Why Does My Ear Canals Itch?

Posted on Thu, 13 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 13 Feb 2014 Answered on

Thu, 6 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have itching in some of my ear canals , i have it associated with a white scaly substance that builds to flaky. i thought that it is related to some skin problem.

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Seborrheic eczema of ear canals, antifungals Detailed Answer: Hi I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same. From the description ,it looks like you are suffering from seborrheic dermatitis which is basically dandruff of the skin. Other than the scalp ,areas around and inside the ear are very commonly affected by seborrheic eczema. Also such a presentation of this eczema is quite common in elderly patients. You need to apply a topical steroid cream like cortisone over the affected areas twice a day. In addition you can take some oral antihistamine like claritin for the associated itching. Also try to use an anti dandruff shampoo twice a week. I am sure this treatment should benefit you. If however there is not complete relief , then you might need a course of oral antifungal tablets along since this eczema is basically caused by overgrowth of a specific skin fungus. Hope it helps Please ask if you need any further clarifications Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar