Treating itchy ears

When the ear itches, it is impossible to fully work and rest. However, only a doctor can suggest how to relieve itching in the ear, prescribe effective drugs after examination, having established the cause of discomfort.

The most common cause of the sensation of itching in the ear canal is the accumulation of wax due to its hypersecretion or insufficiently effective exit (wax plug). Nowadays, to dissolve them and prevent their formation, special drops for itching in the ears - cerumenolytics - are available for sale. They differ in chemical composition, however, have comparable effectiveness, which expands the possibilities of choice.

A-Cerumen neo+ is available in the form of a solution packed in dropper bottles, the contents of which should be used up within a day after opening. The preparation contains surfactants (collagen hydrolysate, coco-betain, PEG-120 methylglucose dioleate), gently transforming accumulations of compacted and dried earwax, moisturizing and loosening its structure, but not causing swelling. The wax plug dissolves gradually without causing hearing or vestibular disorders. Moisturizers and dyes included in the solution are of natural origin. Drops do not affect the work of ceruminous glands. After cleansing the ear canal, the wax is secreted again naturally.

Side effects during use are very rare and are in the nature of local irritation. Pregnant and lactating women can use cerumenolytics.

The duration of treatment and dosage is prescribed by a doctor. Drops are used independently only if you are absolutely sure that itching in the ear is caused by a wax plug. If there is even the slightest doubt about the origin of itching, suspicion of infection, perforation of the eardrum and other pathological causes, the use of A-Cerumen is contraindicated.

To clear the ear canal of wax accumulations, the drug is injected into each ear in the morning and evening, having previously heated the vial-dropper in the hand to body temperature. Use the contents of the vial completely, injecting half of the prepackaged dose (1 ml) into the ear canal of each ear. It is not recommended to insert the tip deep into the ear canal.

Drug interaction with systemic drugs has not been detected. When used concomitantly with other ear drops, it is necessary to maintain the time interval between injections.

Remo-Vax drops have a similar effect. The active ingredients of the solution (phenylethanol, allantoin, benzethonium chloride, sorbic acid, butylhydroxytoluene) penetrate into the thickness of cerumen deposits in the ear canal and gradually dissolve them. Liquid lanolin and mink oil have a softening and moisturizing effect on the surface of the skin of the ear canal, contribute to the sloughing of its dead layer and cleaning. The drug is hypoallergenic. Overdose and drug interaction with other drugs has not been noted.

Cerumenolysis is performed by injecting into the ear about 20 drops of a solution heated to body temperature in the palm of the hand. Then it is necessary to lie with the treated ear upwards for 20-30 minutes. If plugs have formed in both ears, the procedure is repeated on the other side. In the presence of large wax deposits may need up to five treatments per day. It usually takes three to five days to clear the ear canal.

Cerumenolytics are also used to prevent the formation of wax plugs, the occurrence of symptoms of "swimmer's ear". Such drops from itching in the ears do not cause addiction and toxic effects. Can be used for a long time, but should adhere to the dosage and recommendations of the doctor.

Contact with eyes, nose and mouth is not recommended. If this happens, the affected organs should be flushed with water.

Often the cause of itching in the ears is otitis media - inflammation of the outer and middle ear of various origins, which is crucial when choosing a drug.

In the early stages of otitis media, preference is given to preparations that have a local effect. The most convenient for the treatment of ears are liquid forms. Drops from itching and pain are produced with different active components. With a correctly diagnosed diagnosis, the therapeutic effect is felt literally immediately after use.

Otinum - is prescribed for acute otitis externa and middle ear, sensations of congestion, after trauma, removal of foreign bodies and to eliminate wax plugs. The main active ingredient of the solution choline salicylate, inhibits the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenases, preventing the synthesis of inflammatory mediators and pain. Drops have a moderate antimycotic and antibacterial effect. The presence of glycerin in the composition of drops helps to soften dry wax accumulations, facilitating their removal from the ear canal. The drug is contraindicated in patients with aspirin triad, known hypersensitivity reactions to other NSAIDs. They are not prescribed for perforation of the tympanic membrane. The presence of salicylate makes this drug undesirable for pregnant and lactating women, small children, since there are no substantiated data on the results of treatment of these categories of patients. Caution should be exercised in patients with vasomotor rhinitis and nasal polyposis.

A solution heated in the palm of the hand to body temperature is injected into the ear. Dose for any purpose three to four drops into the external ear canal of each ear, the patient lies upside down with the ear being treated and turns over to the other side 10 minutes after injection. For therapeutic purposes during the day, the ears are pumped three or four times, to dissolve plugs - twice. The duration of the course of treatment should not exceed ten days. If on the fourth day there are no positive changes in the patient's condition, the doctor must select another drug.

Otipax - a complex (phenazone + lidocaine) drug in the form of ear drops is prescribed for otitis media of cold, barotraumatic genesis, as well as complications of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections. Analgesic, reduces fever, removes symptoms of inflammation. The action is felt five minutes after getting drops in the ear, after a quarter of an hour, the pain almost completely recedes. The main effect is analgesic, so drops are prescribed to patients in whom itching in the ear is accompanied by pain. Contraindicated in persons sensitized to the ingredients. It is not recommended to use in cases of violation of the integrity of the tympanic membrane. Clinically significant systemic effect from the injection of Otipax is not revealed, so it is allowed to use this product by pregnant and lactating women, children from one month of age. Side effects from the use of drops are irritation, hyperemia, edema, urticaria, increased itching in the ear canal. Dropped regardless of age into the diseased ear four drops twice or three times during the day. The maximum course of treatment is ten days.

Itching and purulent discharge from the ear are characteristic of bacterial otitis externa and otitis media without perforation of the tympanic membrane. Anauran - drops containing broad-spectrum antibiotics, polymyxin B and neomycin, as well as - anesthetic lidocaine. The combination of antibacterial drugs provides death of most microorganisms found in otitis media. Lidocaine eliminates pain syndrome and relieves the patient's condition during treatment. The effect of properly prescribed drops comes quickly - disappears discharge from the ear, stops itching, so if there is no improvement during the first few days, you need to see a doctor to change the drug. Treatment should not last more than ten days. Longer treatment may cause the development of superinfection, ototoxic phenomena up to complete hearing loss.

The drug is contraindicated in pregnant, lactating women and children under six years of age. Side effects are characterized by local skin irritation. Depending on the severity of otitis media, the doctor may prescribe from two to four times the use of drops. For adult patients, the single dose is four to five drops in each ear, children who have reached six full years of age can be injected with two or three drops at a time.

Otofa - antibacterial drops based on the antitubercular antibiotic rifamycin, which inhibits the enzymatic activity of RNA polymerase of gram-positive and gram-negative cocci, in particular - festering: staphylococci, streptococci, and some other bacteria that infect the external and middle ear. Inactivation of the catalyst of RNA synthesis of pathogenic microorganisms blocks this process, which leads to their rapid death. Otofa drops can also be used in case of perforation of the tympanic membrane.

Contraindication to the appointment is hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or additional components of the drops. Pregnant and lactating women are prescribed in exceptional cases. Side effects are characterized by local irritation - rash, hyperemia, swelling.

The recommended single dose for adult patients is five drops, the frequency of procedures - three per day. Children are injected twice with three drops each. Drops are left in the ear for a few minutes, and then tilt the head so that they flow out by gravity. The maximum period of use of Otofa drops is seven days. A longer period of treatment is possible only on the prescription of a doctor.

Dioxidine (hydroxymethylquinoxalindioxide) can be prescribed in cases of ineffectiveness of other antibacterial agents in purulent otitis media, which runs in a severe form. Ear drops with such an active substance are not produced - dilute the contents of the pharmacy ampoule (they may contain 0.5% or 1% of the active substance) independently hypertonic solution to a concentration of 0.1-0.2%. Outpatient treatment should be fully controlled by a doctor. The drug is toxic, part of it penetrates into the systemic bloodstream, so it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations for dosage and preparation of drops. Before use, a tolerance test is made. Drops with dioxin are contraindicated for pregnant women, lactating women, persons with impaired adrenal function. For children, such drops can be prescribed by a doctor only in exceptional cases.

It should be noted that the prepared solution is suitable only for a day. Only a few drops are used (one or two drops in each ear for children, three or four drops for adults), the rest is poured out and a new one is prepared the next day. Before injecting it is necessary to clean the external ear canal from pus with a cotton turunda soaked in hydrogen peroxide (3%). The drug acts quickly. The effect comes within three to four days or treatment is stopped. The development of side effects is also a reason to cancel treatment.

In cases of severe moderate purulent otitis media, systemic antibiotic therapy is used. The most widely used antibiotics for ear pain and itching are penicillin series (amoxicillin: Flemoxin, Augmentin; Amoxil) and cephalosporins (Cefodox, Cefotaxime). Often prescribe drugs from the group of macrolides - spiramycin, rosithromycin. They are considered less toxic. In case of prolonged chronic otitis media, fluoroquinolones may be used - ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin.

Fungal lesions of the external auditory canal are treated with local antimycotic agents. Skin treatment with antiseptics with antifungal activity is prescribed: Castellani's liquid, Burov's liquid, solutions of amphotericin, aniline dyes, quinozene, potassium iodide (2%) and others. Before starting the procedure, the skin surface of the ear canal is cleaned of secretions, wax, sloughing crusts, fragments of fungal mycelium.

Antimycotic ointments for itching in the ears are prescribed - nystatin, clotrimazole.

Nystatin ointment is particularly effective in ear candidiasis, but can also be prescribed for aspergillosis. Polyene antibiotic nystatin is able to bind to ergosterols, which make up the cell walls of the microorganism. Destruction of the cell membrane entails the release of cytoplasm components into the intercellular space and disrupts cell viability. When applied topically, absorption is virtually nonexistent, however, the ointment is not recommended for use in pediatric practice and for the treatment of pregnant and lactating women. Contraindicated in case of allergy to the ingredients. It is applied in a thin layer to the affected skin surface once or twice throughout the day. The duration of the course should not be more than ten days. It is possible to repeat the treatment course with a time interval of two to three weeks.

Clotrimazole in addition to destruction of the cell membrane of fungi has an additional toxic effect through interaction with mitochondrial and peroxidase enzymes with the formation of hydrogen peroxide, the increase in the concentration of which creates additional conditions for the termination of fungal cells. This representative of imidazoles is active against various fungi, in particular, Aspergillus and Candida, as well as against such common agents of purulent infections as staphylococci and streptococci. The drug is practically not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream. Its embryotoxicity is not confirmed by studies, however, pregnant and lactating women are prescribed clotrimazole with caution. In the first trimester, it is not prescribed at all, as well as hypersensitive patients.

The cream is applied in a thin layer to the skin of the ear canal twice or three times a day. Treatment is long, on average - a month. Possible side effects are local reactions. In combination with other antifungal agents (nystatin, amphotericin B, natamycin) is not recommended, because the effectiveness of treatment is reduced.

In case of recurrent mycosis, lesions of internal structures of the ear, systemic therapy is prescribed. In aspergillosis, the drug of choice is intraconazole, ear candidiasis is successfully treated with fluconazole or ketaconazole. Combination treatment - a combination of tablets and external agents - is particularly effective.

Patients with mixt-infection or with an unidentified type of pathogen are prescribed multicomponent drugs - candibiotics, which have simultaneously bactericidal, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Candibiotic, this is the name of the ear drops that have recently gained popularity among patients and doctors. The solution contains four active components that provide a wide range of action of the drug.

The antibiotic chloramphenicol, better known to the general public under the trade name levomycetin, which inhibits the enzymatic activity of the main catalyst for protein synthesis in the cell of most bacteria found in otitis media.

Antifungal action provides the drug component clotrimazole, already mentioned above.

Beclomethasone dipropionate is a hormonal ingredient of ear drops that provides a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, relieving allergic reaction not only to external irritants, but also to metabolic products of fungal and/or bacterial infectious agents. Quickly eliminates itching and otorrhea.

Lidocaine hydrochloride - relieves pain almost immediately and provides relief during treatment.

Drops are contraindicated in patients with intolerance to their components, are not used in herpes virus lesions and in suspected perforation of the tympanic membrane. Systemic absorption is minimal, however, to avoid side effects associated with it, treatment of adults is carried out no more than a week, children - no more than five days. It is forbidden to use drops in children under the age of two years, pregnant and lactating women. The recorded side effects in compliance with the recommended doses and duration of treatment are of local irritation nature.

Patients between the ages of two and 11 full years are given two drops in each ear four times a day. From the age of twelve, the number of drops is increased to three or four, and the frequency of injection is three or four times a day. Before the procedure, the patient tilts the head to the shoulder with the diseased ear upwards and after injection keeps this position for some time, ensuring the penetration of drops deep into the ear canal.

If the cause of itching in the ears was a deficiency of vitamins, mineral components, reduced immunity, the patient is recommended to introduce into the diet products that can replenish the resulting deficiency. The doctor can prescribe vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes to the patient.

Systemic diseases manifested by such a symptom as itching in the ears are treated by specialists of the appropriate profile.

Physiotherapy treatment of ear diseases is often a good complement to drug treatment, helping not only to eliminate inflammation and pain, but also to stimulate the immune system.

The most popular method is the use of high frequency magnetic fields (UHF therapy). Drug electrophoresis is also used, contributing to a faster and more effective absorption of medications. In the fight against ear discomfort, phototherapy, pneumomassage, diadynamics are used. The benefit of physiotherapeutic treatment will bring only if the procedures will be performed by a qualified specialist on the recommendation of the doctor, who will take into account the patient's state of health. Usually after a week's course of procedures, a significant improvement in well-being is already felt.

Folk treatment

Medical professionals are against self-treatment for itchy ears. Their negativism is based on the fact that after such a seemingly harmless treatment, patients, in most cases, still have to go to the doctor, and the consequences of self-treatment are much more difficult to eliminate after that.

Therefore, the use of folk remedies to treat hearing problems can be used only after diagnosis and with the permission of a doctor.

Folk medicine uses different remedies to treat itching in the ears. And the same homemade preparation can not only soften the accumulation of dry dense wax, but also disinfect the ear canal, destroying pathogenic microorganisms.

A very effective natural candibiotic is freshly squeezed walnut oil. It is needed a little, literally one or two drops in each ear. Therefore, you can squeeze this amount from half a walnut kernel through a garlic press. In order not to break the tool and make it easier to squeeze, it is better to first crumble the nut kernel into smaller parts with a knife, and then squeeze. If there is no pipette, the squeezed oil can be soaked in a gauze wick or a cotton turunda and inserted into the ear. According to reviews, discomfort in the ear passes literally after one or two procedures, because walnuts have powerful antiseptic properties.

A fairly safe folk remedy for pain and itching in the ear is a clean geranium leaf. It is torn from the plant, rolled into a tube and inserted into the sore ear.

Aloe, garlic or onion juice has antiseptic properties. The extracted part of the juice is mixed 1:1 with heated vegetable oil and put a gauze (absorbent cotton) soaked in the ear.

Folk healers recommend carefully wiping the ear canal with hydrogen peroxide, 6% table or apple cider vinegar, put cotton swabs soaked in boric or camphor alcohol and squeezed so that it does not flow inside. Drop into the ear alcohol solutions, peroxide, vinegar, not diluted juice of garlic, onion, aloe in any case is not allowed. You can damage the eardrum and the mucosa of the ear canal.

In general, an alternative to direct injection is the following method: insert a wick of gauze into the ear and inject into it, rather than directly into the ear canal.

Folk methods of treatment can also include treatment with ear candles, which are sold in pharmacies. Doctors, for the most part, are skeptical about the use of this method, believing that their use is unsafe, you can get a burn, and the effectiveness is debatable. But phytosweets and many supporters, according to the reviews of which, with their help is perfectly cleansed ear canal from accumulations of wax, otitis media and otomycosis, because the candles are made of natural beeswax with the addition of propolis and medicinal herbs. Candle, which has the shape of a funnel, when burning warms the ear. In addition, phytoncides from herbs, essential oils, propolis, which is part of the product, vaporize into the ear canal. Due to this, an anti-inflammatory effect is achieved, itching and pain are soothed, the wax plug melts, dissolves and flows out of the ear canal to the outside. Instructions for use are attached to the candles, it must be adhered to, observing the specified precautions. There is a mark on the candle, below which it should not be allowed to burn. Candles are better to put before going to bed, after the procedure it is undesirable to drink cooled drinks and wash your head.

Herbal treatment is used to get rid of itching in the ear. It is recommended to inject 2-3 drops of warm infusion of chamomile into the ear. In a few minutes after the injection, the ear is turned downward to allow the infusion to flow out freely.

In the infusion of calendula (a teaspoon) add three drops of lavender oil. This composition is soaked in a cotton swab, squeezed a little and put in the ear before going to bed.

In otomycosis inject into the ear infusion of celandine or in the summer time smear the ear canal with freshly squeezed juice of the plant.

Before applying folk remedies, it is necessary to be firmly sure of the integrity of the eardrum, otherwise home treatment can cause irreparable harm.

Homeopathy

Pharmacy complex homeopathic drugs brand Heel: tablets Engistol and drops Schwef-Heel can help with pruritic dermatoses of any localization and origin, especially transferred to a chronic form.

The drops contain one active ingredient Sulfur in several homeopathic dilutions. It is used as a constitutional remedy for various skin problems, including suppuration. Helps in cases of connection of dermatosis with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary system. Stabilizes the nervous system. The action of the drug is based on the stimulation of the patient's defenses. Drops are effective in neglected cases with secondary infection.

In the tablets, in addition to two dilutions of Sulfur, there are three dilutions of Vincetoxicum hirundarium, which promotes the restoration of cellular immunity after viral infections, so this drug makes sense to use in cases of complications on the ears after a cold.

Homeopathic medicines should be prescribed by a doctor with specialized knowledge, then the treatment will be beneficial.

Classical homeopathy also has a large arsenal of remedies for itching in the ears of various genesis.

Hyper-secretion of wax, tendency to the formation of plugs is often one of the indications for prescribing homeopathic remedies Mercurius solubilis or Ferrum phosphoricum to the patient, itching in the ear canal and peeling - Aurum muriaticum, furunculosis of the ear canal - Hydrastis; otomycosis and bacterial otitis media - Pulsatilla.

Lachesis, Lycopodium, Graphites, Barita carbonica are used in the treatment of otitis media, including chronic otitis media. Itching in the ears of psychogenic origin can buy Silicea and Psorinum.

Homeopathic treatment is aimed not so much at eliminating and suppressing symptoms, but at improving the patient's general state of health. Preparations are selected taking into account many factors, individually, according to the constitutional type of the patient.

Surgical treatment

In most cases, problems manifested by itching in the ears are eliminated by conservative methods. Unless we are talking about a growing neoplasm, which in the initial stages develops asymptomatically, but occupying a place in the ear canal, prevents the free outflow of wax, which causes itching. Tumors are recommended to be treated with radical methods. With free access and small size, cryodestruction, radio- and laser equipment, scraping are used, however, the main method remains open surgical intervention.

In case of complications of purulent otitis media and spread of infection inward, an incision is made in the tympanic membrane to allow free flow of pus.

Instrumental removal of wax plugs (curettage, vacuum aspiration) is not a surgical treatment. Such manipulations are performed in the presence of a perforation of the tympanic membrane, since washout is contraindicated in this case.