It can be really irritating and uncomfortable when your ears are itching. While your instinct might tempt you to use your finger or a little object to scratch the itch, it is essential to understand the root cause first. Pinpointing the root cause of your ear itch will help you determine the safest and most effective method to address it.
Itchy ear triggers
There can be a few underlying causes of itchy ears. Depending on the cause, there are ways to help safely relieve it.
Does earwax play a role?
Your ear canals are lubricated and safeguarded by cerumen, or earwax. It plays a vital role in preserving ear health. While too much earwax may need to be professionally removed, not enough earwax can result in dry itchy skin in your ear canal.
If you feel discomfort due to dryness, utilizing a specialist-approved ear moisturizer can help return balance and alleviate the itch.
How does swimming impact ear health?
If somebody who swims a lot fails to take the proper precautions, they will frequently experience itchy ears. Water, and that includes chlorinated pools, can harbor germs and pollutants that may result in ear infections. If water stays trapped in your ears after 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 decrease the risk of infection.
Allergies and itchy ears
Allergies, whether seasonal or related to certain foods or drinks, can contribute to an itchy sensation in the ears. This reaction happens because histamines are released into the body during an allergic response, resulting in itching.
To address this, taking an antihistamine can help decrease the allergic response and subsequent itchiness.
Fungal infections in the ear
Yet another trigger of itchy ears is fungal infections. These infections can thrive in warm, humid environments and can also be a risk for frequent swimmers. Preventing fungal infections is strongly 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.
How can itchy ears be prevented?
Knowing how to prevent itchy ears can save you from future irritation. Maintain ear health by taking these proactive steps:
- Avoid Hard Objects: Refrain from putting hard objects into your ears, as they can aggravate the sensitive skin.
- Manage Allergies: Some allergens can cause your ears to itch, so limit 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.
- Keep Water Out: When you’re bathing or showering, keep the water out by plugging your ear canal with clean cotton balls.
Consult us for a diagnosis and proper treatment if you’re experiencing extreme or persistent itching in your ears.