We all experience the occasional itch. When it’s in your ear and won’t go away, it can be both distracting and uncomfortable. If your ear is itchy inside, or you’re constantly scratching your itchy ear canal, you’re not alone. Itchy ears are a common issue that can have several causes, ranging from mild irritation to more persistent medical concerns.
In this article, we’ll explore the causes for itchy ears, what symptoms to look out for, and the best itchy ear treatment options, including when to seek professional help.
Why are my ears itchy?
If you’ve been wondering, “Why are my ears itchy?”, the answer might surprise you. While earwax build up can cause itching, cleaning away too much earwax, as well as other factors, may actually be leading to increasingly itchy ears.
The skin inside the ear canal is delicate and can become irritated for many reasons, as outlined below.
Dry skin or lack of earwax
Earwax (cerumen) plays a protective role by moisturising the skin in the ear canal. When there's not enough of it, the skin can dry out, become flaky, and start to itch. Over-cleaning your ears with cotton buds or using ear drops too frequently can strip away this natural barrier.
Excess wax build-up
On the other hand, too much wax can also be irritating. A build-up can cause itching, pressure, and even muffled hearing if it becomes impacted.
Skin conditions
Chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis can affect the ear canal, making the ear feel itchy inside. You may also notice flaking, redness, or dryness along with the itch.
Ear Infections
Fungal and bacterial infections can lead to itching. Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) often begins with itchiness before progressing to pain, swelling, and discharge.
Allergies
Allergic reactions to hair products, hearing aids, earbuds, or even certain earrings can cause itchy ears. Contact dermatitis is a common culprit, especially if the material is nickel or another irritant.
Hearing aids and earbuds
Regular use of in-ear devices can trap moisture and bacteria, or create friction that irritates the ear canal. If you use hearing aids or earbuds regularly, ensure they’re cleaned often and fit comfortably.
Common symptoms of an itchy ear canal
Itchy ears may come with a range of other symptoms that indicate the underlying cause. These can include:
- Flaking or dry skin in and around the ear
- Mild discomfort or a tickling sensation
- Redness or inflammation
- Crusting or discharge (in the case of infection)
- A feeling of fullness or blockage
Persistent scratching can lead to further irritation or even minor injury, increasing the risk of infection. It’s important to avoid sticking anything inside your ear to relieve the itch.
Itchy ear treatment: What can you do?
The right itchy ear treatment depends on the underlying cause. However, here are some general care tips:
Don’t use cotton buds
Although it may feel satisfying, inserting anything into your ear (including cotton buds) can damage the skin, push wax further in, and worsen the irritation.
Moisturise with care
For dry or flaky ears, your GP or our Earworx registered nurses may recommend a suitable moisturising drop. Avoid using any product unless advised. Putting the wrong thing in your ear can do more harm than good.
Have excess wax removed safely
If wax build-up is contributing to the problem, professional removal may provide immediate relief. At Earworx, our Registered Nurses use a gentle microsuction technique to remove excess wax safely and effectively. There’s no water, no mess, and no risk of pushing wax deeper.
Treat underlying skin conditions
If you have eczema or psoriasis, managing these conditions with the guidance of a healthcare provider can help reduce flare-ups inside the ears.
Avoid allergens and irritants
Switch to hypoallergenic products, and ensure hearing aids or earbuds are clean and dry before use.
When to seek help
If the itchiness is persistent, severe, or accompanied by pain, discharge, or hearing loss, it’s important to seek professional advice. At Earworx, we can assess your ears, determine whether wax build-up or another issue is at play, and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Itchy ears may be common, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Whether it’s caused by dry skin, wax build-up, or an underlying condition- help is available. If your ear is itchy inside or you’re dealing with an itchy ear canal that won’t go away, don’t rely on cotton buds or guesswork.
Let us help manage your itchy ears. Book your Earworx appointment today.
