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What Does Itchy Skin On Ear With Dry Flaky Scales Suggest?

Posted on Mon, 25 May 2015

Question: Hi there, hoping I could get an answer of what may possibly be wrong with my ear. It itches intensely, and dry flaky scales have developed on the external ear. It's itched for a long time now, months, but has recently gotten worse. I also just had a few small areas of itchy skin appear on my arm recently, not sure if they are related but I don't think it's a huge jump to assume so. I've tried to treat with vinegar and olive oil, and currently coconut oil, but neither really helps. Any opinions and/or suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
might be seborrhic dermatitis alongwith fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to HCM.
This is Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta answering your query.

I understand your concern.
From your history and the photograph you have provided, this looks like a long-standing case of seborthic dermatitis causes thick, dry and scaly skin alongwith some associated fungal infection causing the itching.
I would suggest you the following-

Wash your ear few times daily and remove scales and crust softly. Keep your ear moist with some cream.
Apply medicated soaps and shampoos like ketoconazole shampoos.
Use clotrimazole cream locally twice daily for 15days.
Antihistamine (antiallergy drugs) such as cetrizine should take care of itching.

Most of the above listed drugs are available over the counter.
Consult a dermatologist if it does not resolve following the above treatment.

Hope this was useful.
Consult me for further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (5 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. Are there any homeopathic remedies you can suggest?

Answered by Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can ask a homeopathy specialist doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Sorry about that.
Homeopathic medicines are not my specialty. It would be better if you ask a homeopathy specialist doctor.

Wish you good health.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj