Ear
Itchy ears
An irritating itch in or around the ears — most often caused by dry or eczema-prone skin, a build-up of debris, or a mild infection — and usually harmless, though itching with pain, discharge or hearing loss points to an infection that needs assessment.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of itchy ears and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is itchy ears?
Itchy ears are a common and usually minor complaint, where the delicate skin lining the ear canal or covering the outer ear feels irritated and itchy. The skin of the ear canal is thin and easily upset, so dryness, eczema, psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis frequently cause itching, as does a reaction to earrings, hearing aids, earphones or hair and ear products.
- Get urgent help: Seek prompt assessment for itchy ears with ear pain, discharge, swelling or new hearing loss, which suggest an infection of the ear canal. Seek urgent help for itching with severe pain and swelling, redness spreading around or behind the ear, or a high fever.
- Self-care: The most important rule for itchy ears is to resist scratching and never to poke objects such as cotton buds, fingers, hairgrips or pen tops into the ear canal, as this damages the skin and makes things worse.
About itchy ears
Itchy ears are a common and usually minor complaint, where the delicate skin lining the ear canal or covering the outer ear feels irritated and itchy. The skin of the ear canal is thin and easily upset, so dryness, eczema, psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis frequently cause itching, as does a reaction to earrings, hearing aids, earphones or hair and ear products. A build-up of wax, or too little wax leaving the canal dry, can both itch, and a low-grade infection — bacterial or fungal — of the canal often begins with itching before discomfort sets in. The temptation to scratch with fingers, cotton buds or other objects is strong but counterproductive, as it damages the skin, drives in infection and worsens the itch. Itchy ears become more than a nuisance when they are joined by pain, discharge, swelling or hearing loss, which suggest the canal has become infected and needs treatment.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if itchy ears comes with any of these warning signs:
- Seek prompt assessment for itchy ears with ear pain, discharge, swelling or new hearing loss, which suggest an infection of the ear canal.
- Seek urgent help for itching with severe pain and swelling, redness spreading around or behind the ear, or a high fever.
- Seek prompt review for persistent or recurrent itching with a foul-smelling or dark discharge, especially in someone with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
- Avoid pushing cotton buds or objects into the ear canal — sudden pain, bleeding or hearing loss after doing so needs assessment.
- Seek review for a non-healing sore, lump or persistent scaly patch on or around the ear.
When to see a doctor
Mild, occasional itchy ears from dry skin or irritation can usually be managed at home by keeping the ears dry, moisturising the outer ear and avoiding triggers, without needing a doctor. See a clinician or pharmacist if the itch is persistent, recurrent or troublesome, or if a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis seems to be involved, as treating the skin usually settles the itch. Seek prompt assessment if itching is joined by pain, discharge, swelling or hearing loss, which point to infection, and review any non-healing sore or persistent scaly patch on the ear.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of itchy ears
Itchy ears has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
The most important rule for itchy ears is to resist scratching and never to poke objects such as cotton buds, fingers, hairgrips or pen tops into the ear canal, as this damages the skin and makes things worse. Keep the ears clean and dry, and let any wax come out naturally rather than digging it out. If dry skin or eczema is the cause, gently moisturising the outer ear and avoiding harsh soaps, while keeping water and shampoo out of the canal when washing, often helps. Identify and stop using anything that seems to trigger a reaction, such as a particular earring metal, hair product or earphone, and keep earphones and hearing aids clean. If the itch persists, worsens, or is joined by pain or discharge, see a clinician rather than continuing to treat it yourself.
Answers
Itchy ears: frequently asked questions
What makes my ears itch?
Common causes are dry skin, eczema, psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis affecting the ear, a reaction to earrings, hearing aids or earphones, too much or too little wax, and early infection of the ear canal. Most are minor, but persistent itching deserves a check.
Why should I not use cotton buds for itchy ears?
Cotton buds and other objects scratch and damage the thin skin of the ear canal, push wax deeper and can drive in infection, all of which make the itching worse. Keep objects out of the ear canal and let wax clear naturally.
When do itchy ears need a doctor?
See a clinician if the itch is persistent or recurrent, if a skin condition is involved, or if it comes with pain, discharge, swelling or hearing loss, which suggest an infection. A non-healing sore or scaly patch on the ear should also be reviewed.
Can itchy ears be a sign of infection?
Yes. Infection of the ear canal, including fungal infection, often begins with itching before pain, discharge and a blocked feeling develop. If itching progresses to these symptoms, it should be assessed and treated.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Otitis externa.
- British Association of Dermatologists: eczema and the ears.
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