The skin in the ear canal is sensitive. When it becomes dry and flaky, the ear can begin to itch. While it can be uncomfortable, scratching makes it worse. If the skin becomes broken from scratching, infection is more likely to occur. Although most times dry ears aren't serious, complications can arise if not properly treated.
Symptoms
Dryness can occur on the skin of the outer ear, around the ear, in the ear canal or farther down in the ear depending on the cause. Dry ears can be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching and ear pain. In some cases, swelling, inflammation and drainage can occur.
Causes
Some types of dry skin conditions affect the skin on and around the ear. Dryness that leads to ear infections can also cause itchiness and pain. Environmental irritants are another cause of dry skin. Frequent use of cotton swabs to clean the ears can cause dry ears as well. Swimmer's ear is one of the most common causes of dry ear canals and infections.
Types
Otitis externa, more commonly known as swimmer's ear, is caused by an infection in the air canal. Children and individuals who do a lot of swimming frequently suffer the condition when moisture irritates the skin in the ear canal. Bacteria or fungi entering the ear can then cause infection. Dry skin, cleaning the ears too often, foreign objects and other problems can also cause swimmer's ear.
Eczema of the ear is a dry skin condition that can cause itching and irritation. If you have this condition, you might experience drainage and overall discomfort of the ears.
Lack of earwax is another cause of dryness and itching of the ear that can occur if you clean your ears too vigorously or too often. Some allergies also cause dryness and itching of the ears. Allergies are often associated with itchiness of the throat as well.
Treatment
The treatment for dry ear depends on the cause of the condition. Swimmer's ear usually requires the use of ear drops. Antibiotic drops are sometimes prescribed. Oral antibiotics might also be needed for severe ear infections. Individuals who suffer from eczema usually need eardrops as well. Sometimes special ointments are needed. In most cases, ointments are only prescribed for a short period of time since they are used on or in the ear. If allergies are causing ear problems, the allergies must be identified and treated.
Precautions
Wearing earplugs while swimming can help prevent swimmer's ear. Swimming and other water activities should be avoided while recovering from swimmer's ear. MayoClinic.com recommends placing a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly over the opening of the ear canal to prevent water from entering when swimming or bathing. Individuals who suffer from a lack of earwax should have their ears cleaned by a health professional rather than cleaning them at home.
Warning
The American Academy of Family Physicians warns that the infection related to swimmer's ear can spread if left untreated. Home treatment is not recommended. Often the ear simply itches before it becomes painful. However, the condition still needs to be treated.
