Itching on the ear

Eczema is often accompanied by severe itching. The skin rash on the ear and the resulting itching can occur in neurodermatitis, seborrhoeic eczema, shingles on the ear, bacterial infections or particularly frequently due to a contact allergy. The itching is triggered by the inflammation in the skin.

Sometimes it is so severe that the skin is scratched with blood. This prevents or slows down healing and can make it easier for germs to enter the wounds. It is therefore important to treat the itching.

Pain in the ear

Pain rarely occurs in eczema. However, scratched skin areas in particular can cause pain, especially when touched or when lying on the affected ear. Swelling caused by allergic reactions, for example of the earlobe, can also cause severe pain when touched. Shingles in the ear (zoster oticus) can cause severe pain in both the ear and the pinna.

Therapy for eczema in the ear

If an ear is affected by eczema, it should be given special care in the sense of basic care. This serves above all to prevent secondary infections caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses, which are better able to settle into the previously damaged skin. In this context, products that additionally dry out the skin, such as alkaline soaps, alcoholic lotions, baths above 35°C and intensive sunbathing should be avoided.

If the cause of the eczema is an allergic reaction in the sense of contact eczema, the allergen should be eliminated immediately. For the causal treatment of eczema, it is suitable to use ointments or oil baths without active ingredients. If the eczema is an open, weeping eczema, moist or greasy dressings are used to prevent dehydration and also have a cooling effect.

For a moist bandage, a greasy ointment is applied to the affected area of the ear.A moist bandage is placed over it, which is then bandaged again with a dry bandage. The dressing should remain there for three to five hours. Of course also preparations with active substances find their application, like for example urea preparations.

Urea has a beneficial effect on the corneal layer and relieves itching. In addition, it has slight antibacterial properties. If the basic therapeutic measures do not work, cortisone preparations can be used.

As a rule, 0.5 percent hydrocortisone cream is used. Cortisone is mainly used because of its anti-inflammatory effect. Cortisone therapy is often used as part of interval therapy – this is carried out alternately with basic care.

If additional bacterial colonization occurs in connection with eczema, antibiotics are usually used. Perichondritis is treated with a dual therapy consisting of an antibiotic adapted to the pathogen and a corticoid. In case of erysipelas, the treating physician injects a high-dose antibiotic against streptococci. Ointments containing cortisone and antibiotics can also be used in the form of bandages. Often also herbal remedies are used.