If you have experienced an itchy ear before, you can understand how frustrating it can be. An itchy ear canal can be a problematic issue and it can become troublesome, annoying and frankly speaking; very distressing. To understand the problem and to get rid of it, you have to know the causes of an itchy ear. You also need to check if there are any additional symptoms along with itchy ears. Once you know what is causing an itchy ear, you can work on the medication or the home remedy to get rid of itchy ears. Please make sure to check with the doctor before trying anything to avoid any allergic reactions. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms and home remedies for itchy ears.
Causes for Itchy Ears
When it comes to itchy ears, the number of reasons for the issue are many. The cause of itchy ears can depend on the situation, environment, lifestyle and even food habits. For example, the itchy ear can be caused in regular swimmers, because of the lack of ear wax production. Itchy ears can also be caused due to allergy or infection. Some people get itchy ears because of the chemicals used in certain hair care products. If you have recently got an ear piercing, then an itchy ear can be caused due to mild infection around it. There are some medicines as well which has side effects that include itchy ears. While administrating such medicines doctors often give additional medication to avoid discomfort.
Symptoms of Itchy Ears
An itchy ear is not just about the itch. There is a lot going on around the portion where the itch is happening in the ear. The itchy inner ears and outer ears possess different symptoms other than the obvious itching and medication may differ from person to person depending on the cause of itchy ears. The itchy ear can have redness around the area, which can be a rash. Also, you may feel dryness, sore, crust or flakes on the skin around the itch. In many cases, itchy ears can also be caused by discharge from the ear which can be because of an ear infection. An itchy ear can be painful and it can become impossible to stand the pain as the ear infection progresses. Depending on the cause of itchy ears, you can have symptoms like fever, sore throat, headache etc. In case you have additional symptoms, contact the doctor immediately.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Itchy Ears
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Warm Oil
One of the easiest and most common home remedies to get rid of itchy ear is warm oil. There are a number of different oils like olive oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil and garlic oil among many others which you can use for treating itchy ears. Once you have selected the oil you want to use, heat up the oil. Make sure it is not burning hot as it can harm your skin. Make it lukewarm and add a couple of drops in the ear canal. If it is an external itch, apply the oil using your fingers or cotton bud to area of the ear that is itching. The best way to warm up the oil for this purpose is by keeping the container of the oil in boiling water for 15-20 minutes.
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Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is also a very useful home remedies for itchy ears. You can mix white vinegar with rubbing alcohol for best results in getting rid of itchy ears. It not only provides relief from the itch, but also helps in keeping the affected area clean. Make sure to mix equal proportions of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol and use a dropper or syringe to put the solution in the ear. It is the best solution if the factors causing the itchy ear are yeast or fungal formations.
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Hydrogen Peroxide
There are a lot of patients who get good results with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide helps in melting down the excessive ear wax and helps in cleaning the canal. All you need to do it put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the affected ear and wait till the bubbling stops and then drain it out. You can use this home remedy for itchy ears once a week or month depending on the condition of the affected ear. This home remedy has proved to be very helpful for athletes especially swimmers suffering from itchy ears.
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Aloe Vera
This wonder plant has a lot of health benefits and features in a lot of home remedies in treating various ailments. Aloe Vera gel is one of the most trusted solutions for itchy ear problems. Aloe Vera can help in restoring the pH balance of the ear and reduces swelling in the tissues. Aloe Vera is safe for both children and adults suffering from itchy ears.
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Water and Rubbing Alcohol
If you think that the itchy ear is because of the clogging in the ear canal or maybe there is an insect in the canal, you can use a mix of water and rubbing alcohol to wash it. Make sure to mix rubbing alcohol in water before using it. You can use a dropper or syringe to put a few drops of the mixture in your ear and let it drain naturally. You can also use the same syringe to drain the water as well. This is an excellent home remedy for itchy ears.
Conclusion
There are a number of factors that can cause itchy ears. By using home remedies you can get rid of the problem, but it is always better to check with the doctor before using any home remedy or medication to be on the safer side.
- MedicalNewsToday: “Itchy Ears: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies” (link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321588)
- Healthline: “What Causes Itchy Ears and How to Find Relief” (link: https://www.healthline.com/health/itchy-ears)
- Mayo Clinic: “Itchy Ears: What Causes It and How to Get Relief” (link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-ear/symptoms-causes/syc-20351441)
- WebMD: “Itchy Ears: Causes and Treatments” (link: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/itchy-ear-causes-treatments)
- Cleveland Clinic: “Itchy Ears: Causes and How to Stop the Itch” (link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17711-itchy-ears)
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