Heard of anything that will sort out my itchy ears?

I’VE been suffering from dry, flaky, itchy ears for ten years and now, at 76, I’m fed up. Over-the-counter creams and sprays don’t stop the itch. I have no itchy or flaky skin anywhere else. Is there something my GP can prescribe?

THE ear canal is lined with skin vulnerable to skin conditions, like any other area of the body. Often when people suffer eczema or psoriasis, it affects the ear canal as well as more typical parts of the body. Likewise, it is possible to have a skin condition that affects just the ear.

Dry, flaky itchy skin can have many causes. Commonly it would be dermatitis or eczema, conditions characterised by dry, itchy, red skin. This responds well to creams that moisturise and soothe, called emollients, but steroid cream may be needed to calm inflammation. The ear may also be affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis, a skin condition that can respond well to anti-fungal creams and anti-dandruff shampoos, with the shampoo applied neat to the skin.

Itchiness within the ear may be a sign of chronic ear inflammation – a condition called otitis externa. It is sometimes caused by bacteria or fungal infection, but then persists without correct treatment. For this reason an ear exam by a GP would be advised for diagnosis and treatment. Itching is a distressing symptom and it’s not too much to consider treating the itchiness itself, as the answer may not come from just treating the skin. Over-the-counter antihistamines used for hay fever can treat itching – choose nondrowsy ones for daily symptoms. Tablets specifically for itching are available on prescription, which a sympathetic GP should offer.

I WAS diagnosed a few years ago with a congenital heart disorder. My symptoms were shortness of breath and angina. A CT scan found that my aorta had dilated to 5.5cm – indicating risk of aneurism – which means I I WANT TO BE ABLE TO PLAY WITH GRANDCHILDREN AFTER HEART OP need open-heart surgery. I’m worried about the operation. Is there anything I can do to prepare and recover well? I’m a 65-yearold female with young grandchildren whom I often look after. I want to be fit enough to cook, clean and play with them.

ANY operation takes its toll physically and emotionally, and if this involves the heart or the largest blood vessel in the body, the aorta, it can understandably be worrying.

Surgery is performed on the aorta when dilated to prevent it bursting. The operation is carried out either keyhole or as open surgery, to repair and strengthen the blood vessel.

Preparing for any operation involves being as physically well as possible, plus mentally prepared for afterwards. This can be hard for someone used to running around: anticipating being fatigued and having to rest can be unfathomable but it will be crucial. Depending on the type of surgery, a stay of about a week in hospital is usual. Feeling back to normal may take weeks or months. Although skin scars tend to heal within a couple of weeks, the internal wound and muscles take much longer to repair – maybe as long as two months.

Returning to a routine after an aneurysm repair is certainly realistic. It is essential, though, to be patient, build up activity levels slowly and carefully and ensure sleep and rest are priorities.