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 need to be aware of the root cause. Pinpointing the safest and most effective way to deal with the itch depends on determining the root cause.
What triggers itchy ears?
There can be a few inherent causes of itchy ears. Itchy ears can be safely relieved in a number of potential ways depending on the cause.
The role of earwax
Your ear canals are lubricated and protected by cerumen, or earwax. It plays an important role in preserving ear health. While an excessive accumulation of earwax can hinder hearing and might necessitate removal by a professional, having too little earwax can cause dry and itchy skin in the ear canal.
If you feel discomfort as a consequence of dryness, utilizing a specialist-approved ear moisturizer can help return balance and alleviate the itch.
How does swimming impact ear health?
Frequent swimmers often experience itchy ears if they fail to take the required precautions. Pollutants and germs can be encountered in water, and that includes chlorinated pools. If water remains trapped in your ears post-swimming, it can cause conditions like swimmer’s ear or eczema.
Keeping the ear canal dry by wearing a swimmer’s cap or earplugs will reduce the risk of infection.
Allergies and itchy ears
Itchy ears can be caused by allergies, including seasonal and food-based allergies. When your body responds to allergies, it releases histamines that can trigger itching.
To address this, taking an antihistamine can help reduce the allergic response and subsequent itchiness.
In-ear fungal infections
Fungal infections are another potential cause of ear itching. This risk also pertains to swimmers and others because it flourishes in warm and moist environments. Stopping fungal infections is heavily dependent on keeping the ears clean and dry.
A specialist can prescribe you with ant-fungal medicine in the case where a fungal infection is happening.
What are some preventative steps for itchy ears?
You can be relieved of itching in the ears by knowing how to avoid it in the first place. Here are some proactive steps you can take to maintain ear health:
- Keep Water Out: Use clean cotton balls to stop water from entering your ears during showers or baths.
- Manage Allergies: Some allergens can cause your ears to itch, so reduce your exposure whenever you can. The discomfort of itchy ears can be avoided by understanding your allergies and doing what you can to avoid them.
- Avoid Hard Objects: Refrain from putting hard objects into your ears, as they can aggravate the sensitive skin.
If you’re dealing with persistent or extreme itching, it is always recommended to consult us, to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment.