Although small, the ear contains many nerve endings, which when irritated can cause itching and discomfort. There are many reasons that cause itchy ears, and the source must be known to determine the right treatment.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Identifying the Cause
Step 1. Know where the itching is coming from
Is it from inside the ear canal, or is it itching in the cartilage or earlobe? Internal itching may be an early indicator of a cold, while external itching may be related to an allergic reaction to the environment.
- If you've just had your ear pierced and you have itching or pain in your earlobe, you may have a mild infection in the new hole. Make sure you hold your newly pierced ear with clean hands, and treat it with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol several times a day. If the infection gets worse or doesn't go away, see a doctor.
- Dry skin on the outer ear can cause itching. If patches of dry skin appear on the ears, face, or scalp, it could be a common condition called seborrheic dermatitis. This condition can be treated with anti-dandruff shampoo or products that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, zinc, or belangkin. Wash the area with a medicated shampoo or soap once or twice a day.
Step 2. Check if there is an allergic reaction
Maybe you're having an allergic reaction to something in your environment, such as a new shampoo or new earrings. If something changes with your hygiene routine or uses a new product, try avoiding that product or going back to your previous habits.
Read labels for personal hygiene products. Make sure none of the ingredients ever cause a severe reaction. The ear can react to allergens just like any other part of the body. So, it's possible that your ears are itching due to an allergic reaction
Step 3. Remove ear plugs or hearing aids
Sometimes, these devices can cause itchy ears because they trap water in the ear canal. Over time, this can also lead to minor infections.
- If you use the equipment regularly, take it off and clean it. Let it dry before putting it back in the ear.
- Hearing aids must fit snugly to the ear. Otherwise, the sensitive skin inside the ear can irritate and cause itching.
Step 4. Check for insects
Chances are low, but bugs can get into your ears while you sleep. If you suspect this is the case, see a doctor to be sure, and if so, the doctor can remove the bug.
Don't worry, getting bugs in the ear is a very common case. However, if you live in a place with lots of bugs, and bugs are also in your room when you sleep, the risk is higher
Step 5. Check for earwax
The yellowish sticky substance we call earwax is actually useful because too little of it can cause dryness and then itching. Lack of this substance is one of the causes of dry skin that can irritate and itchy ears.
Don't put anything in your ear even if you just want to check for wax. Let the doctor check. The doctor can see if there are a lot of them, and you can avoid the risk of damage to the inside of the ear
Part 2 of 3: Treating Itchy Ears
Step 1. Use over-the-counter ear drops
There are many brands and types of ear drops that can be purchased at pharmacies. Make sure you read the label and choose a product made specifically for itchy ears.
If your ears are itching due to allergies or external causes, ear drops can relieve the irritation. Just make sure you don't exceed the recommended dose on the package
Step 2. Put a few drops of warm oil in the ear
You can use olive oil, mineral oil, or vegetable oil. Place the oil container in a glass of warm water to slowly warm the oil. Before putting drops into your ears, test them with a drop on the inside of your wrist to make sure the oil isn't too hot.
- Just drop a little into the ear. Wait a few hours for the oil to absorb and moisten the inside of the ear canal before dripping again.
- The warm oil acts as a moisturizer for the skin inside the ear. However, don't use body oils, such as baby oil or perfume, which will only make irritation worse.
- You can also try a mixture of mullein and garlic oil. Garlic mullein oil concoction can be purchased freely, but you can also make your own by heating mullein flowers and minced garlic in olive oil over low heat for 4 hours. Put a few drops into the ear, 2-3 times a day.
- You can also put a few drops of oil on a cotton swab and stuff the cotton ball into your ear overnight so the oil absorbs slowly into your ear.
Step 3. Use hydrogen peroxide
This chemical can be used to loosen earwax and kill any bacteria that may be in the ear canal. Point the itchy ear to the ceiling and apply 2–3 drops of hydrogen peroxide. Wait a minute, you may hear a small bubbling sound in your ear. Then, lower your ear downwards to remove any remaining peroxide.
If used too often, this method can backfire because it can dry out the ear or cause an infection. If this doesn't help after a try or two, forget about peroxide and seek medical help
Step 4. Try a mixture of water and alcohol
Use warm water to dissolve the alcohol. Then, put it in an injection or ear bulb, and drop this solution into the ear. Leave it for a while, then take it out. You can also use this bulb or syringe to dispense the solution.
- When cleaning the inside of the ear, water and alcohol also remove bacteria and loosenable debris (such as dust or insects).
- Do not leave this solution in the ear too long, and do not use too much. Leave it for a few seconds, then remove it. Make sure there is no residual liquid remaining.
Step 5. Take an over-the-counter antihistamine
If itchy ears are caused by a cold or allergies, an antihistamine can help. Try allergy medications that contain diphenhydramine.
Read all drug labels carefully. Follow the recommended dosage. Some antihistamines and allergy medications can cause drowsiness. So, if you have to operate machinery or work, choose a brand that specifically says it doesn't cause drowsiness
Step 6. See a doctor
If there is no other way, see a doctor. If you've tried all the methods and nothing works, even after trying several times, don't continue. Maybe your condition is more serious and only a doctor can treat.
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists are experts who are trained to treat these body parts. If there are conditions that the general practitioner thinks are worrying, you will be referred to an ENT doctor for further treatment
Part 3 of 3: Maintaining Ear Health
Step 1. Do not insert the cotton bud into the ear
Although many people clean the inside of the ear canal with a cotton swab, it's actually dangerous. The risks outweigh the benefits.
The sticky, waxy substance inside the ear actually protects the ear canal from water and infection. Using a cotton swab or other small tool for cleaning purposes actually only creates more problems
Step 2. Clean the outer ear
Use a cotton ball, warm water, and mild soap to gently clean the outside of the ear. If the outer area is clean, debris and allergens will not enter the ear canal so that the ear is safe from irritation.
This can be done while bathing with a clean washcloth. To be sure, do not put anything in the ear. Just clean the outside, and make sure the soap is rinsed clean
Step 3. Use earplugs when swimming
You can also cover your ears with cotton balls when swimming or bathing. This cover will keep water and debris away, as well as prevent infection due to water trapped in the ear canal.
In addition, wear earplugs when watching concerts or other crowded events. Try to choose a low volume when listening to music with ear phones. Loud noises can damage the inside of the ear and weaken hearing
Tips
- If in doubt, see a doctor.
- Do not clean the inner ear more than once a month.
