Being itchy is definitely an annoying feeling, but what's even worse is an itch you can't scratch! One of the worst places to itch is on the inside of your ear. If you've experienced an itchy ear canal, you know that it's almost enough to drive you crazy, but there's actually a pretty simple explanation for it, and several easy ways to stop the itch!
Itchy ears are actually a common problem that causes many people to stick various objects into their ears, causing trauma to the ear canal. The most common causes of itching include nervous habit, a fungal infection or the beginning of an infection, an allergy, too much water in the ear or dry skin. If you notice itching accompanied by bleeding, draining or hearing loss, see a health care professional.
If your itchy ears are due to a more simple problem such as dry skin, try one of these home remedies to help relieve the itch!
1. Aloe Vera
Grab an Aloe Vera leaf at your local farmer's market or health food store and split it open to reveal the gel. Add 3-5 drops of Aloe Vera gel to your ear to restore pH levels and help to lessen any inflammation. Aloe Vera will cool and soothe your ear to stop itching.
2. Warm Oil
Grab your favorite natural oil such as olive, tea tree, coconut or garlic, and warm it to a comfortable temperature. Add a few drops to your ear by tilting your head, hold for a few seconds, then tilt back the other way to let it drain. Make sure the oil isn't too hot— you don't want to burn your ear! Test the temperature before using it.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water. Use a small dropper to place some of the mix into your ear. This method will help clean out excessive ear wax, helping to reduce clogging and itching.
4. Alcohol and Vinegar
Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 1 part white vinegar. Use a small spoon or dropper to drip a little bit of the mix into your ear, tilting your head sideways to let the solution set for a few seconds. Tilt your head back the other way to drain. This method can dry out your ear if used too much, so it's best used in moderation.
5. Garlic
Garlic is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, making it a great natural remedy for an ear infection. Slice some garlic and place the slices between four sheets of gauze (two on each side of the garlic). Tape the edges shut and secure it on your ear. This will keep the garlic from touching your skin, but the gauze is porous enough to allow the beneficial properties of the garlic to seep into your ear.
6. Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Homemade elderberry syrup works great for soothing earaches and possible infections, especially for children. This remedy doesn't go into your ear! Drinking it will allow your body absorb its antiviral properties in order to promote healing from an ear infection.
Sources:
http://remedydaily.com/2016/04/28/causes-and-treatments-for-an-itchy-ear-canal/?src=jum_51541&t=syn
https://med.uth.edu/orl/online-ear-disease/chapter-15-miscellaneous/itchy-ears/
http://wellnessmama.com/1888/elderberry-syrup/
http://hubpages.com/health/Itchy-Ear-Canal
http://wellnessmama.com/36494/natural-ear-infection-remedies/
