Ear dermatitis in humans: treatment, symptoms, causes

Auricular dermatitis is characterized by an inflammatory process in the external auditory canal or in the area of ​​the auricle. The disease can develop as a result of an allergic reaction to various substances and objects (plastic, metal, hair dye, cosmetics, food, etc.).

In some cases, the development of an eczematous form is possible in the absence of contact with allergens.

Causes of the disease

Dermatitis can occur due to the following factors:

• exposure to chemicals on the external auditory canal;
• prolonged discharge of purulent contents and itching behind the ears;
• any type of dermatitis, especially seborrheic;
• decreased immunity;
• the presence of chronic infections in the body;
• allergic predisposition;
• symptoms of general intoxication of the body;
• violation of metabolic processes, etc.

In addition, the cause of the development of dermatitis can be scratching behind the ears and mechanical damage to the ear, which leads to secondary infection and the development of dermatitis.

The course of the disease in children

Symptoms of dermatitis in childhood can be observed due to the persistence of residual hormones from the mother in the body of children. In addition, there is an opinion that seborrheic dermatitis, which often accompanies ear diseases, can be inherited by children.

The disease in children most often develops in the first months of life and, as a rule, goes away on its own. However, it should be understood that this does not mean at all that this symptomatology in children can be ignored.

It is not difficult to identify the disease in childhood, since the ears are covered with fatty scales that constantly flake off on clothes. Most often, the disease is accompanied by dandruff, which proves the relationship with the seborrheic form of dermatitis. Often, seborrheic and ear dermatitis leads to a secondary infection and if the child does not have preventive measures and appropriate care, subsequently it may be necessary antibiotic therapy.

Treatment is carried out taking into account the general condition of the baby. In young children, treatment can be carried out with external agents, and in more severe cases, it is recommended hydrocortisone ointment, which is considered the weakest hormonal agent and is quite suitable for children.

Symptoms of ear dermatitis

The characteristic signs of the disease are:

• severe itching of the affected areas on the ears;
• the skin in the ear area is swollen and swollen;
• the appearance of a weeping wound surface is possible;
• peeling of the skin in the area of ​​the auricle is noted;
• in the lesion, bubbles and hard crusts are found;
• very often the disease is accompanied by the release of pus from the wound surface.

With the acute development of dermatitis, symptoms can occur suddenly and are characterized by a gradual increase until the pathological process spreads to the external auditory canal. In this case, the patient experiences excruciating itching, which causes the area to be scratched behind the ears, which can be complicated by the appearance of boils, which can lead to hearing loss.

Ear Dermatitis Treatment

Dermatitis of the auricle must be treated comprehensively, using all the necessary therapeutic measures.

The most commonly used for treatment:

• dermatitis treatment must begin with rubbing the inflamed area with 3% hydrogen peroxide or soap and soda solutions. This allows you to get rid of the accumulated exudate in the ear canal with simultaneous disinfection;
• if there are acute symptoms of dermatitis, it is recommended to take antihistamines (Loratadin, Zyrtec, Erius, etc.);
• in addition to antihistamines, treatment with corticosteroids in the form of ointments (Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Geokorton, etc.) can be carried out;

• if symptoms of infection join, antibiotic therapy is prescribed (Flucloxacillin, Erythromycin, etc.);
• for a complete cure of dermatitis on the ear, it is necessary to adhere to a hypoallergenic diet and include a large amount of fruit and fiber in the diet. It is especially important to comply with this condition for people with gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, the diet normalizes metabolic processes in children.

In addition, complex treatment involves physiotherapy (UV therapy, X-ray therapy and UHF).

Folk remedies

In addition to the pharmacological effect on the body when getting rid of the negative symptoms of the disease, therapy using traditional medicine recipes has shown good efficiency. Among these methods, various lotions with anti-inflammatory decoctions are especially popular to relieve the acute process that develops in the ears.

To use traditional medicine, the following criteria are required:

• advanced form of ear dermatosis.
• lack of the desired result with traditional treatment;
• the need for complex therapy;
• dermatitis symptoms associated with deterioration of ear function must be present;

1. CREAM WITH WOOD. For greater effect, it is recommended to prepare a cream with elecampane. To do this, you need to mix 2g. elecampane with pork or goose fat (100 gr.), then heat the mixture in a water bath. The mixture must be defended for 2-3 days, after which it is necessary to filter and lubricate the affected areas of the ear.

2. SOLUTION. Weeping rashes can be wiped with a solution made from a solution of pyoctanine, boric acid and 2% nitric silver. All ingredients must be taken in equal amounts.

3. STARCH OINTMENT. The same effect has a medicinal ointment, which is prepared from 2 parts of starch, 2 parts of zinc oxide and 1 part of lanolin and petroleum jelly.

4. FITO. In case of acute manifestations of the disease, it is recommended to take herbal tea from medicinal plants (juniper, soapwort, strawberry leaf, etc.), brewing 1 tbsp. l. herbs 0.5 liters of boiling water.

It is important to remember that herbal medicine cannot replace traditional treatment. It is only an auxiliary way, complementing it.