The ear has an external and internal portion separated by the eardrum. Several different conditions can cause irritation and itching to either portion of the ear canal. Some of these conditions include excessive earwax, allergies, eczema, insects, middle ear infections and swimmer's ear. Treatments for an itchy ear depend on the condition causing the discomfort.
Earwax Removal
The ear naturally secretes earwax to protect the skin in the external ear and helps trap bacteria that could potentially cause an ear infection. A buildup of excessive earwax in the ear canal can cause itching. Removal of the earwax includes using detergent drops, such as hydrogen peroxide, or a softening agent, such as baby oil to help assist in removing ear wax. Using warm water to irrigate excessive earwax may also help. A physician may need to remove stubborn, compacted earwax with a special tool called a curette. Using cotton-tipped swabs and products such as a ear candle are not recommended, according to KidsHealth from Nemours. Removing all earwax from the ear may increase the chance of itching because one function of earwax is to coat the ear canal and protect the skin from irritation.
Oil
Using a drop or two of baby oil, olive oil or other vegetable oil can help soothe the external ear canal and ease itching. Individuals should drop the oil in the ear while lying down with the affected ear facing up so the oil can easily coat the surface.
Medications
Antibiotic ear drops and oral medications help treat itching in the ear. A middle ear infection requires oral antibiotics to clear up the infection while swimmer's ear, or an infection in the outer ear canal, requires medicated drops for the ear says FamilyDoctor.org. For ear itching due to allergies, antihistamine medications help treat the condition and relieve the discomfort. Antihistamines are available over-the-counter and in prescription strength, depending on the severity of the allergies. Steroidal creams applied to the ear when eczema occurs will help treat ear itching due to this condition.
Insect Removal
From time to time, an insect can enter the external ear canal and cause discomfort and itching. Removing the bug requires irrigating the ear canal to get the insect to float out of the ear. If water does not work to remove the insect, trying mineral oil or rubbing alcohol may help, according to MotherNature.com.
