Mailbag: Itchy Ears? THIS Could Be the Cause
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 12, 2024
“Is it normal for my ears to feel itchy when I eat certain foods?”
— Joe
Hi Joe,
A condition called mouth allergy syndrome causes lips, mouth, tongue, and throat swelling in those who have it when they eat certain foods.
Some of these folks also experience itchy ears.
Tree nuts, veggies, and fruits are common itch triggers. The syndrome is often seen in people who also have a pollen allergy or hay fever.
If this sounds like you, avoid the foods you’re allergic to (that trigger the itch), and your symptoms should fade.
If you don’t have hay fever or food allergies, there are some other common causes of itchy ears:
- Earwax is how your body removes dead skin cells and dirt from your ears. But if your body is producing too much wax, it can cause them to itch. You should NEVER use cotton swabs to get rid of earwax buildup. The wax can get stuck deeper inside, and it can also cause swelling. Try over-the-counter ear drops to break up the wax instead.
- Itchy ears can be a sign of an ear infection. Allergies, cold and flu bugs, bacteria, and wet ear canals (diver’s or swimmer’s ear) can trigger them. If you suspect an ear infection, make an appointment to see your doctor.
- A non-food allergy can cause the skin inside your ears to itch. Toiletry items such as shampoo or hair spray are common culprits. Earrings that contain nickel can also trigger itching in sensitive folks. And anything that you put in your ears, such as earbuds and hearing aids, can cause ear irritation.
- Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can lead to itchy ears.
Still unsure what’s behind your itching? Consider making an appointment to see an allergist. They can do testing to pinpoint precisely what’s to blame.
P.S. HALT allergies with this “tune-up” trick.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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