Why Are My Ears Dry?

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One of the hardest parts of figuring out why your ears are dry is that there are so many possible causes. However, ear eczema is one of the most common ways that people end up with dry ears. Experts estimate that more than 31 million people in the United States alone deal with eczema around the ears or another part of the body.

If you have wondered, “Why are my ears dry?”, there is a good chance that eczema is the reason. On the other hand, it is important to learn about other possible causes of dry ears as well to make sure that you end up with the correct diagnosis. The good news is that as long as you figure out the true cause of your dry ears, treatment is often simple.

At the same time, you may need to make certain lifestyle adjustments as well to keep dry ears from coming back. So what might be causing your dry ears, and what can you do about it?

Read on to learn all about some of the most common causes of dry ears and the most effective treatment options for them!

Common Causes of Dry Ears

Before you can stop dry ears, it is important to figure out what is causing them. One common cause of dry ears is the weather.

If it is unusually hot or cold out, that can suck the moisture out of your skin. Your ears are more susceptible to drying out than almost any other part of the body.

On the other hand, you might be causing your dry ears with a soap or cleaner that is harsh on your body. Consider using less soap around your ears to see if that helps resolve your dry ears.

However, dry ears can also be one of the most common signs of allergies. Many people develop dry ears because they are wearing earrings made of a metal they are allergic to. Nickel is a common material that can provoke allergies in some people.

On the other hand, your dry ears might be the result of eczema. If they are, then this problem may start out mild at first only to develop into an ear infection if you don’t find the right treatment.

In other cases, psoriasis can cause ears to become dry. Psoriasis refers to a buildup of excess ear wax or skin cells around the ears.

Other common causes of dry ears include exposure to chlorine and sunlight. Other people develop dryers as a result of not drinking enough water or experiencing unusual amounts of stress in their lives.

Dry Ears Treatment Options

Because there are so many different causes of dry ears, resolving them can sometimes be a process of trial and error. If some of the possible causes we have discussed seem relevant to your situation, you can try making adjustments and see if that helps.

For example, you might avoid nickel earrings, excess soap around the ears, and dehydration. However, if you have tried a lot of different things and are still not sure what is causing your dry ears, then you might want to talk about your top guesses with your doctor. They may be able to help you zero in on the exact cause of your dry ears and the best treatment options for it.

In many cases, you can resolve dry ears with moisturizers or creams. You might try an ointment like lanolin to help your ears hold on to as much moisture as possible. If you use lotion or cream to help keep your ears moisturized, then you may need to apply them multiple times each day to manage your symptoms.

If that is not enough, then you may want to try an over-the-counter medicine for dry ears. This may also be necessary if you need an allergy treatment to resolve your dry ears.

When to Speak With a Doctor

If you have already tried over-the-counter medications and lifestyle adjustments, then you may want to speak with your doctor sooner rather than later. As we have discussed, dry ears can sometimes lead to more serious ear infections. If your dry ears are stubborn, you may even need to ask your doctor to help you find a dermatologist.

How to Prevent Dry Ears

Sometimes, the best way to manage dry ears is to prevent them in the first place. One way to do this is to make sure that there is plenty of moisture in the air in your home. A humidifier can help you avoid dry ears as well as dry skin around the rest of your body.

You might also want to avoid hot baths or showers. Using a milder temperature can help your ears stay moisturized.

In some cases, it can even be helpful to bathe or shower less. If you are showering every day, then you might find that showering only every other day helps your skin hold on to its natural oils.

It can also be helpful to use sunscreen or wear hats to help protect your ears and face from the harsh rays of the Sun.

Why Are My Ears Dry? Know the Essentials

If you have been wondering, “Why are my ears dry?”, we hope that the points in this article have helped to answer your question. Although there are many different possible causes of dry ears, it is often simple to resolve them. With the right remedies or over-the-counter medicine, dry ears can be a thing of the past.

To learn more about how you can find the right treatment for dry ears and other conditions, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!