Normally, ears have a thin layer of natural body oil that aids in the production of ear wax. Failure of the ear to produce ear wax leads to dry and itchy ears. The dry ears are prone to flaking of the dry skin when procedures that remove the wax by drying and cleaning the ear are done. A few drops of vegetable oil are always effective for those with dry ear conditions since it aids the production of ear wax. Treatment of dry ears should be done carefully using mild agents that cannot react leading to further ear damage. Consulting a doctor is recommended for those with severe drying and itchiness and sometimes dry ears spray is prescribed when ointments and home-made remedies cannot be effective in treating the condition.
Dry ears are caused by overcleaning of the ear hence removing all the ear wax and natural oils that are beneficial in general ear health. It can also result from the drying of the skin or allergic reactions. Some of the conditions that result from drying of the ear include:
- Eczema causes extreme irritation in the ear canal. Results to skin loss, soreness, and infection of both inner and outer ear.
- Psoriasis results in the rapid growth of skin cells and flaking off leaving behind dry scaly patches.
- Dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin. This occurs mainly because of an allergic reaction to products such as shampoos and skin cleansers. This causes dandruff and powder-like scales behind the ears or on the ears.
Other minor causes include
- Exposure to the sun
- Swimming in highly chlorinated pools
Ear spays are made of three active ingredients i.e. dexamethasone, acetic acid, and neomycin. Each of these ingredients has a beneficial function in the mixture when used to treat dry itchy ears. Dexamethasone component of the ear spay reduces inflammation caused due to the irritation and damage caused in the inner skin of the ear. The inflammation can be red, swollen, and painful due to the widening of blood vessels in the infected area. The mechanism for this ingredient is by acting in the cells to prevent the release of substances by the immune system, hence treating the inflammation. Neomycin is an antibiotic that attacks several types of bacteria that cause ear infections. This active ingredient restricts the secretion of essential proteins that are used by the infective bacteria for survival. It works by binding with the bacteria cells making them produce abnormal proteins that cannot aid their functions. Lack of the necessary proteins for survival leads to the bacteria dying hence clearing up the infection. Finally, the acetic acid component creates an acidic condition that is not suitable for the survival of the bacteria.
The ear spray is quite simple to apply. It involves administering the contents directly to the infected area. The spay comes with written instructions which include shaking before use, spaying carefully while pointing away from the user and other people and finally, it is directed to be used three times a day. However, it is not recommended to be used by people with eardrum perforations and children under the age of two. Taking into consideration whether the infected person is allergic to any of the ingredients is also key before using the ear spay.
The ear is a critical part of the body and needs careful and keen attention when dealing with infections and abnormalities. It is always advisable to seek a doctor’s guidance before indulging in any treatment and therapy to clear ear infections. Dry and itchy ears not only affect the ear but also causes other skin infections and therefore require immediate treatment. Creams and oils can be used to treat such cases, but dry ear spays are more effective and can help clear all the conditions that result from dry and itchy ears.