Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon CausesWhen to Call a ProviderTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Causes
When to Call a Provider
Treatment
Prevention
Dry skin in the ears can have a variety of causes, such as environmental factors like cold, dry air, or chronic skin conditions likepsoriasis. When you have dry skin in your ears, it can be uncomfortable, itchy, and even painful. The skin may appear red and flaky. In severe cases, the skin around the ears can even become infected.
This article looks at some of the potential causes of dry skin in the ears, and how this problem may be treated.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Common Causes of Dry Skin in the Ears
There areseveral possible causes of dry skin in your ears. Most can be classified as either environmental, part of aging, or a result of a chronic skin condition. Certain other medical conditions, deficiencies, or medications can also put you at risk for having dry skin.
Irritants
Examples of environmental irritants that may affect the ears include:
Earrings
It’s also possible to experienceskin drynessand irritation from earrings. Ears that have recently been pierced may be irritated. Many people find that they cannot tolerate earrings made from nickel due to a nickel allergy.
Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis
Age
Dry skin can also be related to age. By the age of 60, nearly everyone has dry skin somewhere on their body.
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is an inflammatory condition that leads to painful, red, itchy skin. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common in young children.When eczema affects the ears, it usually appears on the ear folds, backs of the ears, and the areas where theearlobesconnect to the face. Eczema sores can also be found on the earlobes, conchal bowls, ear openings, ear canals, andeardrums.
Signs of eczema usually include patches of red, inflamed skin that feels dry and itchy. The dry patches may bleed when scratched. When the skin becomes cracked, an infection can occur.
Psoriasis
This is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly. When this happens, the old skin cells are not able to slough off and build up into thick, itchy plaques of skin. The patches usually start out pink or red, then progress to a silvery-white plaque.
It’s common for the plaques to itch and feel uncomfortable. Psoriasis may occur on the outer ears or the skin surrounding the ears.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitisis an inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky,dry patches of skin. It usually appears on the scalp, face, or inner ears. The patches may flake off in white or yellow scales. The skin may itch, especially if it becomes infected.
What Conditions Can Be Mistaken For Psoriasis?
Other Risk Factors
Other risk factors for dry skin include:
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
It’s important to check in with your healthcare provider any time you’re concerned about the skin in your ears. Some causes of dry skin in the ears, such as eczema, can affect your hearing if left untreated.See your healthcare provider if the skin in your ears is red and itchy. If at-home treatments do not provide any relief, check in with yourdermatologist.
See your healthcare provider right away if the skin in your ears appears to be infected. An infection may occur when the dry skin is scratched or cracks, which allows bacteria to enter. Symptoms of a skin infection include pain, swelling, weeping, discharge, or a foul smell.
How to Treat Dry Skin in the Ears
Avoiding Triggers
If you have been experiencing dry skin in your ears, think about all the products that may have come in contact with your ears. Have you recently switched to a new shampoo? The first step may be to discontinue use of the new product and see if your skin gets better.If the dry skin improves, avoid that product going forward.
If you recently had your ears pierced or changed earrings, your ears may be reacting. Try switching to earrings that have been labeled “hypoallergenic” to see if you notice relief from skin dryness.
Moisturizing
Once you have found the cause, treat your dry skin with a quality emollient. An emollient is a skin softener found in moisturizers. Look for a gentle moisturizer without artificial fragrances or colors.
The 10 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, Tested and Reviewed
Medication
If at-home care does not seem to make a difference, see your dermatologist. Medications can be used to soothe the pain of dry skin and treat the underlying causes. Some options include:
Topical Steroids: Uses, Formulations, Strengths, and Effects
Limit showers to 10 minutes and avoid scalding water. Thoroughly dry your ears after a shower. Using a warm hairdryer may help you dry them completely; just be sure not to use the hot setting. Once your ears are dry, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent cracking.
Chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis cannot be prevented but can be managed with treatment. Pay attention to any irritants or triggers that always seem to lead to dry skin for you, and stop using them if necessary.
Summary
Dry skin in the ears and around the ears can have a number of causes. These can include environmental irritants such as shampoos and fragrances as well as chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Your skin may also become drier as you age.
A Word From VerywellDry ears can become problematic if ignored. Rubbing and scratching the ears can easily cause irritations and skin breaks, which can lead to infection. A pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter remedies. If these are unhelpful after a few days, it’s time to see your healthcare provider or dermatologist.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Dry ears can become problematic if ignored. Rubbing and scratching the ears can easily cause irritations and skin breaks, which can lead to infection. A pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter remedies. If these are unhelpful after a few days, it’s time to see your healthcare provider or dermatologist.—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Dry ears can become problematic if ignored. Rubbing and scratching the ears can easily cause irritations and skin breaks, which can lead to infection. A pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter remedies. If these are unhelpful after a few days, it’s time to see your healthcare provider or dermatologist.
—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
5 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.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema resource center.National Eczema Society.Ear eczema.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis resource center.MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
5 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.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema resource center.National Eczema Society.Ear eczema.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis resource center.MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
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.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: who gets and causes.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema resource center.National Eczema Society.Ear eczema.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis resource center.MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dry skin: who gets and causes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema resource center.
National Eczema Society.Ear eczema.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis resource center.
MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
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