Ear - one of the most complex organs of perception in the human body, responsible for trapping sound signals, as well as for a sense of balance. One of the most common problems, which are addressed to otolaryngologists, may be itching in the ears. In some cases, this symptom causes diseases of this organ that require serious treatment. But there are a number of other reasons why a person can feel an itch in his ear.
The main causes of pruritus
As already mentioned, the cause of the itching in the ears can be the inflammatory processes passing inside this organ. The most common diseases are otitis and otomycosis:
- Otitis is an inflammation that can develop in different parts of the ear. In addition to itching, otitis accompany pain and catarrhal phenomena (inflammation of the nasopharynx). Most often this disease affects children, but adults do not avoid this diagnosis.
- Otomycosis is a fungal disease of the external ear. Most often, otomycosis is manifested against a background of chronic otitis, non-compliance with hygiene, increased humidity in the ear due to hearing aids. In addition, damage to the skin of the auditory canal can be a "gate" for getting fungi through the hands, headphones, etc.
Along with the diseases, unpleasant sensations in the ear can cause the formation and progress of the sulfur mass. Sulfur is formed as a result of the work of glands located in the ear canals and serves as a kind of "barrier" for penetration of the ear of bacteria, small parasites and mycoses. Normally, a person develops between 12 and 20 mg of sulfur within 30 days. This mass moves along the ear canal and can cause slight itching, touching small hairs in it. Also, after ingress of moisture in the ear canal, the sulfur plug may swell, which also causes discomfort and hearing loss.
Often the cause for the appearance of itching in the ear can be an allergic reaction to hygiene products (shampoo, balms, etc.). In some cases, itching in the ears is especially obtrusive without any apparent cause. Those. there is no disease, no allergies, no excessive accumulation of sulfur. In such cases, the cause, as a rule, lies in neurology and requires the help of specialists already from another field of medicine (psychotherapist or neurologist).
Treatment of itching in the ears
To treat itching in the ears should not proceed until the true cause of its occurrence is established. After all, self-examination of the ear is impossible due to its structure and location, and the reasons for the itching, as we already know, can be several.
You should know that you should not get involved in hygiene procedures. The use of sticks to maximize the cleaning of the ear can lead to increased serumation, which only exacerbates the problem. Also, not the auditory canal reacts sharply to an increase in humidity. So if you like to dive, use special earplugs. With their help, you block the flow of water into the passageway.
Than to treat an itch in an ear at an otitis and otomycosis, the otolaryngologist can advise only. Badly cured otitis can be both the cause of complications, and go into a chronic form. Otomycosis, like any fungal disease, is very difficult to treat and it may take several months for complete recovery, during which a specialist's supervision is also necessary. Antibiotics are often used to treat otitis media:
- Tsifran;
- Sofradex ;
- Flemoxin.
And in the treatment of fungus it is advisable to use antimycotic agents:
- Ketoconazole;
- Miconazole;
- Nystatin and others.
Itching, caused by allergy, is most often eliminated by taking antihistamines and completely eliminating provoking agents.