Partnering with a knowledgeable
ear, nose and throat specialist is wise for persistent ear problems. They can
rule out issues like skin cancers, polyps or structural abnormalities causing
chronic symptoms. Working together on customized treatment plans ensures
long-term relief.
Conclusion
Itchy, irritated ears can
certainly be annoying and disruptive to everyday life.😣
But finding the right home treatment or prescription remedy tailored to the
cause can get you on the road to lasting relief. Be diligent in keeping ears
clean, dry and protected from irritation.😉 See a doctor sooner
rather than later if symptoms persist or worsen despite home care. Partnering
with medical professionals ensures you get to the bottom of what’s provoking
the itching so it can be stopped at the source. With a little patience and TLC,
you’ll have happy ears again before you know it!👂🙂
FAQs
What causes itchy ears?
Itchy ears are often caused by
allergies, ear infections, excess earwax, skin conditions like eczema or
psoriasis, or swimmer's ear. The irritation is a result of inflammation, extra
debris, or overgrowth of bacteria.
Why does my ear itch inside?
The inside of the ear may itch
due to a buildup of earwax deep in the ear canal. This causes irritation and
inflammation as the wax presses against the sensitive skin. An inner ear
infection from bacteria or fungus can also cause internal itching.
Is itchy ears a sign of healing?
Sometimes itchy ears can be a
sign of healing. If the itching is mild and you recently had an ear infection
that is being treated, it may indicate the swelling is going down as the
infection starts to clear. The itching signals the ear is returning to normal.
What home remedy stops itchy ears?
Some of the most effective home
remedies to stop itchy ears include olive oil to moisturize, apple cider
vinegar to combat infections, salt water to balance pH and remove irritants,
hydrogen peroxide to flush out wax buildup, and garlic oil for its natural
antimicrobial abilities.
When should you see a doctor for
itchy ears?
See a doctor right away if you
experience discharge from the ear, bleeding, spinning sensation, increasing
pain, rash, or hearing loss along with the itching. These symptoms may indicate
a more serious problem. Also see a doctor if itching continues for over 1 week
with no relief from home treatment.
Is Vaseline good for itchy ears?
Vaseline can help moisturize dry,
itchy ears due to its petroleum jelly base. It also forms a protective barrier
over the sensitive skin. Avoid sticking cotton swabs with Vaseline deep into
the ear canal, just apply a thin layer around the outer ear.
Does itchy ears mean an infection?
Itchy ears may be a sign of
infection, especially if swelling, redness, or pain accompanies the itching.
Bacterial and fungal infections disturb the normal pH balance in the ear,
allowing overgrowth of microbes that cause inflammation.
Are itchy ears a sign of healing?
Itchy ears can be a sign of
healing if the itching is mild and occurs after treating an ear infection. As
the infection clears up and swelling goes down, the ear may feel temporarily
itchy as it returns to normal. Significant or worsening itchiness may mean more
treatment is needed.
Why do my ears itch when I wear
earrings?
Earrings may cause itchy ears due
to metal allergies. Nickel is a common allergen. The posts or backings of the
earrings are in constant contact with the skin, allowing it to rub and irritate
the sensitive area leading to itchiness.
What home remedy stops itchy ears?
Some of the best home remedies to
stop itchy ears are olive oil to moisturize, apple cider vinegar to treat
infections, hydrogen peroxide to flush out wax, salt water to remove irritants
and balance pH levels, garlic oil for antimicrobial benefits, and warm
compresses to improve circulation.