What should we do if the ear is extremely itchy?

In daily life, some people often experience itching in their ears. Ear itching may not necessarily be caused by cerumen, but may be due to frequent ear tapping, resulting in lesions in the ear. Of course, it may also be caused by bacterial infections that cause itching in the ears.

So, what are the reasons for the extremely itchy ears?

1. Bacterial and fungal infections

Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococci are common pathogens of external auditory canal inflammation. Especially in rainy seasons, after swimming, bathing, and shampooing, the skin of the ear canal becomes warm and moist, prone to mold growth.

After bacterial and fungal infections, there will be a itching sensation in the ear similar to tinea pedis. In addition, if ear itching occurs after a cold, it is likely due to otitis media caused by respiratory tract infections.

2. Frequent ear tapping

Pulling out the ear is a very bad habit that can make the skin of the ear canal more dry and often itchy. Pulling out the ear after itching can make it even more itchy. As the vicious cycle continues, the situation inside the ear becomes worse and worse.

3. Eczema of external auditory canal

Patients with allergic constitution or ear discharge are prone to eczema in the external auditory canal. At the initial stage, it is common to see red ears and long water sores, which flow yellow water after being scratched and broken. The affected area is extremely itchy, and it often occurs repeatedly.

4. Skin allergy

In the environment we live in, there are many substances that can cause allergies. For example, seafood, eggs, dust, pollen, and even some people are allergic to purified water and rice. Because there are abundant sensory nerves distributed in the ear, when some allergic symptoms occur, the external auditory canal can also feel itching.

5. Mites invade the ear

Mites are tiny arthropods that can unknowingly enter our ear holes. However, when mites enter the ear canal, they are not at ease. They will constantly crawl and stimulate our eardrums, causing our ears to suddenly itch.

6. Cerumen embolism

When the secretion of cerumen (earwax) in the external auditory canal is excessive or blocked, cerumen accumulates in the external auditory canal, blocking the external auditory canal, and forming cerumen embolism. In mild cases, itching may occur, while in severe cases, discomfort such as ear tightness, hearing loss, and tinnitus may occur.

Ears are always itchy. What should we do?

Sometimes ear itching is really caused by the accumulation of a large amount of cerumen in the ear canal, so you don't have to pull out your ears and move your mouth to stop the itching. You can use chewing, mouth opening, and other occlusal movements to help discharge cerumen, or you can ask an ear doctor to assist in extracting cerumen.

In addition to excessive cerumen, first rule out whether the skin of the external auditory canal has abnormal phenomena such as redness. If there is no obvious abnormality, you can choose a coarse sterilized cotton swab and gently rotate it at the itching area inside and outside the ear canal. Do not use nails or non sterilized tools to remove the ear to avoid infection.

If there is inflammation or itching in the ear, it is necessary to promptly identify the problem and seek medical attention from the otolaryngology department of the hospital. The doctor will handle the abnormalities in the ear canal and cannot handle them on his own. Don't make digging your ears a habit, otherwise it will only cause more itching and even more serious problems