Seeking Answers for My Mother's Persistent Itching in Eyes and Ears
Hello everyone, My mother, who is 65 years old, stands about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs in the mid to upper 200-pound range, has been suffering from severe itching in her eyes and ears (particularly within the ear canal) since June 2025. The constant irritation has led to her losing nearly all of her eyelashes, which is adding to her difficulties. I've observed that her lower eyelids have also become quite droopy, revealing the entire eyelid margin and a noticeable portion of the dark pink inner eyelid. Additionally, she is experiencing hearing issues due to significant swelling in her ear canals. Here's a summary of our journey so far: Her general practitioner (GP) conducted blood tests, but the results for autoimmune markers were normal. An ophthalmologist was consulted, yet they couldn't provide any insights into her condition. We then visited a dermatologist who prescribed hydrocortisone cream, which unfortunately cannot be applied near the eyes or inside the ears. They also suggested we see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist because of some white spots they observed, suspecting a possible fungal infection. The ENT performed an ear wax extraction and prescribed steroid drops, but the sponges intended to hold the drops in place kept dislodging due to swelling. The drops provided only minimal relief. The GP subsequently ordered thyroid tests, which came back normal, and recommended an allergist. The first allergist we saw was quite unhelpful and rude, claiming the cause was contact dermatitis from her shampoo. We changed to a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo, but unfortunately, that did not bring any improvement. The second allergist, while agreeing with the first one regarding the absence of allergy symptoms like hives, was at least open to conducting tests. Today, we underwent patch testing, which returned negative results for the top 14 common environmental allergens (and just to note, we do not have pets in our home). Currently, my mom is taking metformin for borderline diabetes and Lumingan for managing glaucoma. Given the limited medical knowledge I possess, I feel it might be beneficial to return to the GP and ask for a referral to an endocrinologist. This seems to be the only branch of medicine that might not show symptoms in various other body areas, in contrast to cardiology or gastrointestinal issues. Is there any other medical specialty that anyone could recommend we explore? It would be fantastic to resolve this situation before she retires at the end of March when we would lose her valuable BCBS insurance coverage.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 3:20:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's ongoing struggles with severe itching in her eyes and ears. This situation sounds incredibly challenging, and it’s important to find effective relief for her. Based on the details you've shared, it seems that a multi-faceted approach may be necessary.
Main Points:
- Persistent Symptoms and Possible Causes: The itching, swelling, and eyelid droop you're describing could result from various factors, including allergic reactions, dermatological issues, or systemic conditions.
- Next Steps: Exploring further specialist consultations and considering other underlying conditions could be beneficial.
Explanation:
- Itching and Swelling: Itching in the eyes and ears can be linked to several causes, including allergic reactions, infections, or dermatological conditions. The loss of eyelashes and the appearance of droopy eyelids may suggest an inflammatory or dermatologic issue that hasn't yet been identified.
- Normal Test Results: It's good news that blood tests for autoimmune disorders and thyroid function are normal, but your mother’s persistent symptoms indicate that further evaluation is needed.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Return to the General Practitioner (GP): Since you have already consulted various specialists, returning to her GP and discussing a referral to an endocrinologist makes sense, especially to examine hormonal influences more closely.
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Consult an Allergy/Immunology Specialist: Given the negative results from patch testing, considering a follow-up with an allergy specialist who has experience in complex cases might be wise. They can help explore potential rarer allergens or contact dermatitis through comprehensive testing.
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Dermatology Follow-up: Consider returning to a dermatologist who specializes in complex skin conditions. They might further explore issues like seborrheic dermatitis or other skin conditions that could cause symptoms in sensitive areas.
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Maintain a Symptom Diary: Keep track of her symptoms, including when they worsen or improve, any changes in her environment, and dietary factors. This information could be vital in identifying triggers.
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Hydration and Moisturization: It may help to keep her skin well-hydrated. Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers designed for sensitive skin can alleviate dryness in the areas affected.
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Avoid Irritants: Continue using gentle, fragrance-free products for hair and skin, and avoid potential irritants like skincare products with strong scents, dyes, or certain alcohols.
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Consider Nutritional Assessment: Sometimes, deficiencies in vitamins (like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, or essential fatty acids) can contribute to skin issues. A nutritionist may help assess her diet further.
It’s understandable to want to resolve this situation before her retirement, but focusing on careful, thorough investigation now will hopefully lead to meaningful answers and solutions. I hope one of these avenues leads you to the help your mother needs.
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