As a doctor, I often encounter patients complaining of itchy ears.
In recent months, he has noticed that his ears are often itchy, but every time he plucks his ears with a cotton swab or ear spoon, he can't get anything.
The condition made him irritable and even affected his work and sleep.
In desperation, Mr. Zhang came to my office.
After asking Mr. Zhang about his symptoms in detail, I had an ear check-up.
Although there was no obvious foreign body or earwax in his ear canal, his ears were very itchy.
After further diagnosis, I found that itchy ears could suggest the following five health problems.
1. Allergic reactions
Itchy ears are one of the common symptoms of allergic reactions.
Mr. Zhang's history of allergies makes us suspect that this may be the culprit.
Allergens can be airborne pollen, dust mites, pet hair, or even chemicals in shampoo or conditioner.
Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and itching of the skin inside the ear canal.
We advise him to switch to a non-irritating shampoo and avoid exposure to known allergens.
2. Auditory canal eczema
Eczema doesn't just happen on the surface of the skin, it can also occur in the ear canal.
Ear canal eczema can cause dry, itchy, red, and even scaly skin.
Mr. Zhang's ear canal skin was somewhat dry and scaly, suggesting that he might be suffering from ear canal eczema.
The occurrence of eczema is usually associated with a disruption of the skin's barrier function.
Mr. Zhang is advised to use moisturizers and anti-inflammatory ointments to relieve symptoms, and to keep the ear canal dry and clean, avoiding harsh cleansers.
3. Fungal infections
The moist and warm environment inside the ear canal is suitable for fungal growth, and fungal infections can cause itchy ears.
Mr. Zhang recalls having a swimming pool infection a few months ago, after which his ears began to itch terribly.
After a fungal culture of the ear canal discharge, signs of fungal infection are indeed found.
For this condition, we prescribed Mr. Zhang antifungal medication and advised him to keep his ear canal dry;
Avoid prolonged exposure to humidity, especially after swimming, and dry your ears thoroughly.
4. Earwax buildup
Although Mr. Zhang did not find earwax every time he picked his ears, this does not mean that earwax has not accumulated.
Excess earwax can cause blockage and itching in the ear canal.
An examination of Mr. Zhang's ear canal revealed that his earwax had accumulated deep in his ear canal and could not be reached with a cotton swab.
We used professional otoscopes and ear canal irrigation appliances to help Mr. Zhang remove the deep earwax.
After the cleanup, his ears felt noticeably more relaxed and the itching sensation lessened.
5. Nervous pruritus
Sometimes, ear itching can be caused by neuropathic itching, a condition often associated with stress and anxiety.
Mr. Zhang has been working under pressure and nervousness for a long time, which may lead to nervous itching.
His symptoms are especially pronounced during times of intense work.
In addition, appropriate use of some sedatives and anti-allergy medications can also help relieve itching symptoms.
Popular Science Tips: Scientific Response to Itchy Ears
Although ear itching is common, there are various reasons behind it.
Knowing the possible causes of itchy ears can help us take the right steps to deal with it. Here are some important things to know:
Avoid picking your ears with cotton swabs:
Cotton swabs may push earwax deeper or even damage the skin of the ear canal.
Earwax usually passes on its own, and over-cleaning can be harmful.
Keep your ear canal dry:
Avoid being in a humid environment for a long time, dry your ears thoroughly after swimming, and use a hair dryer on low heat to dry gently.
Choose gentle cleaning products:
Avoid shampoos and conditioners that contain harsh ingredients and choose gentle, non-irritating products.
Managing Allergies:
Know your allergens, avoid them as much as possible, and use allergy medications if necessary.
Stress Management:
Maintaining a good state of mind and managing stress and anxiety can help relieve neuropathic itching.