In this article
- Cotton buds injure skin and push wax inward
- Water exposure may worsen infection
- Discharge requires examination
Assessment and treatment
- Put nothing in the ear and keep it dry
- Prescribed treatment according to skin disease or infection
- Clean and review hearing-aid mould fit
At a glance
Definition: Dry skin, eczema, fungal/bacterial otitis externa, allergy or hearing-device irritation can cause itching.
Key takeaways
- Cotton buds injure skin and push wax inward
- Water exposure may worsen infection
- Discharge requires examination
Clinical steps
- Put nothing in the ear and keep it dry
- Prescribed treatment according to skin disease or infection
- Clean and review hearing-aid mould fit
Red flags: Prompt care is needed for severe pain, swelling, fever, diabetes/immunity problems or spreading redness.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
Prompt care is needed for severe pain, swelling, fever, diabetes/immunity problems or spreading redness.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with cotton buds injure skin and push wax inward.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: Prompt care is needed for severe pain, swelling, fever, diabetes/immunity problems or spreading redness.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.