Itchy ears after every bath? Doctors say persistent itching should not be ignored

Many people feel an itch in the ear after bathing, as if something were crawling inside it. Most dismiss it as minor. But if the itching occurs after every bath, it is not a trivial matter and there may be a reason behind it.

Many people are in the habit of putting earbuds or cotton swabs in their ears. This injures the skin inside and creates a risk of infection.

Doctors say itching in the ear after a bath is common, but if it keeps happening, the cause should be found. The outer ear canal has a natural layer of oil, from which earwax is formed. This layer protects the ear and keeps dust, water and dirt from outside from going in. But when water repeatedly enters the ear or moisture lingers, this protective layer is damaged and itching begins.

A study on this was published in a medical journal in 2021. It said that water remaining in the ear canal causes itching. If moisture stays for long, the risk of a fungal infection increases. When water enters during a bath, the wax inside swells. People who use cotton swabs and earbuds heavily lose the natural oil of the ear, and the skin dries out and starts to itch.

Doctors say that if the ear stays constantly damp, bacteria and fungus begin to grow there. The condition this causes is called otitis externa. It is also known as "swimmer's ear", because it is more common among swimmers. It begins with itching. At first it seems minor, but later the ear starts to hurt, the inside becomes red and swollen, fluid discharges from the ear and hearing becomes poor.

There are other causes of itching too. Water is not the only one. Eczema is a skin condition in which the skin of the ear itches, dries and burns. Allergy can also be a cause, as people sometimes develop an allergy to shampoo, soap or jewellery worn in the ear. Too little earwax is another reason. Earwax is not harmful; it protects the ear. Cleaning it too much dries the skin inside and causes itching. Heavy use of earphones is also a cause, because wearing earphones or earbuds all day rubs the skin of the ear.

Doctors' advice on what not to do while cleaning the ear is clear. At the first itch, most people put a cotton swab, finger, pen or key in the ear. Do not do this at all. It wounds the delicate skin of the ear, increases irritation and raises the risk of infection. A swab pushes the wax further in, and the discomfort then grows.

Four points have been listed for ear care after a bath. First, gently wipe the outer part of the ear with a clean towel after bathing. Second, if you feel water has gone into the ear, tilt your head to one side and the water will come out on its own. Do not shake the ear. Third, do not put a swab, finger or any sharp object in the ear. Fourth, if the itching occurs 2-3 times a week, or there is pain or any discharge from the ear, do not treat it yourself and see a doctor.

Consult an ear specialist. On the whole, itching in the ear after a bath looks minor on the surface, but if ignored it can lead to a serious infection. So take care in time.