Differential Diagnosis for Itchy Ears
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Allergic otitis externa: This is the most common cause of itchy ears, often due to an allergic reaction to earwax, soap, or shampoo, leading to inflammation and itching of the outer ear canal.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A chronic skin condition that can cause itching and inflammation in the ears, among other areas of the body.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can lead to itchy, scaly patches on the skin, including the ears.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: A condition causing scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff, which can also affect the ears and cause itching.
- Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax can cause itching, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Otosclerosis: A condition affecting the middle ear, leading to hearing loss, which can sometimes present with itchy ears due to secondary infection or inflammation.
- Mastoiditis: An infection of the mastoid bone in the skull, which can cause itching, pain, and other serious symptoms if left untreated.
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A rare type of cancer that can cause itching in the ears due to referred pain from the nasopharynx.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Relapsing polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to cartilage, including that in the ears, leading to itching and other symptoms.
- Keratosis obturans: A rare condition where a plug of keratin forms in the ear canal, potentially causing itching, discomfort, and hearing loss.
- Foreign body in the ear: Although more common in children, having a foreign object in the ear can cause itching, pain, and other symptoms, and is a diagnosis that should not be overlooked.