It can be very frustrating and uncomfortable when your ears are itching. Before you stick your finger or an object into your ear in an attempt to scratch the itch, you should be aware of the underlying cause. Pinpointing the root cause of your ear itch will help you determine the safest and most effective method to address it.
What causes itchy ears?
Itchy ears can be triggered by several potential causes. Itchy ears can be safely alleviated in a few possible ways depending on the cause.
Does earwax play a role?
Your ear canals are lubricated and safeguarded by cerumen, or earwax. It’s a major part of the health of your ears. While an excessive buildup of earwax can impede hearing and may necessitate removal by a professional, having too little earwax can cause dry and itchy skin in the ear canal.
If your ears are dry and itchy, they can be addressed with an approved ear moisturizer.
How does swimming impact ear health?
If someone who swims a lot fails to take the appropriate precautions, they will often encounter itchy ears. Pollutants and germs can be encountered in water, and that includes chlorinated pools. Conditions like eczema and swimmers ear can be the consequence of water that gets trapped in the ears.
Preventative measures, like wearing a swim cap or utilizing earplugs, can help keep your ear canals dry and decrease the risk of infections.
Allergies and itchy ears
Itchy ears can be caused by allergies, including seasonal and food-related allergies. This reaction occurs because histamines are released into the body during an allergic response, triggering itching.
To address this, taking an antihistamine can help reduce the allergic reaction and subsequent itchiness.
Fungal infections in the ear
Fungal infections are another potential cause of ear itching. These infections can thrive in warm, humid spaces and can also be a risk for frequent swimmers. Keeping your ears dry is crucial in stopping fungal infections.
A specialist can prescribe you with ant-fungal medicine in the case where a fungal infection is happening.
How can itchy ears be avoided?
You can be relieved of itching in the ears by knowing how to avoid it in the first place. Maintain ear health by taking these proactive steps:
- Keep Water Out: Utilize clean cotton balls to block water from getting into your ears while showering or bathing.
- Manage Allergies: Some allergens can cause your ears to itch, so reduce your exposure whenever you can. The discomfort of itchy ears can be averted by understanding your allergies and doing what you can to avoid them.
- Avoid Hard Objects: Hard objects can aggravate the sensitive skin in your ears, so abstain from using them.
If you experience persistent or extreme itching, it is always advisable to consult us, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.