Persistent Itching and Pain in Ear Canal
Hello everyone, I’m a 27-year-old woman, standing at 5’3”, managing a condition of underactive thyroid, for which I take Levothyroxine (25mg). Additionally, I’m anemic and have a sensitivity to gluten (non-celiac). I experience severe anxiety, although I’m not currently on medication for this. Lately, I've been suffering from intense itching in my left ear canal, which has been intermittent but has flared up significantly in recent times. As I don’t have health insurance until the 15th, I’m reaching out here for guidance on how to soothe the itching and inflammation, or advice on the next steps to take. To elaborate on my situation, my left ear canal has been unbearably itchy, frequently becoming irritated, swollen, and painful. I’ve even noticed tiny bumps forming inside the canal, and there seems to be excessive moisture as well. Upon visiting my primary care physician, I was told the ear appears dry and inflamed, which led to a referral to a dermatologist. On another note, my hematologist conducted tests for lupus and various cancers due to my anemia, all of which returned negative results. The dermatologist prescribed me a topical steroid, Clobetasol Propionate Solution USP 0.05%, to apply gently with a Q-tip. While it provides temporary relief from itching for a few days, the pain persists due to the ongoing inflammation. After undergoing extensive allergy testing, I discovered my gluten sensitivity, which prompted me to eliminate gluten from my diet for a duration of 2-3 weeks; however, I am still experiencing discomfort, and these issues have recurred over the past three years. This problem has been a long-standing challenge for me, and I am eager to know if anyone else has faced similar issues and found any effective solutions or relief. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 10:50:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a tough and uncomfortable situation in your ear, particularly with the persistent itching, pain, and inflammation. Based on your description and the treatments you've tried, here’s a breakdown of the key points and actionable steps you can take to soothe your symptoms and potentially improve the situation.
Key Points:
- You are experiencing severe itching and irritation in your left ear canal, possibly due to inflammation and moisture.
- The prescribed topical steroid provides temporary relief but doesn't seem to address the ongoing pain and discomfort.
- You have a history of thyroid issues, anemia, and gluten sensitivity, which may play a role in your overall health.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're experiencing in your ear canal could stem from several factors, including allergic reactions, eczema, or fungal infections, especially if there is excessive moisture present. The tiny bumps and continual irritation are concerning, but since you've consulted your physician and dermatologist, it seems you are on the right track for evaluation.
Topical steroids like Clobetasol can help reduce inflammation, but if the symptoms persist, it may indicate that there are other underlying issues such as an infection (bacterial or fungal) or a continuation of irritant responses.
Next Steps:
- Gentle Cleaning: Gently clean the ear canal and outer ear with a soft, damp cloth without inserting anything into the ear (like Q-tips), as this can exacerbate irritation.
- Moisture Control: Keep your ear dry. After washing or showering, consider using a hairdryer on a low, cool setting held at a distance to help evaporate any excess moisture without causing burn risk.
- Topical Treatment Adjustment: If the Clobetasol offers only short-term relief, consider discussing alternative treatments with your dermatologist. They may consider adding antifungal or antibacterial drops if they suspect a secondary infection.
- Soothing Application: You can try using over-the-counter options like hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel around the outer ear if your doctor approves, but do not apply anything deep in the canal without guidance.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms you experience, such as changes in hearing, discharge, or increasing pain. This information will be helpful for your healthcare providers.
- Diet and Allergies: Stay vigilant with your gluten elimination and observe if any other foods trigger inflammation or irritation. Keeping a food diary might help identify potential triggers.
If symptoms do not improve or worsen significantly, reaching out to healthcare services is crucial, especially after you get your insurance back to fully assess the condition. Maintaining communication with your healthcare provider will ensure you get tailored advice based on your ongoing evaluation.
Please remember to take care of your mental health during this time and seek support if needed, as chronic conditions can sometimes exacerbate anxiety. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Hard White Bumps on the Scrotum
Greetings, medical experts, I’m a 28-year-old male, standing at 180 cm tall with no smoking habits, weighing approximately 85 kg, and without any known health issues. I’ve noticed the presence of hard, white bumps on my scrotum. There are four larger ones, each about 2 cm wide, alongside several smaller ones measuring roughly 0.1 cm in size. These bumps do not rupture, cause any pain, or itch; they simply exist and are quite unappealing. I would appreciate your insights on whether these growths pose any health risks. They have been noticeable for quite a while, appearing suddenly without any warning. Unfortunately, I am unable to share an image, but I've seen similar descriptions elsewhere online. Could you please provide clarification on what these formations might be and if there is any cause for concern? Thank you for your assistance!
Unexpected Blister Formation on Fingertips
I’m a 33-year-old female experiencing a troubling issue with blisters appearing on the tips of my fingers. The onset is quite abrupt; the first episode occurred while I was at the gym, and the blisters persisted for several days before fading away. Unfortunately, I encountered this problem again today while I was unpacking a delivery. These blisters emerge unexpectedly and are characterized by small clusters that look like they are filled with fluid, sometimes appearing slightly yellowish. Initially, they are quite painful, but the discomfort seems to diminish, and they feel more manageable after about a day. Does anyone have any insights or suggestions? I’d greatly appreciate any help!
Persistent Health Issues Since January 2025
I am a 21-year-old female who experienced a troubling series of health challenges starting early this year. Following a brief trip abroad during December, I returned home on the 28th, only to develop a nagging dry cough shortly after. This cough continued uncontrollably for several days into January, without any other noticeable symptoms at that point. I initially dismissed it as just a cough. However, things escalated when I suddenly awoke on December 29 with severe pain located in my right lower quadrant, resembling appendicitis. Alongside this pain, I experienced sweating and chills, likely indicating a fever. In a state of discomfort, I opted to ignore it and instead found relief by lying down with a cold water bottle. The pain was agonizing, making it difficult to move about. Despite feeling I should seek medical attention, I hesitated, worrying I might be bothersome due to my sweaty state. The next day, after consulting with a friend's mother who had previously undergone an appendectomy, she urged me to visit the ER due to my symptoms. Thus, I reluctantly went to the emergency room that evening. The doctor I saw dismissed my concerns, asserting that I was too young for appendicitis, which I found difficult to accept, especially knowing someone who had the surgery as a teenager. They administered an injection meant to reduce inflammation, which caused burning upon administration, but I left the hospital shortly after, feeling somewhat better. Days later, as I prepared to return to school, things took a turn for the worse. I was gripped by a night of tremors, nausea, and shortness of breath that made sleep impossible. This night was particularly harrowing for me, and despite taking melatonin to alleviate the distress, I could hardly find rest due to my shaking. As mid-January approached, I continued to suffer from persistent nausea, breathing difficulties, a lack of appetite, and feeling full after only small bites. On January 16, when I experienced severe tightness in my chest, I called a doctor for advice due to my background on birth control and recent travels. The risk of a pulmonary embolism was flagged, prompting me to rush back to the ER. My vital signs upon arrival were concerning: a temperature of 98.3 °F, heart rate of 127, and elevated respiratory rate. The doctor conducted an EKG, indicating sinus tachycardia without defining changes, along with a positive D-dimer test, leading to a CT scan that ultimately showed no signs of embolism. Even after being discharged, I continued to face significant symptoms: tightness in my chest, nausea, and heartburn. I was treated with zofran and albuterol, but no explanation was provided regarding my concerning D-dimer results. The doctor suggested I might still have residual mucus from my earlier illness, which I reluctantly accepted as a plausible explanation. My condition, however, did not improve. The nausea and abdominal pain worsened, prompting me to schedule an appointment with a nurse practitioner. During this visit, I underwent another EKG. The results revealed sinus arrhythmia, but I did not receive adequate answers regarding its cause. Instead, I was repeatedly questioned about anxiety, which I strongly felt was unrelated given the intensity of the pain I was experiencing in my chest. Consequently, an echocardiogram was scheduled, but the soonest appointment was not until April. In late March, I was prescribed omeprazole, which was ineffective, and later switched to famotidine, which slightly alleviated my stomach discomfort. Despite my efforts to eat a balanced diet, the nausea continued to hinder my appetite, resulting in significant weight loss — dropping from 132 lbs to 118 lbs in a month. An upper endoscopy revealed mild inflammation but yielded no definitive diagnosis. Frustratingly, the officer responsible for my care did not follow up with any further recommendations. As the months wore on, I kept experiencing various gastrointestinal symptoms, including severe bloating and burning sensations. Avoiding coffee, which historically had no adverse effects, was a contentious decision as it seemed to exacerbate my conditions. One recent assessment indicated a significant degree of gastric retention during a gastric emptying test. Adding to the discomfort, I began to notice cramping pain in my chest, especially on the left side, a persistent issue amidst other symptoms. I remain perplexed and distressed about my healthcare journey, having undergone tests including checks for diabetes and scans that revealed ongoing constipation issues without any clear answers or solutions. A technician suggested checking for scoliosis based on spinal alignment issues visible in an X-ray, prompting me to inquire further about these findings with my doctor. In summary, I am grappling with severe symptoms that emerged this January, which significantly impact my daily life as I navigate classes while managing shortness of breath, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation. I realize my situation requires ongoing monitoring and management with prescribed medications, including metoclopramide. However, I find myself wondering about the underlying cause, potentially an autoimmune condition, despite my health provider's reassurance against it. The complex interplay of symptoms has left me feeling helpless and unwell, and I continue to seek clarity and support in my pursuit of better health.
Seeking Advice on Medication Use
At 20 years old, I find myself in a challenging situation where I've been experiencing persistent bleeding for over a month now. Sharing my concern with a friend, I revealed my inability to visit a doctor at this moment. She took the initiative to consult someone knowledgeable in the gynecological field regarding my symptoms. This expert recommended a medication called 'Normens 5mg tablet', suggesting that I should take it three times a day over the span of a month. I am wondering if it is safe and advisable for me to proceed with this treatment. What do you think?
Unexplained Liver Issues Following Vietnam Trip
Male, 30 years old, standing 188cm tall and weighing 89kg. Prior to my trip, I received vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis, MMR, and tetanus. I traveled to Vietnam at the end of April amidst considerable stress. Upon returning, I began experiencing daily diarrhea, which peaked at 3-4 times a day over the following fortnight. My family doctor suspected it could be due to a parasitic infection and prescribed me 1500mg of azithromycin. However, it remains uncertain whether the medication had any effect since the diarrhea subsided after about 1-2 weeks. After a stool test ruled out parasites, we shifted our focus to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This diagnosis seemed plausible as I adhered to a low-FODMAP diet for six weeks, experiencing stomach cramps, pain, and bloating whenever I deviated from it, although I did not have further diarrhea. However, I soon noticed a change: even foods deemed safe began to trigger stomach pain and bloating intermittently. Two weeks ago, the situation escalated. While camping, I suddenly felt intense stabbing pain near my abdomen accompanied by pressure in my chest, nausea, and trouble breathing, though I wasn’t sweating. It was a frightening episode, but it resolved in about five minutes, leading me to suspect it was related to gluten from my breakfast bun. The following Thursday, I experienced a similar attack that lasted over five hours. Although I contemplated heading to the emergency room, my partner persuaded me it was merely heartburn coupled with a panic attack. I took an antacid, which offered brief relief but later exacerbated the discomfort. The next day, I visited my doctor, who ordered blood tests and an upper abdominal ultrasound. Yesterday, I received my test results: my ALT, GGT, and ALP levels were alarmingly high, ranging from 400 to 750 U/L, with bilirubin measuring at 39 umol/L. The ultrasound indicated a fatty, enlarged liver and gallbladder without the presence of gallstones. I began experiencing pain after lunch and ultimately decided to visit the emergency room. At the hospital, I was referred to a liver specialist. The doctors were unable to provide a definitive diagnosis, suggesting gallstones while leaning towards liver issues. They conducted further blood work showing all markers decreasing, including bilirubin, and administered paracetamol, ibuprofen, and an antispasmodic, which did not alleviate the symptoms. At around 4am, they administered what I believed was an opioid along with another antacid, which finally offered some comfort. I was discharged but awoke today to find my urine orange, along with slightly yellowing skin and eyes, and I felt unusually fatigued. I am uncertain if this indicates jaundice. While I can eat, I experience discomfort rather than pain, although my right upper abdomen remains swollen and tender. I reached out to the liver clinic for an appointment, but my GP cautioned that waiting could take up to six months. My discharge documentation does not clarify a diagnosis but speculates about recovery from Hepatitis A, another type of viral hepatitis, or a potential autoimmune disorder. Although I am managing to carry on with daily activities, the duration of these episodes raises concerns about my quality of life and job stability, especially with the fear of needing ER assistance after every meal. Is there additional action I should consider in the interim while awaiting a specialist? Update: The pain has returned about an hour post-meal, though it is significantly milder than the previous day.