Cures for Itching Ears

Itchy ears are a common irritation, and there are several different causes that can make them itch. Luckily, there are also a number of treatments you can administer to cure yourself of this annoying condition.

Causes of Itchy Ears

• Itchy ears can be caused by infection, trauma, allergies to personal or household products, or even a hearing aid. Common skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and allergic dermatitis can be found in the skin of the ear, as on other parts of the body, creating the itchy sensation. Swimmer's ear, a condition in which water is lodged in the ear, can also be a culprit.
  Some people do not produce wax in their ears, which means there is no oily coating from the wax and can result in dry, irritated skin. For others whose ears do produce wax, excessive and habitual cleaning of the ear, via Q-tip or some other device, can cause the wax to dry and flake, which results in itchiness. As the skin in the ear is thin and very sensitive, any form of debris, such as a hair or dead skin, can cause irritation.

Treatment of Itchy Ears

• Treating itchy ears can begin at home with a couple of drops of olive oil to help coat and moisturize the skin. Over-the-counter products can be found, as well, either as ear drops or steroid creams that treat the inflammation and itchiness, though the creams can contain minimal amounts of steroid and therefore have a low level of effectiveness.
  If the itchiness is severe or does not alleviate after the simple treatments, speak with your health care provider. There are prescription medications available too, such as Decadron, which has a steroid concentration about 100 times that of an over-the-counter product.
  For those who are chronic ear cleaners, scheduling regular ear cleanings at the doctor's office may help. By having ears professionally cleaned, the itchiness may subside.