If your ears itch but you can't find anything to take out, beware of problems →

Audit expert: Peng Guoqiu

Deputy Chief Physician, Fourth Medical Center, PLA General Hospital

The inside of the ear itches from time to time, and you feel uncomfortable and irritated, and it may even last for a long time, but nothing can be pulled out when you clean it.

Why do ears itch all the time? Should you clean them?

Source: Qianku.com

Itchy ears may be caused by them

Many people think that ear itching is caused by earwax, and that it can be cured by digging and cleaning it. In fact, this is not the case. Earwax is actually the secretion in the ear canal, scientifically known as cerumen, which protects the skin of the external auditory canal and adheres to foreign objects. It can also prevent dust from entering the ear canal, and its special smell can prevent flying insects from entering by mistake.

There are actually many reasons that cause itchy ears, not just earwax.

Source: Qianku.com

Dry skin in the ear canal or wax buildup

Dry skin in the ear canal is a common cause, which can be caused by dry weather or frequent use of cleaning products. Secondly, earwax accumulation can also cause itchy ears. Although the ears have the ability to clean themselves, sometimes too much earwax can accumulate and irritate the ear canal, causing itching.

Allergic reactions

If you have an allergic reaction, your ears may itch. For example, if you have an allergic reaction to food, pollen, or dust, your ears may be affected. In addition, some people are allergic to items such as shampoo, conditioner, or earrings, which can cause inflammation and itching of the skin around the ears.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a possible cause of itchy ears. This usually occurs when the ears come into contact with certain irritants, such as certain cosmetics, hair dyes, or cleaning agents, causing the skin to become inflamed and itchy.

Source: Qianku.com

Fungal otitis externa

Fungal infections can also cause itchy ears. For example, the main symptom of fungal otitis externa is itching inside the ear, which worsens at night. Fungal infections are often accompanied by bacterial infections, and are more likely to occur in hot and humid seasons.

External auditory canal eczema

External auditory canal eczema is a common skin disease with itching as the main symptom. It is divided into two types: acute and chronic. Diffuse redness, papules, blisters, exudate, etc. will appear on the skin, and it is prone to recurrence.

Mites

Itchy ears may also be caused by mites. This condition is mostly related to mites on daily necessities. They reproduce in the ear canal and cause intense itching, which requires appropriate medication to resolve.

Source: Qianku.com

In addition, itchy ears can sometimes be a manifestation of diseases in other parts of the body. For example, people with skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, as well as people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, can also have their ears affected and experience itching symptoms. In a few special cases, itchy ears may be associated with abnormalities in the nervous system. If itchy ears are accompanied by other symptoms of the nervous system, such as pain or weakness in the facial muscles, you should go to the hospital for treatment immediately.

What situations require regular cleaning?

Normally, earwax does not need to be cleaned and will be discharged from the body on its own.

However, if there is too much earwax and it is very itchy in the ear, you can use a cotton swab to gently remove it from the inside to the outside. Remember not to use too much force or use hard objects to avoid damaging the ear canal or eardrum. Secondly, the ear cleaning utensils should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent bacteria from entering the ear canal and causing infection. If you encounter stubborn earwax, you should go to a regular hospital for treatment.

Source: Qianku.com

If the ear is inflamed, such as bacterial or fungal infection, otitis media, etc., it can be cleaned regularly and medical treatment should be sought in time. In addition, if water enters the ear canal, causing the earwax to absorb water and swell, become moist and sticky, and cause obstruction in the external auditory canal, or if headphones are used for a long time, regular cleaning is also required.

Cleaning precautions

It should be noted that although itchy ears may be uncomfortable, excessive cleaning or improper use of tools such as cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing earwax accumulation and even possible damage to the ear canal or eardrum. If the eardrum is punctured or perforated, there is a risk of hearing loss.

If you often feel itchy ears, have hearing loss, or have problems after improper ear cleaning, you should go to the hospital for treatment immediately.