Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a condition that causes skin problems that can lead to irritations such as dryness, itching, peeling, and redness of the skin and can affect infants, children, and adults. Eczema can occur in different parts of the body, including the ears. Ear eczema is a skin disease where the patient will have symptoms like irritation, burning, itching, and sometimes pain in the ear canal. Ear eczema has different types based on its severity. For some individuals, the eczema only appears as surface inflammation. Yet, for many, it leads to dry ears and deep skin damage.
Ear Eczema Causes
Several factors can lead to ear eczema and Ear eczema behind the ear. These include the following:
- The Environment: Contact with environmental triggers such as dust, chemicals, dry soaps and shampoos, and even hot water can lead to eczema.
- Stress: Stress can lead to the onset or exacerbation of ear eczema symptoms.
- Skin conditions: Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, may put people at risk for developing eczema.
- Genetics: If you have a family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma, you may be more likely to develop ear eczema.
- Hormonal changes: Some women may experience changes in their eczema symptoms during certain periods of life, such as pregnancy or menstruation.
- Prolonged contact with water: This can lead to dry skin and thus aggravate eczema symptoms.
Ear Eczema Symptoms
Ear Eczema Symptoms
Many ask what are the symptoms of ear eczema and how to diagnose this skin disease. In fact, the symptoms that indicate that a person is suffering from ear eczema are easily recognizable, and anyone can diagnose it. Ear eczema can cause frustrating symptoms and discomfort. This type of eczema may occur in different parts of the ear, including the earlobe, external ear canal, and even behind the ear. Symptoms of ear eczema and eczema behind the ear may include:
- Severe itching
- Redness and inflammation
- Flaking
- Dry and cracked skin
- Thickening of the skin
- Fluid secretions
- Ear infections (including the inner parts due to the accumulation of earwax)
- Purulent (pus) discharge from the ear (Ear eczema weeping)
- Inflammation and pain in the eardrum
- Hearing difficulty or hearing loss
Ear Eczema Prevention
Most patients with mild ear eczema ask: How can I get rid of eczema in my ears? There are several methods you can follow to avoid ear eczema and prevent it if the condition is not too severe.
- Keep the ears dry and avoid letting the skin absorb moisture. Bathrooms and swimming pools are environments that can increase the risk of developing ear eczema. One of the best ways to prevent ear eczema is to use special swimming caps to prevent water and chlorine from entering the ears.
- Avoid using fake earrings and accessories and low-quality products. In addition, do not insert foreign objects into the ear.
- Use skin softeners like medical lotions or ointments to prevent excessive drying of the skin.
- Wash the ear with warm water every night.
Ear Eczema Doctor
Which Doctor Should You Consult for Ear Eczema Treatment?
By choosing a suitable treatment method, your ear eczema symptoms will disappear within one to three weeks. However, there might still be a possibility for it to occur again. It is best to be examined by a dermatologist who specializes in treating skin, hair, and nail diseases.
Ear Eczema Diagnosis
Diagnosis and treatment of ear eczema involves several steps to identify the cause in order to manage the symptoms. By following these tips and the appropriate treatment methods, you can regulate the symptoms of your ear eczema and prevent it from worsening. Diagnosis of ear eczema is made by a general practitioner or dermatologist and includes the following steps:
- Physical examinations
- Checking your medical history
- Allergy testing
- Skin biopsy (for special cases)
Ear Eczema Treatment
It is crucial to consider two facts for treating ear eczema: what caused it and what type of ear eczema it is. By preventing the cause of your ear eczema, pain, and discomfort, the symptoms will also be treated effectively. The treatment for ear eczema includes these methods:
- Medication and topical creams such as hydrocortisone
- Ear drops (if eczema is in the ear canal)
- Moisturizers
- Avoiding allergens
- Home treatment
hydrocortisone
Ear Eczema Medication
Steroid creams, pills, shots, or ear drops are some of the ear eczema treatments that can relieve the symptoms of flaky ears in a shorter period of time. But keep in mind that they can cause side effects such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and the thinning of your skin. Please consult with your doctor before using any medication.
Ointments for Eczema Ear Eczema behind Ear
Using Vaseline (petroleum jelly) or skin care ointments can help treat your ear eczema. These products moisturize and protect the damaged skin. They are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and antifungal, which heals your skin.
Ear eczema Home Treatment
You can also treat ear eczema with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Many drugstores have topical creams and oral solutions that can help relieve the itching and redness of ear eczema. Antihistamines and acetaminophen are examples of OTC medications that you can easily buy from the pharmacy without a prescription, but they should not be overused. Follow the standards of medication usage.
Does Eczema in the Ear Smell?
Eczema in the ear can sometimes produce an odor, especially if the area becomes infected. The smell is often due to the presence of bacteria or yeast that lives in the moist environment of the ear. If you notice a strong or unpleasant smell, it might be a sign of infection, and it’s important to consult a healthcare specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Is Ear Eczema Contagious?
Is Ear Eczema Contagious?
No, ear eczema is not contagious. This skin disease is caused by abnormal skin reactions to various factors and is not transmitted from person to person.
What Is the Difference Between Psoriasis and Ear Eczema?
Psoriasis and ear eczema are two different skin conditions that differ in where they appear on the body and how much skin irritation they cause.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that does not cure easily. People with psoriasis have large white or silvery patches and skin discoloration. While eczema is caused by contact with allergens and its major symptoms are flaking and itching of the skin.
Final Word
Ear eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes persistent itching, scaling, and, in severe cases, ulceration and bleeding. Individuals with ear eczema may experience a discharge from their ears with odor. This symptom often occurs in very dry weather. In most cases, ear eczema can be treated with creams. However, it can still recur.
Diagnosis and treatment of ear eczema is possible with the help of a healthcare specialist, as well as following the prescribed care instructions. Taking care of the skin, avoiding irritants, and using topical or oral medications can help control symptoms and prevent the recurrence of the condition. In case of exacerbation of symptoms or failure to respond to home remedies, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
