Itching in the ear: causes and home remedies

If itches, it helps scratching. But what do you do if the itching is tormenting in a hard-to-reach place like the ear? We not only explain the causes, but also reveal helpful home remedies for the annoying tingling sensation.

It itches in the ear - it may be because of it

Itching in the ear is extremely uncomfortable because it is not easy to scratch there. There are various triggers for the annoying tingling - from harmless to pathological.

• There are people who naturally have too little ear wax. The result may be itchy ears.
• Then there are skin diseases that do not stop at the skin in the ear. These include, for example, psoriasis or eczema. If skin diseases cause itching, it does not stop in front of the hearing organ.
• Those who suffer from hay fever can also be tormented by itchy ears. In addition to other symptoms, the allergy usually only causes sneezing and itching of the mucous membranes, but can also cause the ears to tingle.
• Finally, inflammation of the ear canal, called otitis externa in medicine, can cause itching in the ear. This is inflammation of the external auditory canal. The eardrum may or may not be involved. The cause is usually a mixed infection with bacteria and fungi, but can occur as an allergic reaction to soaps, hair sprays, shampoos and some ear drops containing antibiotics. In addition to the itching, the inflammation is characterized by severe pain, purulent and foul-smelling ear discharge and swelling in the ear canal. Sometimes hearing is reduced and fever occurs.

Itchy ears - you can do that yourself

If your ear is itchy, you should see a doctor and have the cause diagnosed. This also applies if, in addition to the itching, there are other complaints such as ear pain and hearing loss or secretions flow from the ear.

• If you have an ear canal infection, you will need treatment from a doctor. But there are a few things you can do to prevent it from happening. This includes, for example, not using cotton swabs and frequent bathing or swimming. You shouldn't put anything in your ears - neither cotton swabs nor fingers. This will push the ear wax down and risk minor injuries.
• Generally, you shouldn't overdo it with ear hygiene. The body cleans the ear canal itself - through numerous cilia. They transport dust, dead skin flakes and excess ear wax to the outside.
• Brush your ears too often, dry your skin and become susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. Diabetics are particularly susceptible to this. The following applies to them: Have ear wax removed by the ENT doctor at least once a year.
• If your ear is itchy due to an ear canal infection, you can contribute to the relief yourself in addition to medical therapy. Cold not only relieves pain, but also itching. To do this, place a cooling element wrapped in a cloth on your ear. However, a cotton ball soaked in medical alcohol is better in the ear.
• If the cold is perceived as unpleasant, remove the cooling immediately. Pay attention to the signals from your body - it will tell you if something is not good for you.