Swollen, hard, and itchy ears may be irresistible to scratch. This condition may be caused by problems such as otitis externa, eczema of the external ear, or external auditory canal boil. Facing such symptoms, the wisest action is to seek medical attention as soon as possible and undergo targeted treatment after identifying the cause. Since the ear is a relatively sensitive area, delaying treatment may worsen the symptoms.
1. Otitis externa: This condition is mostly caused by bacterial infections due to poor personal hygiene, leading to an inflammatory reaction in the external auditory canal. Patients may feel warmth, redness, and even some pain in the ears. Under the guidance of a doctor, treatments such as ofloxacin ear drops or lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops can be used. These medications can effectively relieve inflammation and discomfort. When necessary, doctors may also recommend taking antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefuroxime axetil tablets to fight infections.
2. Eczema of the external ear: If the ears are constantly exposed to a damp environment, the skin of the ears is prone to irritation, thereby inducing eczema. Eczema can cause the skin of the ears to become red, hard, and itchy. In such cases, doctors may recommend using tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream for topical treatment. If the itchiness is severe, oral anti-allergic drugs such as loratadine tablets or levocetirizine dihydrochloride tablets may also be an option.
3. External auditory canal boil: Frequently digging in the ears may damage the mucosa of the external auditory canal, increasing the risk of bacterial infection and leading to boil formation. Boils can cause localized swelling, hardness, and pain in the ears. In such cases, doctors may recommend using ichthammol ointment or fusidic acid cream for topical treatment. If the boil is large or recurrent, surgical incision and drainage may be necessary. Keeping the ears clean and dry is key to preventing these problems. Pay attention to personal hygiene and avoid using unclean objects to dig in the ears. In terms of diet, choose light and easily digestible foods, and avoid spicy and greasy foods, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Ear health is directly related to our quality of life, and prompt handling of ear problems can avoid greater troubles. I hope these suggestions are helpful to you!
