Itchy inner ear

Each and every one of us has at least once suffered from itchy inner ear. Itchiness usually withdraws spontaneously and even though the feeling may be rather unpleasant it tends not to linger. However, in some cases itchy sensation inside the ear may last longer or reoccur. This generally irritates people who simply do not know what to do to get rid of this annoying symptom.

Causes of Itchy Inner Ear

The leading cause of itchy inner ear is accumulation of debris. The ears normally produce ear wax. Its purpose is to prevent accumulation of foreign particles inside the eras. In some cases build-up of ear wax can cause itchy sensations. On the other side, even excessive cleaning of the ear canal can lead to itchiness. This can be easily explained by the fact that excessive removal of ear wax leads to dryness of the skin inside the ear canal. Dry skin is typically itchy.

Furthermore, itchy inner ear can be a symptom of certain skin conditions. The inside of the ears can be affected by eczema, allergic dermatitis, seborrhea dermatitis and several more skin conditions. They all have distinctive features and one mutual symptom- itchiness.

One more potential cause of itchy inner ears is infection. Infective agents such as bacteria or fungi may enter the ear canal, start to multiply and cause many symptoms. Itchy sensation is only one of them.

In people who are allergic to certain substances, the particular substance may enter the ear canal and cause allergic reaction. Allergic reactions commonly feature with inflammation, redness or the affected skin and itchy sensation.

The problem may be also related to insect bites. Namely, tiny insects can enter the outer ear canal. Once the person is bitten a skin reacts in a form of inflammatory reaction and accompanying itchiness.

Treatment for Itchy Inner Ear

Treatment for itchy inner ear basically depends on the underlying cause or a medical condition. For example, if one cleans his/her ears excessively the easiest way to eliminate itchiness is to start cleaning ears less frequently. If one is suffering from skin conditions he/ she is prescribed suitable medications in a form of creams and ointments which are usually applied right to the affected area. Allergies also require appropriate creams. If one is suffering from bacteria or fungal infection of the outer ear (if the infection is confirmed) he/ she is supposed to take antibacterial or antifungal creams and apply them directly onto the affected skin.

One should keep in mind that scratching with any kind of sharp objects may cause accidental perforation of the ear drum and additional complications. This is why scratching of the outer ear canal with sharp objects is strictly forbidden.