Itchy ears may be painful as well as irritating. One or both ears may be affected, with a mild to severe skin reaction. The ear is made of outer, middle and inner parts--each of which may play a role. The accumulation of debris in the ear or various skin conditions may cause itchy symptoms. If the itching persists, a health care provider may prescribe medication to treat the cause and symptoms.
Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema is a chronic skin disorder that affects people of all ages. The condition occurs from hypersensitivity reactions in the skin, which are similar to allergies. Atopic eczema starts as itchy, red, inflamed areas of the skin that ooze clear fluid when scratched. The American Academy of Dermatology calls atopic eczema the most common form of eczema, affecting 10 to 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent of adults. When atopic eczema forms on the ears, it typically appears behind the ear-folds. Skin damage, thickened skin, infection and discoloration may occur with constant scratching and broken skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition. It often affects oily areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, creases of the nose and in the ear or over the ear-lids. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but oily skin and irritation from yeast called Malassezia that grows in the oily secretion found on the skin are likely contributors, according to MedlinePlus. Other possible risk factors for the condition are stress, harsh environmental conditions, neurological conditions and weakened immune systems. Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include patchy scaling, mild redness, crusting, itching and soreness. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is commonly known as cradle cap.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes rapid skin cell production. It can appear anywhere on the skin, but most often it affects the scalp, ears, hands, knees and elbows. The condition occurs from abnormal reactions of the immune system that affect the life cycle of skin cells. In many cases, risk factors for psoriasis include weakened immune systems, stress, family history and underlying medical conditions. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that psoriasis affects more than five million adults in the United States. The five types of psoriasis include plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. Symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on type and individual reactions, but most often the condition involves red patches; silvery scales; dry, cracked skin; and itching, burning or soreness.
