Flaky and dry skin in the ears can be irritating. Multiple factors can lead to this problem, including harsh weather, environmental irritants, chronic skin conditions and dryness. Dryness in and around the ears may also indicate skin allergy and chronic inflammatory skin conditions. In severe cases, the dry skin may crack, bleed, and ooze pus.
Understanding the exact reason for the condition is the first step to treating it. This article discusses the causes of dry skin in the ears, the signs and symptoms, home remedies you may try, and prevention tips. Keep reading.
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What Is Dry Skin In Ears?
It is a condition characterized by itchy, red, and flaky skin in the ears due to various environmental factors or chronic skin disorders. The skin around the ears may also get infected in extreme situations.
Let us look at the most common symptoms of this skin condition in the following section.
Signs And Symptoms Of Dry Skin In Ears
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- Scaly, flaky, and crusty skin
- Redness and swelling
- Itchiness
- Oozing of blood, fluid, or pus
Some of these symptoms can be painful and irritating. But understanding their causes can help you find the right course of treatment. If you experience these symptoms, it may be useful to consult your doctor.
What Causes Dry Skin In Your Ears?
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Factors that possibly cause dry skin in your ears include:
- Extreme weather conditions
- Allergic reactions, such as to metals (especially nickel) in earrings
- Dehydration
- Use of harsh soaps and cleaners
- Use of perfumes
- Laundry detergents
- Makeup
- Hot baths
- Smoking
- Swimming in a chlorinated pool
- Sun exposure
- Stress
- Aging
Your ears may also turn dry if you have the following chronic skin conditions:
- Psoriasis
Psoriasis causes red, scaly patches on the skin and can occur in the ear canal, behind the ear, or around the ear. It causes itching and may discolor the skin. Scaling can accumulate and obstruct the ear canal, which may result in temporary hearing problems. Avoid inserting things (even your fingers) into your ear canal to prevent scales from moving farther into your ear. Avoid scratching or picking at the ear, which can cause infections. Consult an ear specialist if your ear canal gets blocked (1).
Related: 12 Home Remedies For Managing Scalp Psoriasis Effectively
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
It is a set of conditions that cause dry, scaly, itchy, or irritated skin. It can affect any part of the body, including the ears. Ear eczema can flare up unexpectedly. Contact with irritants like artificial fragrances, soaps, shampoos, hair colors, or metal jewelry may also cause this condition (2),(3).
Did You Know? Ear eczema can affect the skin on your outer ear, ear canals, skin behind the ear, and between the ear and face. In severe cases, one may experience a ringing sound or even hearing loss.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis (Ear Dandruff)
It is a type of dermatitis that affects the upper layers of the skin, resulting in red, itchy skin that sheds scales. It can also be hereditary. Moreover, hormonal changes and cold weather conditions may worsen the condition further (4).
Well, here is some good news for you. You can manage dry skin in the ears naturally at home. Find out how in the next section.
Best Home Remedies To Treat Dry Skin In Ears
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1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an amazing moisturizer for dry, flaky skin. It keeps your skin hydrated and prevents water loss in addition to having antiseptic properties. Furthermore, virgin coconut oil was found to be better than mineral oil in improving dry skin among mild and moderate cases of atopic dermatitis (5). However, more studies are warranted to understand the benefit of coconut oil and severe or prolonged problems should always be seen by a doctor.
How To Use?
- Rub 1 to 2 drops of coconut oil between your palms to warm it up a little.
- Gently massage it on the affected areas before going to bed.
2. Honey
Honey is rich in vitamins and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, eczema, and inflammation. Moreover, it can be applied to the skin directly (6). Though it has not been extensively studied as a treatment for chronic ear infections, it can help with eczema.
How To Use?
- Apply raw honey to the affected area.
- Wash it off after half an hour.
- Repeat twice a day.
Related: 10 Types Of Honey: What, How, And Why Should You Know About Them!
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. It helps soothe the skin and prevents further irritation when applied every day (7). Besides, aloe vera has traditionally been used to treat burns and wounds.
How To Use?
- Apply pure aloe vera gel to the affected area.
- Allow it to absorb into your skin.
- Repeat every day to see if it improves your symptoms.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which exfoliates the skin and is a great moisturizer (8). Studies suggest that yogurt masks may hydrate skin better and make it more supple and radiant (9). Use yogurt with sugar (to remove flakiness) and honey (to moisturize the skin).
How To Use?
- Mix ¼ cup plain yogurt and two teaspoons of honey in a bowl.
- Add three tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix.
- Apply this scrub to the affected area and massage for a few minutes.
- Leave the scrub on for 5 to 6 minutes and rinse with cold water.
- Repeat once a week.
Related: 10 Amazing Benefits Of Yogurt For Skin And Hair
5. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is used to treat dry and itchy skin in Ayurveda (10). It is said to heal rashes and allergies besides promoting skin health. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim.
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How To Use?
- Rub 1 to 2 drops of mustard oil between your palms.
- Apply it to the dry patches or the affected areas.
- Leave it on overnight.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil was shown to treat dry skin by reducing itching and inflammation. Besides, its anti-inflammatory characteristics may also help treat eczema (11),(12).
How To Use
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a small amount of carrier oil.
- Apply this mixture to the affected area immediately after you shower.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric relieves skin dryness. Its key component, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Besides, studies suggest that turmeric may help treat psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other dry skin disorders (13), (14).
How To Use
- Mix ¼teaspoon of turmeric powder, a tablespoon of milk cream, and a teaspoon of honey.
- Apply to the affected area.
- Rinse off with warm water after 15 minutes.
8. Neem Leaves
In traditional medicine, neem leaves are thought to treat eczema, psoriasis, and acne. They are rich in antioxidants and boost immune response in the tissues of the affected skin area. Neem is also known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties (15).
How To Use
- Mix two teaspoons of neem leaves powder with a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of turmeric powder.
- Add water to get a smooth paste.
- Apply the mixture to the affected area and let it dry for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Apply this mixture once every 4 to 5 days.
Note: Discontinue using these remedies immediately if you experience any allergic reaction like continuous burning, rash, or increased redness.
Following some simple tips can help prevent dry skin in ears. Keep scrolling to know them.
Tips To Prevent Dry Skin In Ears
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- Keep your ears clean and dry. Wash them every day.
- Use mild soaps and cleansers.
- Moisturize the skin behind your ears regularly.
- Avoid using hair sprays, heavy perfumes, dyes, and other chemical-based products.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Make sure your room temperature is moderate if you are living in extreme weather.
- Cover your ears with a hat or apply sunscreen to avoid sunburns.
- Avoid nickel and any other metals or ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions.
- Consider using a humidifier.
StyleCraze Says You can use petroleum jelly to soothe mild dryness in the skin around the ears to manage the condition.
Following the home remedies listed above may offer you some relief. However, these may not work for everyone, and such individuals may need medical attention.
When To Consult A Doctor?
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See a doctor if dryness or itching continues despite using home and over-the-counter products. Seek medical help immediately if the dry patches cause:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Foul smell
- Oozing of blood, fluid, or pus
- Crusts
- Redness
A doctor may prescribe eardrops or oral antibiotics depending on the severity.
Infographic: Tips To Keep Your Ears Clean
Dry skin in the ears is common. From environmental factors to skin allergies, several reasons can cause this condition. It is easy to treat it if you know the exact cause of it. However, it may recur. So, it is important to keep your ears clean and moisturized.
Check out the infographic below to learn some tips to keep your ears clean.
Dry skin in the ears may cause flakiness, redness, and pus. Dehydration, exposure to the sun, or allergic reactions can lead to dry skin in the ears. It may also be an underlying symptom of medical conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. You can use natural ingredients like coconut oil, honey, or aloe vera to manage the condition’s symptoms. Following simple tips such as cleaning your ears regularly and staying hydrated can prevent dry skin in your ears. If you do not see any improvement in your condition, consult your doctor immediately.
