What is Aural Dermatitis?
People who get dermatitis in their ears often say their ears feel itchy and scaly, and sometimes experience discomfort or even some weeping from the canal. There is no cure for dermatitis, but it can be helped by microsuction and managed with advice from an Ear Nurse (it may even spontaneously disappear for a while).
At the Ear Hygiene Clinic we have found our clients often present with dermatitis during the winter months, and it can be aggravated on the side people sleep on the most. This can also coincide with a presence of wax that adds to the itchiness. When it gets itchy there is a greater risk of introducing infection through scratching.
Swelling may occur at the entrance to the canal which reduces hearing and/or promotes infection. The eczema rarely goes all the way down to the drum.
Most dermatitis can be managed at home.
