Quick answer
Itchy ears are usually caused by dry or irritated skin, eczema or dermatitis, water, earplugs or earbuds, a little too much cleaning, or wax. Try to resist scratching or poking, keep water and shampoo out, and ask a pharmacist about a gentle moisturiser for the skin at the outer ear. See a GP if the itch does not settle, keeps coming back, or comes with pain, scaly or sore skin, discharge, or a change in hearing. The NHS lists itching and scaly skin among the signs of an ear infection.
An itchy ear is one of those small irritations that can take over your day. The instinct is to reach for whatever is nearby and scratch. That is usually the worst thing to do. Here is what is commonly behind it, what actually helps, and when the itch needs a professional look.
Common causes of itchy or dry ears
There is rarely one single cause. These are the ones to think about first.
- Dry skin. The skin in and around the ear can dry out just like your hands. Cold weather and heated rooms do not help.
- Eczema or dermatitis. These skin conditions can affect the skin of the outer ear and the canal entrance, causing dryness, scaling and itch. The NHS recommends seeing a GP if you or your child have symptoms of atopic eczema.
- Water. Frequent swimming or showering leaves moisture in the ear, and the NHS lists water among the things that can irritate the ear canal and lead to an outer ear infection.
- Earplugs, hearing aids and earbuds. Anything that sits in the ear for long periods can irritate the skin or hold moisture in. The NHS also lists wearing earplugs as a possible trigger for outer ear irritation. See our guide to earbuds, AirPods and ear wax.
- Earwax build-up. The NHS lists itchiness among the symptoms of earwax build-up, alongside a blocked feeling and difficulty hearing, usually in one ear.
- Over-cleaning. Cotton buds and fingers can scratch the skin and strip away the wax that protects it. Ironically, the more you dig, the itchier it can get.
- Irritation from products or jewellery. Shampoo, hair products, or earrings can sometimes irritate the skin around the ear.
What helps
Keep it gentle, and keep it on the outside.
- Stop scratching and poking. Even a fingernail can break the skin and let infection in. Leave the canal alone.
- Keep water and shampoo out. Dry the outer ear gently with a soft towel after washing or swimming. The NHS suggests earplugs or a swimming hat when you swim.
- Moisturise the outer ear. An NHS hospital trust suggests that very dry, itchy skin around the ear bowl and the entrance to the canal can be treated with a moisturiser. Choose an unscented product and check with a pharmacist first, especially for children.
- Give your ears a break. If earbuds or hearing aids seem to trigger the itch, take breaks and keep them clean. If you use hearing aids, ask your audiologist about the right cleaning routine.
- Ask a pharmacist. They can advise on treatments for dry or irritated skin, and can check whether it looks like something that needs a GP.
If wax is the culprit, a wipe with a damp flannel is usually enough for the outside. Our guide to how often you should clean your ears explains why less is more.
What to avoid
- Cotton buds, fingers, hairpins and keys. The NHS says objects like these push wax in and make it worse, and they can also damage delicate skin.
- Ear candles. The NHS says there is no evidence they get rid of earwax, and they can burn. See do ear candles work?
- Drops or home remedies without advice. Do not put anything into the ear if you might have a perforated eardrum, grommets or an infection.
- Very hot water and harsh soaps on the ear.
Causes at a glance
| Clue | Possible cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dry, flaky skin at the outer ear, itch comes and goes | Dry skin or eczema | Gentle unscented moisturiser on the outside; ask a pharmacist; see a GP if it persists |
| Itch after swimming or showering, maybe some soreness | Water irritating the canal, possible outer ear infection | Keep water out; see a GP if pain, discharge or it does not settle |
| Itch plus a blocked feeling in one ear | Wax build-up | See our blocked ear guide |
| Itch that started with new earbuds, plugs or hearing aids | Irritation or trapped moisture | Take breaks, clean the device, ask your audiologist |
| Itch that follows a lot of cotton bud use | Over-cleaning | Stop poking; let the skin settle |
When to see a GP
See a GP or ask a pharmacist for advice if the itching does not settle, keeps coming back, or you notice any of these. The NHS ear infection page lists them among its symptoms.
- Earache, especially if it has not improved after 3 days.
- Scaly, red or sore-looking skin in or around the ear.
- Discharge or fluid running from the ear.
- Difficulty hearing, or a feeling of pressure or fullness.
The NHS advises an urgent GP appointment or a call to 111 if you have ear infection symptoms and also swelling around the ear, fluid coming out, new hearing loss, dizziness, or you feel generally unwell, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Children and babies can show it differently, for instance by rubbing or pulling at the ear, so speak to a GP or pharmacist if you are worried.
Where a sticky ear cleaner fits, and where it does not
A sticky ear cleaner is not a treatment for itchy ears. It lifts wax you can see at the outer ear, and that is all. If the skin is sore, red, flaky, cracked or weeping, leave it alone until you have sorted out the cause. The Meravie Sticky Ear Cleaner is for adults, and for children with adult supervision, at the outer ear only.
Safety first
Never put anything into the ear canal to scratch an itch. If you have ear pain, discharge, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, a perforated eardrum, grommets or have had ear surgery, speak to a GP, pharmacist or audiologist before using drops or any tool.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my ears itchy inside?
Common causes include dry skin, eczema or dermatitis, water, earplugs or earbuds, earwax and over-cleaning. If it persists or comes with pain or discharge, see a GP.
Why are my ears dry and flaky?
Dry, flaky skin around the ear is often dry skin, eczema or dermatitis. A gentle, unscented moisturiser at the outer ear can help, but ask a pharmacist first, and see a GP if it does not settle.
Can earwax make my ears itch?
Yes. The NHS lists itchiness as a symptom of earwax build-up, alongside a blocked feeling and difficulty hearing.
Should I use cotton buds to scratch an itchy ear?
No. The NHS says cotton buds and other objects push wax in and can make things worse. They can also scratch the skin, which can let infection in.
Are itchy ears a sign of infection?
Sometimes. The NHS lists itching and irritation, scaly skin, earache and discharge among the symptoms of an ear infection. If you have those, ask a pharmacist or GP.
The Meravie Sticky Ear Cleaner is a consumer ear-care product for adults, and for children with adult supervision, made for visible wax on the outer ear only. It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose or treat impacted earwax, ear infections or hearing loss. If you have ear pain, discharge, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, a perforated eardrum, grommets or have had ear surgery, speak to your GP, pharmacist or audiologist.