Fungal ear infections can be a common and uncomfortable ailment that affects many people. These infections are caused by the overgrowth of fungi in the ear canal, leading to symptoms like itching, redness, and discharge.
While prescription medications are available, some prefer home remedies to treat ear fungal infection, especially for milder cases.
In this article, we will discuss several home remedies that can aid in alleviating the symptoms of a fungal ear infection and promote healing.
20 Commonly Used Home Remedies for Itchy Ears
Itchy ears can be an annoying and uncomfortable problem. Fortunately, several home remedies for fungal ear infection can provide relief for you.
Hot and Cold Compress
A hot and cold compress is a simple but effective fungal infection in ear home remedy. This method can help to alleviate itchiness and reduce inflammation in the ear.
How to Do It?
To make a hot and cold compress, start by filling two bowls – hot water and cold water. Soak a clean cloth in hot water, then wring out any excess water. Place the material over the affected ear for a few minutes.
Repeat the process with the cold water. Alternating between hot and cold can help to improve blood flow to the ear and reduce inflammation.
Why Does it Work?
The hot and cold compress works by changing the temperature of the ear and improving blood flow to the area. This helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
The hot compress can help soothe the ear and reduce itchiness, while the cold compress can help decrease swelling and numb discomfort.
Neck Stretches
Neck stretches may help alleviate the pain and discomfort if you have itchy ears.
How to do it?
Sit or stand straight and tilt your head slowly to one side, holding for 10 seconds before switching sides. Repeat up to five times on each side.
Why does it work?
Stretching your neck can help relieve tension in the muscles around the ears and promote better blood flow to the area, which may reduce itchiness.
Use Mullein
Mullein, a plant commonly used in herbal medicine, has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in soothing itchy ears.
How to do it?
To use mullein for itchy ears, steep a few dried leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes to make tea. Once it cools, you can apply it to the affected ear with a dropper or cotton ball.
Why does it work?
Mullein contains compounds that help reduce inflammation and may also have antimicrobial properties, which can ward off any infection that may be causing the itchiness.
Vitamin D
Getting enough Vitamin D can help boost your immune system and may also help prevent fungal ear infections that can cause itching.
How to do it?
Get Vitamin D with sun exposure during the morning. You can also consume fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products or take a Vitamin D supplement.
Why does it work?
Vitamin D helps support your immune system, making it better fight off infections that can cause itchy ears. It also helps improve the overall health of your skin and ears.
Oil from Garlic
Garlic is a known ancient remedy for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can support reducing itchy ears.
How to do it?
To use garlic oil for itchy ears, crush a few garlic cloves and mix with warm olive oil. Let the mixture sit for a couple of hours, then strain out the garlic pieces. Use a dropper to apply the oil to the affected ear.
Why does it work?
Garlic contains elements that show antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which reduce itchiness and fight off any infection that may be causing discomfort.
Be careful when using garlic oil in the ear, as it may cause irritation or burning. Diluting the oil with a carrier oil, like olive oil, can help prevent this.
Chiropractic Services
Chiropractic adjustments help alleviate the discomfort of itchy ears by improving the function of the nervous system and promoting better circulation.
How to do it?
Consult with a licensed chiropractor to receive a spinal adjustment, which can help promote better overall health and function of the body.
Why does it work?
Chiropractic adjustments can help improve the function of the nervous system, which can, in turn, promote better circulation and overall health of the body, including the ears. This may help reduce itchiness and other symptoms associated with itchy ears.
It is imperative to consult with a licensed chiropractor and ensure this fungal ear infection treatment is safe for you, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used solution to clean wounds and can also remove earwax.
How to do it?
Combine hydrogen peroxide and water. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up, and put a few drops of the solution into the ear canal. Wait a few minutes, then tilt your head to let the solution drain.
Why does it work?
Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen when it comes in contact with earwax, making it foam and bubble. This helps to soften and loosen the wax, making it easier to remove.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the ear.
How to do it?
Grate a piece of fresh ginger and extract its juice. Put a few drops of ginger juice into the ear canal using a dropper. Wait a few minutes, then tilt your head to let the liquid drain out.
Why does it work?
Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols that have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help to reduce inflammation and pain in the ear.
Naturopathic Ear Drops
Naturopathic ear drops are a natural alternative to prescription ear drops and can help alleviate ear pain and inflammation.
How to do it?
Consult a naturopathic doctor or a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate ear drops for your specific condition.
Why does it work?
Naturopathic ear drops contain natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, garlic, and mullein that are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. These ingredients can help alleviate ear pain, reduce inflammation, and fight off infections.
Changing Sleeping Positions
Changing sleeping positions can help alleviate ear pain caused by pressure changes.
How to do it?
Sleep with your head elevated using a few pillows, or sleep on the opposite side of the affected ear.
Why does it work?
When you change your sleeping position, you change the direction of gravity, which can help alleviate pressure changes in the ear. This can help reduce ear pain and discomfort.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help fight off infections in the ear.
How to do it?
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Put a few drops of the solution into the ear canal using a dropper. Wait a few minutes, then tilt your head to let the solution drain out.
Why does it work?
Apple cider vinegar is naturally infused with acetic acid, which has antibacterial properties. This can help fight off infections in the ear and reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese remedy that uses thin needles at specific points in the body to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
How to do it?
Consult a licensed acupuncturist to determine the appropriate treatment plan for your condition.
Why does it work?
Acupuncture can help stimulate the body’s natural healing response, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. This can help relieve ear pain and discomfort.
Facial Gua Sha
Facial gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses a tool to massage the skin and muscles to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
How to do it?
Consult a licensed facial gua sha practitioner to determine the appropriate treatment plan for your condition.
Why does it work?
Facial gua sha can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an effective remedy for fungal ear infections. It is important to note that tea tree oil should always be diluted before use.
How to do it?
Combine a few drops of tea tree oil with carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. Use a dropper to place a couple of drops of the mixture in the affected ear. Tilt your head to allow the oil to flow into your ear canal. Leave it briefly before tilting your head to let the oil drain out.
Why does it work?
Tea tree oil is rich with antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help kill the fungus causing ear infections. It also helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the ear canal, relieving pain and discomfort.
Breast Milk
Breast milk is a natural source of antibodies and can help fight off infections, including fungal ear infections.
How to do it?
Express a few drops of breast milk and put it into the affected ear using a dropper. Tilt your head to allow the milk to flow into your ear canal. Leave it briefly before tilting your head to let the milk drain out.
Why does it work?
Breast milk contains antibodies to help fight the fungus causing ear infections. The milk also has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and soothe the affected area.
Ear Blow-Drying
Blow-drying your ears can help dry out excess moisture that may contribute to fungus growth in the ear canal.
How to do it?
Set your hair dryer to the lowest and hold it a few inches away from your ear. Tilt your head to the side and gently blow dry your ear canal for a few minutes.
Why does it work?
Drying out the ear canal can help prevent fungus growth by eliminating the moist environment it needs to thrive.
Onion Juice
Onion juice has natural antibacterial properties and can help fight off infections, including fungal ear infections.
How to do it?
Chop up an onion and extract its juice using a filter. Warm the fluid slightly and use a dropper to put a few drops in the affected ear. Tilt your head to allow the liquid to flow into your ear canal. Leave it briefly before tilting your head to let the liquid drain out.
Why does it work?
Onion juice has antibacterial properties that can help kill the fungus causing middle ear infections. It also helps reduce inflammation and soothe the affected area.
Warm Olive Oil
Warm olive oil can help loosen earwax buildup, making it easier to remove and reducing the risk of an ear infection.
How to do it?
Warm up a small amount of olive oil and put a few drops in the affected ear with a dropper. Tilt your head to allow the oil to flow into your ear canal. Leave it briefly before tilting your head to let the oil and earwax drain.
Why does it work?
Warm olive oil can help soften and loosen earwax, making it easier to remove. Removing excess earwax can prevent fungal growth and reduce the risk of an ear infection.
Salt Compress
A salt compress can help alleviate ear infections by removing excess fluid and reducing inflammation. It is a simple and effective home remedy that can be used alongside other treatments to speed up healing.
How to do it?
Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in half a cup of warm water to make a salt compress. Soak a clean cloth in the salt solution and wring out the excess liquid. Place the material over the affected ear and hold it there for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this process several times a day until the infection subsides.
Why does it work?
Salt is a known natural antibacterial remedy that can ward off infection. Additionally, the warmth of the compress can soothe pain and promote relaxation, while the pressure can help reduce swelling and improve the drainage of fluids from the ear.
Basil Leaves
Basil is an herb commonly used in cooking but has medicinal properties. It contains compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a natural remedy for various health issues, including ear infections.
How to do it?
To use basil leaves for ear infections, crush a few fresh leaves and extract the juice. Warm the liquid slightly and put a few drops into the affected ear with a dropper. Also, you can soak cotton in the juice and place it in the ear for a few minutes.
Why does it work?
The basil leaves’ compounds help reduce inflammation, fight infection, and promote healing. Basil also contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that can relieve pain and discomfort. It is a safe remedy used alone or with other treatments to help manage ear infections.
Don’t suffer through the discomfort of a fungal ear infection alone. Head to Aether Health – Kingwood ER now to receive the best treatment for you.
When to See a Doctor If You Have Ear Fungal Infection
When experiencing itchy ears, knowing when it’s time to seek medical attention is crucial. While many cases of itchy ears can be treated with home remedies, some may require professional medical treatment.
Here are some guidelines on when to see a healthcare provider:
- Your signs and symptoms have been lasting for more than a few days.
- Your itching is accompanied by discharge from the ear.
- You experience hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- You have a fever or other signs of infection, such as redness or swelling around the ear.
- Your ear becomes painful or tender to the touch.
Immediate consultation with your doctor is needed if you experience any of the following:
- You experience severe pain in the ear.
- You have drainage of blood or pus from the ear.
- You experience dizziness or vertigo.
- Your symptoms are accompanied by a severe headache or neck stiffness.
- You have a history of recent ear surgery or injury.
If you are unsure whether you need to see a healthcare provider for your itchy ears, it is always better to avoid caution and seek medical attention.
Your healthcare provider can examine your ears and recommend the appropriate course of treatment, which may include prescription medications or further diagnostic testing.
If you have fungal ear infection, don’t wait to seek treatment. These may lead to complications you would not want to deal with. Visit Aether Health – Kingwood ER today for prompt and effective care.
Experiencing Fungal Ear Infection in Texas?
A fungal ear infection can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. Fungal ear infections are common in humid regions like Texas and can cause symptoms such as itching, pain, and discharge.
If left untreated, these disorders can worsen and even lead to hearing loss or damage to the ear canal.
If you are experiencing signs of a fungal ear infection, seeking prompt medical attention is essential. At Aether Health – Kingwood ER, our team of experienced healthcare professionals is available 24/7 to provide expert diagnosis and treatment for ear infections.
We offer advanced diagnostic technology, including ear microscopy and culture testing, to accurately identify the type of infection and determine the most effective treatment plan.
Don’t let a fungal ear infection affect your life. If you’re experiencing symptoms, visit Aether Health – Kingwood ER for expert medical care.
