Better than poke in eye?

Dear Dr. Donohue: I have a terrible itch in my ear canal. I have to scratch it with a paper clip that I have straightened out. That gives me some relief. What will give me permanent relief? — J.M.

Answer: You’re going to get permanent relief only if you find out the cause of the itch. There are many causes.

A common one is eczema of the ear canal. Cortisone-containing eardrops can often control it. Allergies are another cause, and antihistamines can take away allergy itching. Infections — fungal infections in particular — are another source of ear-canal itching. Those infections require antifungal eardrops.

I’d like to assure you that an over-the-counter medicine is all you need for a cure. I can’t give you such assurance. You and I don’t know the cause. A quick visit to your doctor can provide you with the answer to the itch and the proper medicine to treat it.

In the meantime, get rid of the paper clip. You’re going to mess up your ear canal and set yourself up for an infection.