Itchy ears are a common symptom that many people may overlook. However, frequent itching in the ears can be a sign of some underlying health problems.
Earwax buildup
Although earwax is a natural substance that our body uses to protect the ear canal, when it accumulates too much, it can cause a range of discomforts, including itching, earache, hearing loss and even tinnitus.
There are various causes of earwax buildup. For example, some people have a narrow ear canal, which is naturally prone to earwax accumulation.
Frequent use of earplugs, hearing aids or headphones should also be careful, as these may push earwax deep into the ear canal and exacerbate the build-up.
Moreover, many people like to use cotton swabs to clean their ears, which is actually a misunderstanding. The cotton swab is likely to push the earwax deeper, which in turn exacerbates the problem.
When earwax buildup is severe, it can cause an ear canal infection, especially in children.
So, how can we prevent a series of problems caused by earwax? Avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears frequently.
Consider using an ear canal cleanser to soften the earwax and make it easier to pass naturally. In addition, it is also very necessary to go to the hospital regularly for a professional to have the ears checked and cleaned.
Ear infections
Ear infections, which sound like a common problem, can actually be a big deal for many people, especially children.
Especially during cold, flu or allergy season, bacteria and viruses can easily cause discomfort in the ears and lead to ear infections.
The symptoms of an ear infection are not just itchy ears, but can also be accompanied by problems such as earache, hearing loss, and even ear canal discharge.
If these symptoms are not treated promptly, they may affect your child's daily life and learning development, and may even cause long-term health problems.
The main types of ear infections include otitis externa, otitis media, and otitis inner. Otitis externa is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection after water retention or an injury to the ear canal, and this type of infection is more common among swimmers.
Otitis media occurs mainly in the middle ear cavity and is often caused by a cold or upper respiratory tract infection. Although otitis is uncommon, when it occurs, symptoms are usually severe and may affect balance and hearing.
For children, acute otitis media and otitis media effusion are the two most common types. Acute otitis media can cause severe earache and possibly fever, and even affect hearing.
Otitis media with effusion usually presents with fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavity but no obvious signs of infection, a condition that often occurs after a cold.
Preventing ear infections is not complicated, the key is to pay attention to the cleanliness and dryness of the ear canal. It is very important to clean your ears in time after swimming to prevent water retention.
At the same time, try to avoid picking your ears with items such as cotton swabs, which may push the earwax deeper and increase the risk of infection.
Strengthening immunity is also a key to prevention, and a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and proper physical activity can all help boost the body's defenses.
Skin allergies can also cause itchy ears
Have you ever wondered why sometimes your ears feel itchy involuntarily? This discomfort may be due to your allergy to certain makeup, shampoos, or your favorite pair of earrings.
This allergic reaction, known as contact dermatitis, is a common skin problem that manifests as erythema, papules, and even edema and itching after skin contact with an allergen.
For example, about 10% of people are allergic to nickel, which is a commonly used metal for many earrings. If you have red, swollen ears or rashes, it may be an allergy.
Contact dermatitis occurs not only because of external factors, but also because genetics and environment also play an important role. Some people may be naturally sensitive to certain chemicals that are exactly what we use in our daily cosmetics or shampoos.
Research shows that the incidence of these skin diseases has increased in industrialized countries over the past few decades, which may be related to the increased amount of chemicals we are exposed to in our daily lives.
To reduce this discomfort, choosing non-irritating cosmetics and shampoos is one way to do this, which can reduce the chance of exposure to allergens.
It is also a smart choice to choose a nickel-free or hypoallergenic earring material, such as sterling silver or stainless steel. In addition, it is equally important to keep the ear canal dry and clean, which can help reduce the occurrence of skin irritation.
Dry ear canal
When it comes to dry ear canals, this is not a trivial problem, especially if you feel itchy or uncomfortable in your ears.
Our ear canals naturally secrete oil and earwax, which are nature's protective mechanisms to keep the ear canals moist and defend against foreign microbial infestations.
Sometimes, however, the ear canal can become dry, whether it is due to our own over-cleaning or a decrease in the body's natural secretions, which can lead to itching, scaling and even ear canal infections.
Truth be told, over-cleaning is the enemy of dry ear canals. Many people like to use cotton swabs to clean their ears, and they may think that their ears are cleaner, but in fact, doing so may push the earwax deeper, which will not only not clean it, but will cause the ear canal to become clogged and dry.
Those who regularly use earplugs or wear hearing aids should also be careful, as these things can also hinder the natural ventilation and moisture of the ear canal if they are blocked in the ear canal for a long time.
As we age, our body's oil secretion naturally decreases, and the ear canal is no exception. That's why older people are more likely to suffer from dry ear canals.
If you have skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis, oil production in the ear canal may also be affected, leading to dryness and discomfort.
A dry ear canal is not just about itching, it can also lead to ear canal rupture and infection in the long run. If these problems are not dealt with in time, they not only affect the quality of life, but may even lead to serious consequences such as hearing loss.
Therefore, we need to pay attention to these small signals in time and take appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures.
So how can you prevent your ear canal from drying out? Don't over-clean your ears. Earwax has its own meaning of existence, it has its own natural antibacterial and lubricating effects, and it is very important to keep the ear canal naturally moist.
If your ear canal is already experiencing dryness, itching, or other discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Your doctor can help you identify the cause and develop a treatment plan based on your situation.
Usual treatments include the use of moisturizers, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. If necessary, your doctor may also recommend an otoscopy and skin tests to make sure you get the most appropriate treatment.
Healthy habits to prevent itchy ears
We all know that itchy ears can be very uncomfortable, but did you know that with a few simple daily habits, you can effectively prevent it?
With the right care and some lifestyle adjustments, you can greatly reduce the occurrence of itchy ears and improve your quality of life.
Many people may not pay much attention to the health of the ear canal, but regular ear canal check-ups can help us detect and solve potential problems such as earwax buildup or early infection.
Regular ear canal exams can be effective in reducing the occurrence of ear infections, especially in children and the elderly.
Healthy eating habits are essential for boosting our immune system and can help us reduce our risk of infections and allergies.
Citrus fruits rich in vitamin C, nuts with vitamin E, and green leafy vegetables with zinc are all good options for boosting immunity.
These nutrients not only protect our cells from damage, but they also help our immune system work more efficiently.
Finally, getting enough sleep is an aspect that cannot be ignored to boost immunity. A good night's sleep will not only make you feel refreshed, but it will also be a super boost to your immune system!
Scientific studies have proven time and again that 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night can significantly boost our immune function, helping the body to recover and repair.
During sleep, the body is not just resting, it is actually undergoing a series of important repairs and adjustments that are essential for maintaining our health.
If you get less than 5 hours of sleep per night, you're much more likely to catch a cold than those who sleep more than 7 hours.
This is because sleep deprivation directly affects the number and function of immune cells, making us more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
Sleep deprivation can also lead to increased levels of inflammation in the body, which not only weakens the immune system, but can also trigger or exacerbate a variety of chronic diseases.
While we are sleeping, our bodies produce and release a variety of immune molecules, including various cytokines, which are key weapons in the fight against infection.
During the deep sleep phase, the body accelerates the process of cell repair and regeneration, which is a natural defense mechanism against everyday damage and disease. Getting enough sleep also enhances the effectiveness of the vaccine, ensuring a stronger and longer-lasting immune response after vaccination.
In the long term, it is also inextricably linked to a variety of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. These chronic diseases not only deplete our physical and mental strength, but also further weaken our immunity, creating a vicious cycle.
To ensure that the immune system is working optimally, we need to get enough sleep.
Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime, such as playing with your phone or drinking coffee. It's also important to create a quiet, dark, and warm sleeping environment, which can help improve the quality of your sleep.
So turn off the lights early tonight and give yourself a chance to get plenty of rest so your immune system can get a good night's sleep too!
References are as follows:
[1] The prevalence of allergies in China and their effects on the skin: An epidemiological study of a representative sample of the Chinese adult population
[2] Regional differences in dryness of mouth determined by the newly developed questionnaire "Regional Dryness of Mouth Scale".