In this article, we will learn about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of ear eczema. Keep reading! When you have eczema, your skin becomes extremely dry and itchy. Scratching and rubbing the area can lead to rashes and blisters (1). Ear eczema causes itching and dry skin around the ear. It can also become painful. Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “One difference between eczema in other areas of the body and ear eczema is that there may be a clear discharge from the ear. You should avoid scratching this area and aggravating the symptoms, which may lead to infections.” Does ear eczema occur only inside the ear? Find out in the next section.

Where Does Ear Eczema Occur?

Ear eczema can occur on all parts of your ear, like:

 Outside the ear (the conchal bowl).  The opening of the ear.  Ear lobes.  Ear canal (external auditory canal).  Ear folds.  Behind the ear.  Eardrums.  The area where the ear meets the face.

People who are at risk of developing ear eczema include:

 People with a family history of eczema.  People with sensitive skin.  People living in higher altitudes and colder climates.  People who have asthma.  People with an oily scalp.

Ear eczema has some tell-tale signs that you need to look out for. Check them out below.

Symptoms Of Ear Eczema

The symptoms of ear eczema can be visible in both the external and internal parts of the ear. The main symptoms include:

 Cracked and dry skin  Soreness  Blisters  Red, itchy skin  Scaly skin  Infected skin inside and outside the ear  Clear discharge from the ear occasionally  Swelling around the ear  Crusting of the affected area

Scratching or rubbing the affected area can lead to inflammation and infection. In some rare cases, you may experience hearing issues. Cold weather may aggravate these symptoms. Many things can trigger eczema. However, it is easy to manage and prevent if you are aware of the triggers. Continue reading to know more about the types and causes of ear eczema.

Types And Causes Of Ear Eczema

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis or contact eczema develops when your skin comes in contact with a substance that prompts an allergic reaction from the immune system. Irritants like friction, occlusion, detergents, nickel, fragrance mix, chromium, shampoos, jewelry, hearing aids, and formaldehyde can cause contact dermatitis. Poison ivy is considered the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis in the United States (2).

 Atopic Eczema

People with atopic eczema have sensitive skin. A flare-up of this type of eczema causes dry and itchy skin. Environmental factors, genetics, and food hypersensitivity may be the cause of atopic eczema (3). It most commonly occurs behind the ear or the area of the ear that meets the face.

 Seborrheic Dermatitis

It is a common condition in areas with sebaceous glands that produce oil, including the ear. Therefore, the chances of getting this type of eczema in the ear canal are high. It results in scaling, redness, and crusty cracks in and around the ear. It can also cause lesions on the face, scalp, upper chest, and back (4).

 Asteatotic Eczema

This dermatological condition causes water loss from the epidermis, which results in dry and fissured skin. It appears mainly in the winter months when your skin is drier. It is also common among the elderly (5). No one likes dealing with dry and itchy skin. So, how do you treat ear eczema? Find out in the next section.

Treatment For Ear Eczema

There is no cure for permanent eczema, but its symptoms can be treated with home remedies and medicines. The priority in treatment is to maintain the hydration and moisturization of the skin. Here’s how you can treat it at home:

 Clean your ears with lukewarm water and dry them thoroughly.  Moisturize your ears regularly. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer after stepping out of the shower.  Protect your ears from the harsh winter weather. Cover them up with a hat, scarf, or earmuffs.  Avoid certain allergens like cheap metal jewelry, fragrances, and hair products.

Medical remedies for ear eczema are the following:

 Medicated ointments and antifungal creams or gels can be used to treat ear eczema. Your doctor will prescribe treatment based on the type of eczema. It may be a topical steroid or a combination of both topical steroid and antifungal treatment. Calcineurin inhibitors are the latest drugs for eczema and are safer than steroids (6).  If you have eczema in the ear canal, your doctor may prescribe steroid ear drops to reduce the itching and clear the rash.  You may be prescribed an antibiotic if the eczema flare-up turns into an infection.  In some cases, doctors prescribe oral antihistamines for treating disturbed sleep due to itching. However, it is not recommended for daytime use.

Since there is no permanent cure, it is better to prevent eczema flare-ups by taking a few preventive measures. Read on to know more.

Prevention Tips For Ear Eczema

 Identify the triggers and try to avoid contact with them.  Avoid showering with hot water. Instead, you may use lukewarm water.  Use mild soaps and cleansers that are free of fragrances.  Avoid using heavy perfumes and dyes.  Moisturize your skin as soon as you step out of the shower. It will help lock in the moisture and prevent your skin from drying out.  Cover your ears with a scarf or a hat during the dry winter months.  Drink enough water to stay hydrated.  Avoid jewelry that irritates your skin. You should especially steer clear of nickel. Instead, choose jewelry made of sterling silver, solid gold, or stainless steel.  Use a cool-mist humidifier in your home when the air is dry.

Now, let’s answer the most important question.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Usually, eczema can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications. But, if you cannot identify your triggers and want an expert diagnosis, you may consult a doctor. “The first thing your dermatologist will want to do is assess your eczema and make a diagnosis of where it comes from,” adds Dr. Haley. For example, your doctor may diagnose ear eczema by physical examination and analyzing current symptoms and family history. In some cases, you may need to take a skin test to figure out the allergens and triggers. If over-the-counter treatments are not showing any results on eczema, you may have to seek medical help. Is Vaseline good for eczema? Check out the infographic below to learn how to massage your ears the right way. Vaseline, a petroleum jelly, is readily accepted and works well on sensitive skin. It can be an excellent treatment for eczema flare-ups (1). In addition, petroleum jelly, unlike some other products, offers hydrating and soothing effects that help relieve inflammation, redness, and irritation. Can headphones cause ear eczema? Headphones and earbuds that go straight into the ears are a breeding place for sweat, germs, and dirt. The problem isn’t so much with excessive use as it is with improper cleaning. You may develop ear eczema if you do not regularly clean your earbuds or headphones. Why is eczema worse at night? Cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory, is produced by the body during the day. Sadly, our cortisol levels fall during the night. This can reduce one’s natural defense against irritated, inflamed skin.

Sources

How To Treat Dry Skin In Ears Naturally At Home 8 Best Homeopathy Treatments For Psoriasis Home Remedies For An Itchy Scalp 16 Home Remedies For Ear Infections