Have you ever noticed a small bump inside your ear causing discomfort or pain? Earwax buildup is a frequent issue that can manifest as a minor, harmless lump or escalate into a more severe infection. These bumps may lead to pain, inflammation, or even temporary hearing loss. In some cases, they can be visually unappealing. We’ll explore the causes of ear pimples, ways to prevent them, and both home and medical treatments that can help you alleviate the pain. If you’re seeking effective solutions to eliminate this condition, stay with us to discover the best options.
Pimple in Ear Types
- Ear canal: Accumulation of oil, dead skin, hair care product residue, bacterial or viral infections.
- Behind the ear: Accumulation of oil, sweat, soap, or hair care products, bacterial or viral infection, and allergic reaction to cosmetic products.
- Earlobe and ear cartilage: Accumulation of oil, sweat, dirt, dead skin, bacterial or viral infection, allergic reaction to metals (when wearing earrings).
Pimple in Ear Symptoms
The most noticeable symptom of a pimple in the ear or an ear boil is swelling in the ear. In severe cases, a large pimple can constrict the ear canal, leading to hearing difficulties.
Pimple in Ear Symptoms
It may also cause pain, inflammation, and itching, impacting a person’s overall comfort and quality of life. Other symptoms associated with ear pimples include:
- Hearing loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Redness and swelling
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Discharge from the infected area
Pimple in Ear Causes
The causes of acne vary across different areas of the body, including the ear canal. Multiple factors contribute to the buildup of fat beneath the skin, preventing it from escaping and ultimately leading to acne and pimple formation. These factors cause clogged pores, trapping fat beneath the skin with no way to escape.
Why do I have a pimple in my ear? The skin in the outer ear has a small amount of subcutaneous fat, while the hair follicles inside the ear produce oil and earwax. Usually, the amount of oil in the skin inside the ear canal is normal and does not cause any problems.
If dead skin cells and bacteria build up, or if poor hygiene leads to an unclean ear canal, the pores can become blocked. When trapped fat has no way to escape, it can result in the formation of an ear pimple. Below, we examine the most important causes of pimples in the ear:
1. Bacterial and fungal infections
- Contamination of the hair follicles inside the ear canal
- In contact with contaminated water
2. Hormonal changes
3. Poor hygiene
4. Unhygienic ear piercing
Pimple in Ear Causes
5. Using contaminated items: Headphones, earbuds, and other items can transfer bacteria to the ear if they are not clean.
6. Accumulation of fat and dead skin cells
7. Putting sharp or contaminated objects in the ear
8. Stress
9. Allergic reaction to hair growth or cosmetics
10. Wearing a hat or helmet for a long period of time
11. Consuming fatty, sugary, and processed foods may increase skin oil production.
12. Diet
Pimple in Ear Treatment
Despite personal preference for treating pimples, you should avoid popping a pimple inside your ear. By doing so, you will remove the redness of the pimple or may worsen the condition.
Popping a pimple inside your ear inserts pressure on the accumulated bacteria, which allows them to penetrate deeper into your skin pores. This will make the area of the pimple more inflamed and itchier. If you pop the pimple, the pus will come out and may cause an infection or a wound.
If the pimple becomes infected, it may turn into an ear boil. This transformation of a pimple into a boil will happen naturally. Moreover, due to picking, piercing, or squeezing the pimple in the ear, the skin may get injured and more infected, spreading to other areas.
Pimple in Ear Treatment
You must not irritate the pimple and try preventing the bacteria from spreading by making sure the area in the ear canal is clean.
How to Get Rid of Pimple in Ear?
1. Drug Treatments
In more severe cases or when home remedies are not effective, topical or oral medications can be used. Here are some of the best drug options:
- Antibacterial Topical Ointments: Ointments that help reduce infection and pimples in your ear are Benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin, macrolide antibiotic, and azelaic acid.
- Antibiotic Pills
- Painkillers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
2. Pimple in Ear Home Remedies
- Washing and cleaning the ear: One possible cause of ear pimples is inadequate ear hygiene. Using effective cleansers can help remove dead skin cells from the ear canal and eliminate bacteria responsible for boils and pimples. To prevent them, it’s best to thoroughly clean both the ear canal and the area behind the earlobe during each bath.
- Tea Tree Oil: The powerful antibacterial properties of tea tree essential oil fight acne-causing bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
- Black Tea Bag: The tannins in tea reduce inflammation while their astringent properties dry out the pimple from the inside. The heat from the hot tea bag soothes the pimple and reduces pain.
- Milk: The alpha hydroxy acid in milk unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells, which in turn speeds up the healing process of wounds and acne.
- Aloe Vera Gel: The active ingredient found in aloe vera gel has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and pain by killing acne-causing bacteria.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain and swelling.
- Natural Honey: Honey has antibacterial and healing properties that are useful for reducing inflammation and preventing infection.
- Sea salt: The salt solution helps clean pimples and kill bacteria.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and unclogs blocked pores.
- Warm compress: Reduce inflammation, softening the pimple and facilitating drainage.
Self-care Habits that Promote Faster Healing of Pimple in Ear
Keep the ear skin moisturized: Dry skin can make the condition worse. Using an adequate moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated.
Pimple in the Ear
Avoid skin irritation: Avoid wearing dirty headphones, hats, or earplugs.
Boost your immune system: Taking vitamins C and D or immune-boosting foods can help your body fight infection.
How Long Does a Pimple in Ear Take to Heal?
Most ear pimples heal within 7 to 10 days, but if the infection or inflammation is severe, it may take longer and require medical treatment.
Why Is Pimple in Ear so Painful?
If you’ve ever had a pimple in your ear, you would know how uncomfortable and painful it can be, even though they are usually not a serious threat if left untreated. The chances of a pimple or boil causing an ear infection or leaking fluid into your ear are minimal.
Ear pimples tend to be quite painful, primarily because the skin in this area is relatively thick and, more importantly, due to the presence of cartilage.
Whenever inflammation occurs around cartilage, the discomfort and sensitivity can be significantly heightened, such as in regions like the nose or ears, which makes the experience much more painful compared to pimples in softer areas of the body.
What Happens If a Pimple in Ear Goes Untreated?
If the pimple is large or filled with pus, it can lead to various complications. Therefore, if you experience a sizable pimple in your ear along with pain or other symptoms, seeking proper treatment is essential. Some potential complications of an untreated ear pimple include:
Pimple in the Ear Pain
- Spread of infection and formation of abscess
- Scar formation
- Cartilage damage
- Hearing loss
In certain cases, ear infections may become persistent and challenging to treat, so it’s crucial to see a doctor and get proper treatment.
Can You Pop a Pimple in Your Ear?
Many people instinctively pop pimples when they notice one. However, squeezing a pimple in your ear is a poor approach. Doing so can expose the skin to infection and may even lead to permanent scarring.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If your pimple in your ear doesn’t heal with home remedies or traditional medicine, or if it becomes inflamed and infected, consulting a doctor is the best course of action.
Final Word
A pimple inside the ear may appear harmless at first, but if left untreated, it can cause pain, inflammation, or even severe infection. By maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding touching and squeezing the pimple, and using appropriate treatment methods, this condition can be simply controlled and treated. If the pimple does not improve or the symptoms become more severe, it is best to seek medical advice.
