Itchy ear canals

Posted by branbud @branbud, Jan 13, 2023

What could be casuing itchy ear canals and how do I treat it? When I went to the doctor, he looked but saw nothing. At the time it was not bothering me too much. They can get so ithcy that I scratch until the ear canal gets sore. Sometimes dry crusty or flaky stuff comes out.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 13, 2023

Hi @branbud, While we wait for others with experience to share, I thought you might find the following article helpful.

-- The Truth About Itchy Ears: You May Be Causing the Problem - How to find a fix for the itch
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-truth-about-itchy-ears-you-may-be-causing-the-problem/

dustycat52 | @dustycat52 | Jan 14, 2023

My left ear has itched for years. Nothing seems to help it. It’s so hard not to scratch it. It’s always red and tender.

imallears | @imallears | Jan 14, 2023

@dustycat52

Hi,
I use mineral oil in a dropper bottle ….oil is available in drugstores. I have dry ears and put a few drops in the canal for moisturizing and it’s stops the itch.
Try an over the counter hydrocortisone cream first….it should relieve the itch and eventually the redness. Stop scratching (I know ) which only makes it worse. You may need a prescription for a stronger dosage of a steroid cream.
I have often used a mix of white vinegar and water (use bottled water or boil and cool first). You can get dropper bottles in the drugstore. I found the white vinegar and water (equal parts) very effective but now rely mostly on occasional use of mineral oil. It doesn’t build up and moisturizers well.

I hope this helps

FL Mary

dustycat52 | @dustycat52 | Jan 14, 2023

In reply to @imallears "@dustycat52 Hi, I use mineral oil in a dropper bottle ….oil is available in drugstores. I..." + (show)

Thanks for your reply. I’ve tried different creams, both over the counter and prescription, Basically I need to not give into the urge to scratch! Sometimes I wake up in the night scratching, I’m working really hard to fix my ear. Ts very red from the outside even.