Everyone, especially those going through puberty, gets pimples and blackheads on the body, causing pain, annoyance and discomfort. Unfortunately, when pimples develop in or around the ear, they can cause pain and discomfort due to their awkward location. In extreme cases, they can also cause hearing loss and jaw pain.
What causes ear pimples and zits in ears? Ear pimples most often occur due to poor hygiene and the excess presence of earwax in the ear canal which clogs the pores, causing pimples to appear in different areas of the ear. In summary, the pimples can occur due to:
Whiteheads form when the sebaceous glands in our skin produce more sebum than they should and when the excess sebum remains under the skin. If this sebum comes out of the skin, blackheads form. This is due to sebum and dead cells blocking the pilosebaceous follicle coming into contact with the air and oxidizing, creating the typical dark color we associate with blackheads.
The sebum accumulated inside the blackheads can act as a breeding ground for the bacteria naturally present on the epidermis and worsen until causing small irritations commonly known as pimples.
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Pimples in the ear area can appear in different places. Let's learn more about the different types of pimples that can occur in the ear and what they represent.
Pimples or zits in the ear canals can be painful and sometimes cause earaches. They occur due to various factors in the auricle, and ear canal, where the skin that lines the outer part of the canal contains hair cells and sebaceous glands that produce earwax and fatty and oily secretions.
When sebaceous glands work too hard to produce excess sebum, a zit can form in the ear, but this can also happen when pores become clogged with bacteria or dead skin cells. The bacteria circulating inside the ear and blocking the pores are brought on by contact with fingers, specifically with objects such as smartphones, headphones, and earphones not cleaned properly and periodically.
The cause of zits behind the ears often comes from simple hygiene mistakes. For example, poor or inaccurate hygiene leads to the development and therefore the appearance of pimples behind the ears. To stop pimples from appearing you should wash the area behind the ears daily as part of your face washing routine.
In fact, leftover soap, or the production of sebum or sweat can cause the accumulation of dirt which in turn leads to the appearance of pimples. Therefore, routinely washing the area behind the ears near the lobe with a non-aggressive neutral soap can prevent the formation of pimples.
Another useful trick to prevent the formation of pimples behind the ears is to dry the ears and lobes well after your shower to eliminate water or soap residue.
The causes of an earlobe pimple are similar to other areas and are mainly due to the accumulation of excess of dirt, sweat or dead skin inside earlobe pores. Excessive headphone use can trigger this type of pimple as air can accumulate underneath the headset and cause bacteria to build up around/on the ear cartilage. Another common cause of pimples on the earlobe is an infected earring or ear piercing. This may be due to:
Pimples in the ear usually heal themselves, but some treatments can speed up the process. Consider the following remedies to help you get rid of ear pimples quickly.
If cleaned carefully and gently, an ear pimple will heal on its own in a few days. If repeatedly touched or squeezed, it can take weeks and the pimple can last even a month or more.
Ear pimples or zits should never be popped because in addition to hurting, it could cause severe irritation, inflammation or even an infection. Squeezing the pimple, in fact, causes the spread of bacteria and pus deeper, inside the pores, with a worsening of the situation. The infection can lead to symptoms such as:
Warm compresses can help with tissue inflammation and improve blood circulation. This treatment helps with pimples inside the ears by counteracting swelling, redness, and irritation. The heat may help bring the pus to the surface and allow it to drain out on its own. If a pimple begins to drain due to a warm compress, clean up the liquid quickly but cautiously to avoid irritating the affected area and spreading bacteria.
While at-home remedies such as warm compresses can help, please note that pimples deep inside the ear canal should always get treated by an ENT physician and not independently using at-home remedies.
Another at-home solution to ear pimples is using tea tree essential oil to enhance the effect of the warm compress. To do so, add a small amount of tea tree essential oil to a cotton swab and swab the pimple. Another oil you can use to treat pimples is jojoba oil, which can help eliminate bacteria causing pimples. Add a small amount of jojoba oil to a Q-tip and swab the pimple. Other remedies and ointments may be available at your local pharmacy to help alleviate ear pimples. If experiencing persistent or painful breakouts, contact your doctor or local physician.
Prevention of pimples and blackheads in the ear can be summarized in a few points:
With these precautions, there will be fewer chances of pimples appearing in the ears because you will avoid spreading dirt and bacteria in the ear area. If a pimple in the ear has already formed, do not squeeze or touch it.
Pimples in the ear, often referred to as ear acne, can be a recurring problem for many people. This condition arises when the sebaceous glands in the ear produce excess oil, which can mix with sweat and dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores.
Poor hygiene, such as not cleaning the ears regularly, can exacerbate this issue by allowing oil, dirt, and bacteria to build up. Additionally, frequent use of headphones can trap sweat and bacteria in the ear, further contributing to the development of pimples. Maintaining good ear hygiene and ensuring that anything that comes into contact with your ears is clean can help reduce the occurrence of ear acne. If the problem persists or becomes painful, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment.
Pimples in the ear can be both uncomfortable and tricky to deal with. Popping them is not advisable as it can lead to infection or further irritation. Here are some safe and effective methods to help get rid of an ear pimple without popping it:
Ear pimples, like those on other parts of the body, typically last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. The duration can vary based on several factors:
If an ear pimple persists for more than two weeks, becomes increasingly painful, or shows signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus), it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Ear pimples can be particularly painful because the skin inside and around the ears is thin and sensitive, making it more susceptible to pain when inflamed. Additionally, the ear canal and surrounding areas have limited space, so any swelling from a pimple can quickly lead to pressure and discomfort.
The presence of numerous nerve endings in the ear region amplifies the pain sensation, and any movement or touch can aggravate the discomfort. As a result, even small pimples in the ear can feel much more painful compared to pimples on other parts of the body.
Popping a pimple in your ear is generally not advisable due to the high risk of infection and potential for scarring. The skin inside and around the ears is particularly sensitive and prone to irritation, and any attempt to pop a pimple can exacerbate these issues.
Additionally, the ear canal is a confined space with many nerve endings, making it difficult to safely and effectively pop a pimple without causing further harm. Instead of attempting to pop it, it's better to use warm compresses, over-the-counter acne treatments, and keep the area clean. If the pimple persists or becomes more painful, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.
