Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Eczemacan affect any part of the body, including in and around the ears. Ear eczema can present some challenges as well as a few unique symptoms and complications.
This article discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ear eczema.
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The symptoms of ear eczema can be very irritating and even painful at times. Symptoms can range from slight dryness of the visible part of the ear (called the pinna) to severe soreness and extensive loss of skin.
Symptoms of ear eczema may involve both the external and internal parts of the ear—including the ear lobes, the conchal bowl (the area outside the ear hole), and the external auditory canal (the opening of the ear canal that leads to the eardrum).
The symptoms of ear eczema may include skin that is:
There may also be a clear discharge coming from the ear.
Complications
One of the most common complications from ear eczema is inflammation and infection in the ear canal. This is called acute otitis externa. This results over time from irritation and dryness to the skin, as well as from scratching.
Eventually, cracks develop in the skin, which increases the risk of infection. Ear wax, hair, and skin flakes can accumulate in the ear canal as well. Ear infections that go untreated can eventually cause hearing loss.
Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider anytime you experience the following signs of acute otitis externa, including:
Impetigocan also occur. This is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that causes sores and a honey-colored crust or blister-like bumps.
In some instances, a skin test may be ordered to identify the allergens that may be triggering symptoms of eczema.
Treatment of ear eczema depends on the underlying cause and the type of eczema.
Treatment may include:
Some measures can help prevent eczema flare-ups, including:
Summary
Possible causes of adry ear canalinclude eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, excessive sun exposure, fluctuating temperature, lack of earwax, excessive cleaning of the ear canal, certain types of soap and body wash, dehydration, smoking, stress, and swimming in a pool with lots of chlorine.Learn MoreWhy Are My Ears Crusty?
Possible causes of adry ear canalinclude eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, excessive sun exposure, fluctuating temperature, lack of earwax, excessive cleaning of the ear canal, certain types of soap and body wash, dehydration, smoking, stress, and swimming in a pool with lots of chlorine.
Learn MoreWhy Are My Ears Crusty?
6 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.National Eczema Society.Ear eczema factsheet.Palmer D.Vitamin d and the development of atopic eczema.JCM. 2015;4(5):1036-1050. doi:10.3390/jcm4051036MedlinePlus.Swimmer’s ear.Dermatologist Network.5 Tips for Preventing an Eczema Flare-Up.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Impetigo: All You Need to Know.National Eczema Association (NEA).Over the Counter.
6 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.National Eczema Society.Ear eczema factsheet.Palmer D.Vitamin d and the development of atopic eczema.JCM. 2015;4(5):1036-1050. doi:10.3390/jcm4051036MedlinePlus.Swimmer’s ear.Dermatologist Network.5 Tips for Preventing an Eczema Flare-Up.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Impetigo: All You Need to Know.National Eczema Association (NEA).Over the Counter.
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.
National Eczema Society.Ear eczema factsheet.Palmer D.Vitamin d and the development of atopic eczema.JCM. 2015;4(5):1036-1050. doi:10.3390/jcm4051036MedlinePlus.Swimmer’s ear.Dermatologist Network.5 Tips for Preventing an Eczema Flare-Up.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Impetigo: All You Need to Know.National Eczema Association (NEA).Over the Counter.
National Eczema Society.Ear eczema factsheet.
Palmer D.Vitamin d and the development of atopic eczema.JCM. 2015;4(5):1036-1050. doi:10.3390/jcm4051036
MedlinePlus.Swimmer’s ear.
Dermatologist Network.5 Tips for Preventing an Eczema Flare-Up.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Impetigo: All You Need to Know.
National Eczema Association (NEA).Over the Counter.
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