Itchy Ears - McGovern Medical School - UTHealth

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  • Ear Disease Photo Book
    • Chapter 1 – Introduction
      • Manual Format
      • How to examine the ears
      • Suggested Procedure
    • Chapter 2 – Testing
      • Audiogram
      • Tympanogram
    • Chapter 3 – Ear Anatomy
      • Ear Anatomy – Outer Ear
      • Ear Anatomy – Inner Ear
      • Ear Anatomy Schematics
      • Ear Anatomy Images
    • Chapter 4 – Fluid in the ear
      • Fluid in the ear Discussion
      • Fluid in the ear Outline
      • Middle Ear Ventilation Tubes
      • Fluid in the ear Images
    • Chapter 5 – Traveler’s Ear
      • Traveler’s Ear Discussion
      • Traveler’s Ear Outline
      • Traveler’s Ear Images
    • Chapter 6 – Glue Ear
      • Glue Ear Discussion
      • Glue Ear Outline
      • Glue Ear Images
    • Chapter 7 – Sack like Growth
      • Sack like growth in the ear Discussion
      • Sack like Growth in the ear Outline
      • Sack like Growth in the ear Images
    • Chapter 8 – Middle Ear Infection
      • Middle Ear Infection Discussion
      • Middle Ear Infection Outline
      • Middle Ear Infection Images
    • Chapter 9 – Chronic Ear Infection
      • Chronic Ear Infection Discussion
      • Chronic Ear Infection Outline
      • Chronic Ear Infection Images
    • Chapter 10 – Hole in the ear drum
      • Hole in the Ear Drum Discussion
      • Hole in the Ear Drum Outline
      • Hole in the Ear Drum Images
    • Chapter 11 – Swimmer’s ear
      • Swimmer’s Ear Discussion
      • Swimmer’s Ear Outline
      • Swimmer’s Ear Images
    • Chapter 12 – Ear Trauma
      • Ear Trauma Discussion
      • Ear Trauma Outline
      • Ear Trauma Images
    • Chapter 13 – Ear Wax
      • Ear Wax Discussion
      • Ear Wax Outline
      • Ear Wax Images
    • Chapter 14 – Foreign Body
      • Foreign Body in the the Ear
      • Foreign Body Outline
      • Foreign Body Images
    • Chapter 15 – Miscellaneous
      • Bullous Myringitis
      • Itchy Ears
      • External Canal Osteoma
      • Tympanosclerosis
      • Otosclerosis
    • Chapter 16 – Hearing Losses
      • Hearing Losses
    • Chapter 17 – Dizziness
      • Dizziness
    • Appendix
      • How to pop your ears
      • Symptoms vs. Diseases
      • Glossary of Terms
Itchy Ears

Itchy ears are a very common problem. For some people the problem is so bad that they stick various objects into the ears, causing trauma to the ear canal. The most common causes of itching are a nervous habit, fungal infection or the beginning of an infection. Other causes can be skin diseases such as psoriasis or dermatitis. Some people with allergies complain of Itchy ears.

The ear canal may be normal on examination or there may be scaling of the skin. People aggravate the problem by using things such as bobby-pins, coat hangers and tooth picks to scratch the ear. This can produce abrasions of the ear canal.  Any break in the skin can allow bacteria to enter through this protective barrier. The ear will then become infected requiring it to be treated the same as swimmer’s ear.

Itching by itself without evidence of trauma or infection can be treated with a mild steroid ear drop.  A few drops placed in the ear will help to decrease the amount of itching. Another helpful treatment is the use of 70% alcohol (rubbing alcohol) as an ear drop. CAUTION: itchy ears may be the first signal that an infection is developing. If the ear is infected the alcohol will burn.

Adult with complaint of itchy ears all the time

Adult with complaint of itchy ears all the time.

Adult with itchy ears

Adult with itchy ears.

Thirty year old lady with chronic itchy ears for many years

Thirty year old lady with chronic itchy ears for many years.

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