The skin inside and around my ears keeps itching and flaking, especially in winter. Why?

While it may be tempting to use cotton swabs to clean the ears, this practice can actually worsen itching and irritation. Cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into the canal, potentially causing blockages and irritation.

Moreover, overcleaning strips the ear of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased sensitivity. It is generally recommended to let the ears self-clean and to only remove visible wax with a damp cloth.

Frequent use of earbuds, headsets, or hearing aids can lead to friction and pressure on the ear’s skin, resulting in micro-irritations. These devices can also trap sweat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for irritation and infection.

To minimize these effects, users should ensure proper fit and hygiene of devices, allowing the ears to breathe and cleaning the devices regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and debris.