Pimple in the Ear: The Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Pimple in Ear are frustrating! We’re familiar with the pimples on the forehead and cheeks. Have you heard about pimples in your Ear? Yes, they’re similar to acne spots. When the hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, bacteria form on the skin, causing folliculitis or pimples.
Pimples in the ears are usually painful and cause discomfort for the affected individuals. They may occur inside the Ear or behind the Ear. You may feel their irritation and urge to pop them out, but doing so will worsen your pain and condition. Get help from expert ENT specialist Dr Mustafa Kapadia. With quality ear care, individuals receive the most comprehensive treatment across Dubai.
In this blog, learn more about the causes and symptoms of pimples in the Ear and how to get rid of a pimple in Ear. When to consult an ENT specialist?
Where do pimples occur in the Ear?
Pimple in ear canal
Pimples in the ear canal occur due to residue from hair care products, oil, and dead skin cells. Pimples build up in the opening of the ear canal, along with ear aches. These pimples are painful and might cause severe otitis externa.
Pimple behind Ear
Pimples behind the Ear occur due to soap or shampoo residue after showering. Excess sweat, hair care products, and oil buildup block the pores and increase pimple formation behind the Ear. They look like whiteheads that appear on your face.
Pimple inside Ear
Pimples inside the ear can occur for various reasons, such as bacterial growth, increased wax production, or bad hygiene. They can be painful and cause persistent itching. To better treat this condition, you need to consult an ENT specialist
Pimple in the earlobe
Pimples in the earlobe occur while wearing earrings. The pressure of the earrings creates stress on the skin and increases the growth of pimples. Due to dead skin, oil, dirt, and sweat, they look similar to acne spots on your face.
What are the causes of a pimple in Ear?
Pimples, also called whiteheads or blackheads, occur as a result of clogged pores. Since the external ear canal and outer Ear have hair cells, oil-producing glands, and skin cells, it’s easy to get pimples in these areas.
Why is there a pimple in my Ear? Explaining the causes
Sweat and dead skin cells
Unlike any other body part, the Ear is susceptible to the buildup of sweat, dead skin cells, and sebum. It’s common while indulging in physical activities or due to humid weather.
Using Q tips
Incorrect usage of Q-tips for earwax removal may further push down the earwax and lead to blockages or pimples.
Following improper hygiene
If you wear hearing aids, earphones, or earrings, you must clean them regularly. Uncleaned products can infect your skin and lead to pimple formation.
Dusty environment
When you live in a dirty or dusty environment, the air pollutants can lodge on your Ear and result in clogged pores or pimples. Individuals who work or live in a dusty environment are prone to ear pimples.
Stress factors
Stress hurts your skin. Hormonal fluctuations lead to increased sebum production, which results in pimple formation.
What are the symptoms of a pimple in Ear?
Whatever the location, pimples are always irritating and cause discomfort. You must differentiate the symptoms and get proper medical attention for pimples in the Ear.
- Persistent pain and tenderness
- Pus in ears
- Bump in the external Ear or inside the ear canal
If untreated, ear pimples can impact your health, causing
- Ear Swelling
- Hearing loss – in rare cases
- Jaw pain
What to do when there is a pimple in your ear?
How to get rid of a pimple in Ear? This is a common question among people suffering from discomfort due to ear pimples. Whatever may be the issue, home remedies will be our first choice. However, if home remedies aren’t successful, seek professional advice from expert ENT doctors.
We have compiled a few home remedies for pimples in ears.
- Applying a warm compress can reduce infection and improve healing.
- Apply pimple cream which contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide directly on the pimple.
- Aloe vera and tea tree oil have an anti-disinfectant effect when treating pimples. Apply using a cotton swab, making sure it doesn’t penetrate the ear canal.
- Jojoba oil can reduce the impact of bacteria that cause pimples. Apply it directly to the infected area for 30 minutes and remove it with a cloth.
The above home remedies are applicable for pimples outside the Ear. You need professional help from an ENT physician for pimples inside the ear.
Pimple in Ear - What are the treatment options?
After the initial diagnosis, doctors recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
- Doctors prescribe topical medications, tretinoin, or over-the-counter medications.
- Doctors prescribe a few antibiotics, to treat bacteria associated with pimple formation.
Pimple in Ear – Preventive measures
- Clean your hearing aids, earrings, and earphones regularly
- Wash your ears and surrounding areas
- Keep your hair clean and away from ears or face
- Remove excess earwax
- Avoid using Q-tips to clean the ears
Stop suffering! Seek professional advice from Dr Mustafa Kapadia.
Typically, people treat a pimple in the Ear with home remedies or over-the-counter medications. However, if you’re not successful, consult an expert ENT specialist. They diagnose the infection and prepare an effective treatment plan.
Dr Mustafa Kapadia is a leading ENT specialist in Dubai with extensive expertise in endoscopic ear surgery. Being a board-certified doctor, he recommends the best treatment for ear problems. Come and visit our clinic directly for quality ear care.
Get rid of Pimples in your Ear!
