Pimple in Ear? How to Care For Your Ears

Why It Happens: Pimples inside the ear can happen for several reasons, but most of them are caused by some sort of buildup or hygiene issue.

• Clogged pores—Accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells in the ear canal.
• Earwax buildup—Trapped dirt and bacteria can lead to inflammation.
• Dirty earbuds or headphones—Introducing bacteria into the ear.
• Hormonal changes—Trigger increased oil production.
• Scratching—Using fingernails, cotton swabs, or other objects can irritate the skin.

How You Can Prevent It: Clean your headphones regularly, avoid inserting objects into your ears, and gently clean your ears with a damp cloth.

Why It Happens: There are several reasons a pimple on the ear might form since that area is more exposed than the inside of your ear. Causes include:

• Oily skin—Like any other body part, the outer ear can develop acne.
• Hair products—Residue from shampoo, conditioner, or styling products.
• Touching the ears—Transferring bacteria from hands to ears.
• Sun exposure—Can irritate the skin, making it more prone to acne.

How You Can Prevent It: Wash the ears during your skincare routine and avoid touching them unnecessarily.

Why It Happens: Pimples that form on your ear cartilage often have a slightly different cause than pimples inside your ear. Causes include:

• Piercings—Improperly cleaned or healing piercings can lead to bumps or infections.
• Friction—From helmets, hats, or headphones.
• Pressure sores—Caused by sleeping on one side for prolonged periods.
• Bacterial infection—Cartilage is more prone to infection due to limited blood flow.

How You Can Prevent It: Always keep piercings clean. You can also avoid tight-fitting helmets or hats. 

Why It Happens: Pimples behind the ear are often the result of dirt or sweat but can be related to several other issues as well. Such as:

• Poor hygiene—Dirt and oil can accumulate in the less-visible area.
• Sweat and friction—From glasses, masks, or helmets.
• Skin conditions— Such as seborrheic dermatitis or folliculitis.
• Allergic reaction—To shampoos, detergents, or jewelry.

How You Can Prevent It: Regularly wash the area, keep accessories clean, and stop using products if you notice an allergic reaction.  

Why It Happens: Blackheads in your ears are caused by the buildup of oil or bacteria in your ears, but the reasons for that build up can vary. Reasons include:

• Excess Oil (Sebum) Production—Skin in and around the ears produces sebum, which can mix with dead skin cells and block pores.
• Hormonal changes—Puberty, menstruation, or stress can increase oil production.
• Poor Hygiene—Irregular cleaning of the ears can lead to a buildup of oil, dirt, and dead skin.
• Sweat and Humidity—Moisture from sweating (e.g., after workouts or during hot weather) can mix with sebum and clog pores. Tight hats, earmuffs, or headphones can trap sweat around the ear.
• Genetics—Some people are more prone to blackheads due to genetic factors that influence oil production and skin type.
• Overuse of Ear Products—Heavy use of earplugs or in-ear headphones can create a moist, occluded environment, encouraging pore clogging.

How You Can Prevent It

• During your skincare routine, gently wash your ears with a mild cleanser.
• Use non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) hair and skincare products.
• Gently pat your ears dry after showering or sweating. 

• Depending on where the pimple is, apply a small amount of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid directly to the pimple using a cotton swab. These treatments help dry out the pimple and reduce inflammation.
• Be careful not to get the product inside the ear canal.

If the pimple is very inflamed, a small amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream can help reduce redness and swelling. Be careful not to get the cream inside your ear.

While it is difficult to eliminate a pimple overnight, these steps can help reduce its size and make it less noticeable by morning.