Itching on the auricle
An itchy auricle can also have various reasons. One of the harmless reasons is dry and irritated skin. Furthermore, skin diseases that cause a rash can often lead to itching.
An example would be neurodermatitis, where the skin barrier function is disturbed and a chronic inflammation is present. Allergic reactions are often associated with itching. Sometimes people develop an allergy to metal components, e.g. nickel, in jewelry.
The result can be allergic and itchy skin reactions on the ear. Also the already mentioned inflammation of the outer ear can present itself as itchy. Viral, bacterial or fungal infections can cause this. Chronic inflammations, which are caused by weeping or mechanical irritation, are particularly prone to itching. If the itching is not limited to the ear but affects the whole body, other systemic diseases can also be considered, which also range from allergic reactions to organ failure of the liver or kidney.
The auricular inflammation
The auricular inflammation is actually an inflammation of the cartilaginous skin (perichondrium), which lies around the elastic cartilage of the auricle. Therefore it is also called perichondritis. After an injury and germ invasion, the germs can spread along the perichondrium and cause an inflammation.
It is important to note here that the earlobe is not affected because it contains neither cartilage nor cartilaginous skin. The treatment is done with antibiotics and symptom-relieving compresses and ointments. Early therapy is important to prevent inflammation-related destruction of the cartilage tissue, as permanent deformations may occur.
