Itchy ears can indicate any one of several conditions from an acute infection to chronic disease. While the urge to scratch can be strong, the only way to truly find relief from itchy ears is to determine the cause. This will help identify the most effective treatment for relieving the itchiness.
Earwax Imbalance
Either too much or too little earwax can cause itchy ears, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. When too much earwax accumulates inside the ear canals, the extra amount can cause discomfort such as itching. Likewise, when there is not enough earwax, ears can become dry and itchy as a result.
Swimmer's Ear
Swimming in water contaminated with bacteria can cause infection that affects the thin layer of skin lining the ear canal, according to MayoClinic.com. Some ways people can prevent this condition, known as swimmer's ear, include drying ears thoroughly after swimming or showering, taking care not to swim in polluted water, avoiding putting foreign objects such as cotton swabs or hairpins in the ears, refraining from swimming too soon after having either ear surgery or an ear infection, and avoiding hair sprays and dyes that may irritate the ears.
Eczema
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that causes itchy, irritated and swollen skin. Eczema can affect the ears, says the American Academy of Dermatology website SkinCarePhysicians.com. Examples include seborrheic dermatitis, which frequently appears in and around the ears and often flares up in cold, dry weather; allergic contact dermatitis, which may occur after contact near the ear with an allergen such as poison ivy; irritant contact dermatitis, another type of eczema that develops after skin is exposed to chemicals such as hair dye; and atopic eczema, which tends to run in families and can cause skin itching anywhere on the body, including the ears.
