** 1. Since you examine the external ear with an otoscope, this white cotton like thing could be a fungal infection, thus for evaluation consult an ENT surgeon for management, who will also exclude other causes of itching and particularly look for mastoid tenderness. 2. don t try removing it yourself [inexperienced hands] otherwise it may go further deeper or may cause some secondary infection. 3. clean the ear with ear buds or cotton stick and put clotrimazole ear drops till it gets cleared and thereafter see your doctor. 4. Mix equal quantity of ginger juice and clarified butter. Put 4 drops into ear at night.