Hello Welcome5.
I?m not questioning the doctor?s diagnosis of eczema, as we at
Google Answers can not diagnose, but your aunt?s ear problem could be
something other than eczema. If none of the doctor?s remedies work, I
suggest you try another doctor. However, any oral medications, drops,
or creams that the doctor has prescribed must be taken/used as
directed. Often people begin to feel better and discontinue the
medications/drops, only to have symptoms return. These prescriptions
must be used as often as directed, and as long as directed. Do not use
cotton swabs, keys or bobby pins in the ear. The old adage to keep
anything smaller than your elbow out of the ears is true.
Please read each site posted for complete information.
If the eczema is recurrent, perhaps your doctor could consider
taking a culture of the area, for fungus and bacteria. Fungal
infections can be very itchy. With a culture and sensitivity test, the
doctor can find out what are the best medications for your aunt?s
particular problem (If there is a fungal or bacterial infection
present).
This site has a great deal of information on eczema. ?The term
?eczema? covers a wide range of skin problems, which trouble people at
different stages in their lives. It crops up in many different ways,
such as in an elderly person with dry red skin around the ankles, a
child with weeping red areas on the wrists, or someone whose eyelids
have become itchy, red, dry and puffy in reaction to make-up.?
http://www.familydoctor.co.uk/htdocs/eczema/eczema_specimen.html
Allergies can often cause itchy ears. ?I have terribly itchy ears.
I've tried hydrogen peroxide, candling, leaving them alone, a&d
ointment, and those asian ear cleaners. They're very waxy and
distractingly itchy. Does anyone have any suggestions for this? Is it
possibly fungal? What can I do for relief? I've mentioned it to both
Western and non-Western doctors, but nobody seems to take it too
seriously. Meantime, I can think of little else some days! Any ideas,
anyone?
Itchy and scratchy
I am a vet, and in animals with itchy ears I immediately think of food
allergies. The animals often have secondary yeast infections that need
to be treated also, but with ears that itch before or between
infections definately allergies and usually food related are the
focus. I have had some clients when I talk about the problem in their
pet mention that they had the same trouble. Don't know if there are
any studies of it in people, but you may want to play with your diet
and see if it makes any difference. (In animals, the allergens are
usually the really common things like beef,corn, wheat, etc and it can
take up to 6- 8 weeks for the itching to fade after you stop a food.)
Pets sometimes teach us things
Itchy ears could be due to a food allergy. It could also be some other
kind of allergy. Maybe pets, mold, new carpet, new car, perfume,
ammonia, bleach, etc.?
http://parents.berkeley.edu/advice/health/itching.html#ears
??recently discovered that I have hand eczema caused by soaps and
chemicals. I'm a teacher for Deaf students, and I use my hands to
communicate in American Sign Language everyday. It's very upsetting
and painful at times. I'm slowly learning to deal with my new
condition.?
http://www.talkeczema.com/webpages/findafriend/findfriend_june2005.htm
?Limit your contact with things that can irritate your skin. Some of
these things include certain household cleansers, detergents,
aftershave lotions, soaps, gasoline, and turpentine and other
solvents. Try to avoid touching things that make you break out with
eczema. Because soaps and wetness can cause skin irritation, wash your
hands only when necessary, especially if you have eczema on your
hands. Be sure to dry your hands completely after you wash them.?
There are lots more tips on this page:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20031015/1603ph.html
It may be otitis externa: What are the symptoms?
? It often begins with an itchy ear.
? There is discharge from the ear.
? There is a pain in the ear which is made worse by pushing or pulling
the ear lobe or moving the jaw.
? The ear canal may partially close up due to swelling of the inflamed skin.
? In severe cases the hearing may be reduced.
How do you contract otitis?
? Swimming in dirty water.
? Getting water in your ears while showering or bathing.
? Irritation due to foreign objects, such as cotton buds or earplugs,
that are left in the ear for a period of time.
? Skin allergy and other skin conditions.
? Diabetes or other diseases that may cause increased vulnerability to infections.
? Hair spray or hair colour that gets into the ear canal.
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/otitisinouterear.htm
?There are a number of reasons why the inside of your ears may be
feeling itchy - and, quite frankly, may be driving you round the bend.
Wax is a common culprit. In itself it doesn't usually cause itching
because wax is the normal product of the ear's cleaning mechanism.
However, if you're someone who tries to clean his ears with cotton
wool buds then this can cause itching because you irritate the
sensitive lining of the ear canal.
Although our mothers would diligently try and clean the wax from our
ears, experts now believe this should not be done since so much damage
can be caused. In fact, it's true that the smallest thing you should
put in your ear is your elbow. Wax will come out quite happily by
itself. If you try to help it out all you'll do is push the wax
further inside and make it harder for it to get out.
Use some warmed olive oil to soothe the itch. Dribble some into the
ear canal from a teaspoon or get a dropper from the pharmacist to do
this twice a day. If this doesn't solve the problem then it's worth
getting your doctor to take a look.
Eczema can affect the ear canal and this can be very itchy. An
allergic reaction to chlorine or something you may have put in the
bath or have been washing with causes similar symptoms. If this is the
case you may need some ear drops to treat the problem.?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/ask_the_doctor/itchyears.shtml
Tell your doctor of all medications and supplements your aunt is
taking. She could have an allergy to one of them ?Allergy to blood
pressure medicine? ? Although "dry ear syndrome" is not a specific
diagnosis, I have seen several patients who have the same problem you
describe. In your case, an allergic reaction to your blood pressure
medicine is a possibility. Some people have seborrheic dermatitis
(dandruff) of the ear canals or psoriasis, another itchy skin
disorder.
Acetic acid and cortisone are both standard treatments for itchy ears.
You might try Cortisporin-Otic eardrops that are a combination
anti-bacterial and steroid. Or you could use a stronger prescription
steroid, like triamcinolone, to get relief.?
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/901217229.html
?If an allergy is caused by a pet, down pillow, wool sweater, or
certain food, removal of the allergen will eliminate the symptoms. We
are not saying you have to get rid of your pet, but sometimes that
will help your allergic response. If you have bad allergies, this is
something to discuss with your family and health care provider if you
test positive for allergies to cats and or dogs or feathers from your
bird.?
http://www.coolnurse.com/allergies.htm
?The most common immediate symptoms include:
? Sneezing repeatedly, especially after you wake up in the morning.
Sneezing can occur as soon as 1 to 2 minutes after you breathe in an
allergen.
? A runny nose (rhinorrhea). The drainage from a runny nose caused by
allergies is usually clear and thin but may thicken and become cloudy
or yellowish if a nasal or sinus infection develops. A runny nose can
occur as soon as 3 minutes after you breathe in an allergen.
? Postnasal drip, which often feels like a tickle in your throat. It
can trigger a cough as you try to clear your throat.
? Watery, itchy eyes. This may be allergic pinkeye.
? Itchy ears, nose, and throat.
http://health.yahoo.com/topic/allergy/symptoms/article/healthwise/hw33490
?Blow-dry your ears. Eliminate the moisture in your ears, says Dr.
Hands, every time you get them wet, whether or not you suspect an
infection. Pull the flap of your ear up and out to straighten the ear
canal and aim your hair dryer into your ear from 18 to 20 inches away.
Use either a warm or cool setting, but let the dryer blow for 30
seconds. That will dry the ear, eliminating the moist conditions
bacteria and fungi find most attractive for growth.
Try an over-the-counter remedy. Most drugstores carry eardrops that
combat bacteria.?
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/47/125.cfm
As a side note, I too have itchy ears, as I am allergic to many
things. I tried using the hair dryer, on low, around my ears and it
did make a big difference! Don?t blow it directly into the ear, but
follow the directions above. It may take several days for your aunt,
but it may help her out! Aslo, change her pillowcase daily, and wash
them (and her towels, linens)in very hot water with scent-free
detergent or Ivory Snow.
Other informative sites:
========================
http://www.healthyhearing.com/library/ate_content.asp?question_id=268
http://www.doctorhoffman.com/xitch.htm
http://www.hope4hearing.org/swimear.htm
I hope this has helped. If anything is unclear, please ask for an
Answer Clarification, and allow me to respond, before your rate.
Sincerely, Crabcakes
Search Terms
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Otitis externa
Itchy ears + allergies
Eczema + ears |
