How I Relieve an Itchy Ear Canal

Sometimes, any of my two ears would feel itchy for no apparent reason. It just happen any time for weeks apart. The itch I feel inside of the canal tickles me so that I would instinctively poke my small finger to scratch the itch away. However, most of the time it only temporarily relieves me for a moment because the itch are unreachable beyond the depth afforded by the finger.

I have long found a way to quickly remedy the sensation. I would roll a small-enough clean cotton at the tip of a toothpick or a straightened paper clip. The cotton should sufficiently cushion the tip of toothpick or paper clip to fashion like a cotton bud. The cotton need not be too bulky but must be sufficiently able to cushion the tip and allow loose movement inside the canal. Moreover, I would roll a thin covering of cotton to the remaining exposed length (if I'm using toothpick) to protect the ear canal lining from the rough edges of the stick. There will be no need to do that with the smooth-textured paper clip but I make sure that the cotton rolled to tip is strong enough to hold for a few circular movement inside the canal.

With cotton in place I put a small amount of baby oil (about a drop) to distribute at the tip. The oil will serve as lubricant to avoid abrading the sensitive and delicate ear canal. I poke the cotton bud inside gently and as shallow as possible inside the canal. Then, with a controlled movement I move the bud in circular motion against the walls of the itchy ear canal a few times then finally in an outer direction. It feels so good to finally be able to touch the itchy part but I made sure not to overdo it. The sensation oftentimes is too tempting. That small and simple effort offers me great relief afterwards, without fear of injuring my ear or aggravating the situation in the process.

I am actually doing this every time the itch visits me, say, weeks or months apart. I always have a tiny bottle of baby oil within reach for this purpose. It simply works for me.

My Self-Remedy for Palm Pressure Pain from Prolonged Mouse and Keyboard Usage

The nature of my job requires me to use the keyboard and mouse for prolonged periods at a time. That way, my palms are always in direct contact with, while resting, on the hard surface of the table. This position builds up pressure on my right hand over time which I use in holding and moving the mouse. As a result, I’ve had days where I feel quite uncomfortable with the pain associated with the prolonged pressure.

During working days, no amount of quick rest and massage would offer permanent relief. Even so, the relief would just be temporary for a few minutes, which discomfort would get right back soon after I rest my hand again on the surface to resume working. I didn’t even bother to think about taking pain medication. Stopping to figure out a quick and lasting remedy I finally found a perfect and lasting solution.

I used the foam from one of the hardware cushion inside a box of one of the PC accessories purchased for the office. I utilized the foam as a makeshift optical-mouse pad with which to rest my palm while surfing. Instantly, it offered some relief. However, it had to last only a few days after the thin foam would collapse after prolonged use. Not giving up, I looked for a much thicker one. This time, I found a two-inch thick, 12 x 10 inch foam to afford a heavy duty protection.

My makeshift optical-mouse pad to keep palm pain away.

The result was overwhelming. Plus, it added extra comfort to my palm. I’ve been using the same foam for more than a year now and it’s still affording my hand quite a consolation. My oversized mouse pad looks funny and exaggerated, alright, but the comfort it affords me is invaluable. You may follow and tweak this little common sense to fit your need. It may, however, not be comfortable to you. To me, it is utterly helpful. I wouldn’t exchange it for a nagging palm pressure pain ever again.