Ear eczema is a condition that makes the skin in and around the ear dry, itchy, and sometimes bumpy. It can affect the outside of your ear or even the inside of your ear canal. Essentially, eczema damages the skin's barrier (the "glue" that holds it together), making your skin more sensitive and prone to dryness or infection.
If you’ve experienced this condition, read on to discover certain causes and learn about some helpful remedies to manage it.
Ear eczema can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in people who have:
Eczema is quite common, affecting about 15-30% of children and 2-10% of adults. It can appear anywhere on the skin, including the ears.
Eczema in ears can develop in your ears due to several causes, including:
Ear eczema can impact different areas of your ears, including:
Though they both affect the skin, ear eczema and psoriasis are different. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes thick, scaly patches, while eczema usually leads to more intense itching and affects the skin on and around your ears. Many people may experience both conditions at different times in their lives.
Symptoms of eczema on ears might include:
While this isn’t usually painful, scratching it can break the skin and cause infections, which could lead to pain. In severe cases, you may experience fluid leakage or even hearing loss.
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Your doctor will examine your ears for signs like dryness or discoloration. If needed, they may perform additional tests, like:
To treat eczema on ear lobes or other parts of the ear, you first need to figure out what triggers it. Here are a few ear eczema home treatments that can help:
Take a look at these 7 Itchy Ear Home Remedies for more ideas.
Prescription treatments, like steroid creams or ear drops for eczema, may be necessary if over-the-counter options aren’t enough. Always make sure to consult with your doctor to make sure you’re getting the right treatment plan.
With proper treatment, most people see improvement within 1 to 3 weeks. While treatment can control flare-ups, you may experience them periodically throughout your life.
To reduce the risk of flare-ups, follow these steps:
While eczema can be managed effectively with the right treatment, flare-ups may occur. The key is identifying and avoiding triggers, moisturizing, and following your doctor’s advice.
If you notice symptoms or if your ear eczema isn’t improving with at-home treatments, consult your doctor. They can help you determine if it’s eczema or something else and provide a treatment plan.
Managing eczema around ears can be challenging, but with the right care and treatment, you can keep it under control. Stay consistent with your routine, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for help.
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