Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEar PiercingEar PimplesPsoriasisEar Dermatitis/EczemaDry EarsHeat RashSkin CancerWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderHow to Care for Ear Scabs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Ear Piercing
Ear Pimples
Psoriasis
Ear Dermatitis/Eczema
Dry Ears
Heat Rash
Skin Cancer
When to See a Healthcare Provider
How to Care for Ear Scabs
A scab in the ear usually isn’t something to worry about. You can develop a scab in your ear due to a newear piercing, anear pimple, ordry and irritated skin. Acute causes like these can usually heal on their own, although an over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatment may help.
This article covers the potential causes and symptoms of a scab in the ear. It also discusses treatment options for each cause, along with when to see a healthcare provider.
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Ear piercing can causescabson the ear due to infection.
If the piercing is on the lobe and the ear gets infected, there can be scabbing. Akeloidor abscess can also occur. If the piercing is on the cartilage, this takes a longer time to heal because this area doesn’t have blood vessels or nerve cells.If this area gets infected, call a healthcare professional.
Treatment
The type of treatment depends on the severity of the infection. The following are sometreatment options:
Ear pimples can appear on the inside of the ear. They can form just like any pimple found on the face or neck. Although the pimple is harmless, it is importantnot to pick at or pop it. The discharge can flow into the ear or it can become infected and irritated.
The pimple should heal on its own. Putting a warm compress on the area can help. Other items that are known to help include:
Prescription Topical Acne Treatments
Psoriasis is a condition that causes inflammation in the body. When an individual haspsoriasis, their immune system is overactive. The condition also causes excessive inflammation and is known to affect other organs and tissues.
Due to the overactive immune system, the cell growth of the skin speeds up. Typically, the skin grows and falls off within a month. For people who have psoriasis, there is growth within three to four days and the skin doesn’t have a chance to shed properly. As a result, the skin cells form at a rapid rate and pile up on the surface of the skin. This leaves dry and scaly patches that are known to burn, scab, sting, and itch.
These patches can form anywhere on the body, including the knees, elbows, ears, eyelids, and scalp. This condition is not contagious.
There are several treatment options for psoriasis. Keep in mind that lifestyle habits may help the condition.
Some of the triggers include:
Finding ways to reduce stress, consuming low-inflammatory foods, and getting sun or using a humidifier are helpful. It is always important to contact a healthcare professional to address any questions.
Some common treatments for psoriasis include:
There are other treatments for extreme cases that can cause side effects.Speak with a healthcare provider regarding options if there is an extreme case of psoriasis.
The common symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they include a rash, dry skin, and itchiness. There are different types of eczema and dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis. That is the type usually found on the scalp, ears, and face. It shows up as dry, flaky, itchy skin on the area of the body that is affected.
Other symptoms include:
Eczemacan affect all areas of the ear, including the eardrum. People with eczema have an overactive immune system. Some triggers, such as stress, scented lotions, fabrics, or infections, will create inflammation in the skin.
To diagnose dermatitis, the healthcare provider will typically examine the skin, perform a skin biopsy, and do a blood test and an allergy skin test. The specific treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Some of the most common treatments include the following:
Some at-home treatments include using moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated, reducing stress, using mild soap, and bathing in lukewarm water.
For eczema, it is also important to consider adopting lifestyle habits such as:
In the cooler months, be sure to get adequate fresh air and use a humidifier. Other triggers for eczema include:
To diagnose dry skin, the healthcare provider may conduct a blood test, allergy test, or skin biopsy.
Treatments include moisturizers for softening and lubrication. These products can include ointments, oils, and lotions.
Another option is medication. If the dry skin in the ear is cracking or itching, a topical steroid may be prescribed.
Heat rash, also called prickly heat or miliaria, is a skin irritation that causes tingling pain and, at times, small bumps. Too much scratching can cause irritation and scabs.
Although anyone can get a heat rash, it is most common in infants and children.Heat rashoccurs when there is excessive sweating and it blocks the sweat glands and gets trapped under the skin. The rash happens when the pores can’t clear out the sweat.
Although it is far more rare than the other causes noted, it’s important to know that a scab in the ear can occasionally be a sign of skin cancer, particularlybasalandsquamous cell carcinoma.
Most people’s ears see a lot of sunlight, but unfortunately, not everyone appliessunscreento their ears as often as they should. Sun exposure isn’t the only risk factor, though. Fair skin, increasing age, smoking, radiation exposure, and other factors can all increase your risk.
What Is Ear Cancer?
If a skin biopsy of the bump or scaly area on your ear proves to be cancerous, the lesion will need to be removed with surgery. Treatment will begin immediately to prevent the cancer from spreading.
The type of cancer treatment you receive will depend on the type and stage of cancer as well as its location. Treatment typically involves radiation therapy and may involve chemotherapy as well.
There are a number of treatments for different conditions that cause ear scabs. If you start with OTC medicine and don’t see improvement, call your healthcare provider.
Other signs that you would need medical attention include:
Don’t hesitate to call your healthcare provider to get the proper care that is needed to treat the condition.
As a general rule of thumb, clean the area regularly with soap and lukewarm water and pat it dry. Try to avoid excessive rubbing or scratching. If there are scabs in the ear canal, avoid poking anything in the area, and wash it with lukewarm water. Keep hands clean at all times when applying medication or ointment.
Balms to Use
There are a lot of OTC options for treating scabs. Products that have water as a main ingredient are helpful for moisture. Ointments and creams are heavier than lotions and don’t need frequent application.
For more intensive care, products with lactic acid are known to be helpful.Some prescribed medications that have steroids are known to reduce inflammation of the affected area. Your healthcare professional can help make the right decision and answer questions.
Summary
Ear scabs are common and generally not serious. Some acute causes of a scab in the ear, such as an ear pimple or dry skin, should heal on their own. Other conditions, like severe eczema or ear cancer will require medical treatment. If you have an ear scab that does not go away, reach out to your healthcare provider to rule out more serious medical conditions and get the treatment you need.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kim M.Ear-piercing complications in children and adolescents.Can Fam Physician. 2022 Sep;68(9):661-663. doi:10.46747/cfp.6809661Johns Hopkins University.Acne.National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.Raharja A, Mahil S, Barker J.Psoriasis: a brief overview.Clin Med (Lond). 2021 May;21(3):170-173. doi:10.7861/clinmed.2021-0257Johns Hopkins Medicine.Other dermatitis conditions.National Eczema Society.Ear eczema.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Dry skin.American Academy of Family Physicians.Heat rash.American Cancer Society.Basal and squamous cell skin cancer risk factors.Cedars-Sinai.Ear and temporal bone cancer.Brandi J, Cheri S, Manfredi M, et al.Exploring the wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic and proteomic effects of lactic acid bacteria on keratinocytes.Sci Rep. 2020 Jul;10(1):11572. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-68483-4
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kim M.Ear-piercing complications in children and adolescents.Can Fam Physician. 2022 Sep;68(9):661-663. doi:10.46747/cfp.6809661Johns Hopkins University.Acne.National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.Raharja A, Mahil S, Barker J.Psoriasis: a brief overview.Clin Med (Lond). 2021 May;21(3):170-173. doi:10.7861/clinmed.2021-0257Johns Hopkins Medicine.Other dermatitis conditions.National Eczema Society.Ear eczema.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Dry skin.American Academy of Family Physicians.Heat rash.American Cancer Society.Basal and squamous cell skin cancer risk factors.Cedars-Sinai.Ear and temporal bone cancer.Brandi J, Cheri S, Manfredi M, et al.Exploring the wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic and proteomic effects of lactic acid bacteria on keratinocytes.Sci Rep. 2020 Jul;10(1):11572. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-68483-4
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kim M.Ear-piercing complications in children and adolescents.Can Fam Physician. 2022 Sep;68(9):661-663. doi:10.46747/cfp.6809661Johns Hopkins University.Acne.National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.Raharja A, Mahil S, Barker J.Psoriasis: a brief overview.Clin Med (Lond). 2021 May;21(3):170-173. doi:10.7861/clinmed.2021-0257Johns Hopkins Medicine.Other dermatitis conditions.National Eczema Society.Ear eczema.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Dry skin.American Academy of Family Physicians.Heat rash.American Cancer Society.Basal and squamous cell skin cancer risk factors.Cedars-Sinai.Ear and temporal bone cancer.Brandi J, Cheri S, Manfredi M, et al.Exploring the wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic and proteomic effects of lactic acid bacteria on keratinocytes.Sci Rep. 2020 Jul;10(1):11572. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-68483-4
Kim M.Ear-piercing complications in children and adolescents.Can Fam Physician. 2022 Sep;68(9):661-663. doi:10.46747/cfp.6809661
Johns Hopkins University.Acne.
National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.
Raharja A, Mahil S, Barker J.Psoriasis: a brief overview.Clin Med (Lond). 2021 May;21(3):170-173. doi:10.7861/clinmed.2021-0257
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Other dermatitis conditions.
National Eczema Society.Ear eczema.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Dry skin.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Heat rash.
American Cancer Society.Basal and squamous cell skin cancer risk factors.
Cedars-Sinai.Ear and temporal bone cancer.
Brandi J, Cheri S, Manfredi M, et al.Exploring the wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic and proteomic effects of lactic acid bacteria on keratinocytes.Sci Rep. 2020 Jul;10(1):11572. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-68483-4
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