Ear eczema is one of the multiple types of eczema and is a condition when the ear’s skin becomes red and itchy. It generally appears on the skin behind the ears or inside the ear canal. The condition might not sound worrisome, but it can encourage wax buildup inside your ear and cause temporary deafness. That’s why it becomes crucial to learn everything about this serious health problem. This blog will provide you with all information about this condition, including symptoms and solutions. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!

Symptoms Of Ear Eczema

To identify eczema inside ears, you can look for certain symptoms. The following are the ear eczema symptoms.

    1.Itching 

    2.Dryness 

    3.Discoloured rashes

    4.Bumps on the skin

    5.Leathery patches of skin

    6.Crusty skin

    7.Swelling

Causes Of Ear Eczema

There are multiple causes of Ear eczema, according to which eczema gets different names. Keep reading to find the causes of eczema and its types.

• Irritants And Allergens

Irritants like earrings, hair and skin products, food, pollen, etc., can cause the immune system to overreact. This overreaction can inflame the skin, resulting in eczema in ear canal and other body parts. Eczema caused by irritants is called allergic eczema.

• Sudden Change In Weather

Sudden changes in weather and temperature can make it hard for the skin to adapt and can trigger eczema. This kind of eczema is known as asteatotic eczema and is common in people aged 65 or older. 

• Yeast

Surplus is a type of yeast that may cause eczema in ear canal. This type of eczema is called Seborrheic dermatitis and occurs in oily areas of the body.

Who Does Ear Eczema Affect?

Ear eczema occurs in 15% to 30% of kids and 2% to 10% of adults. However, it is more likely to occur in people with:

Family History Of Eczema

Genes carry genetic information, so if someone in your father or mother was affected by ear eczema, then you are also likely to face it. A 2015 study by the NIH (National Institute of Health) revealed that the chance of inheriting eczema is 75%.

Asthma 

Asthma and Eczema are both linked to inflammation which is often caused by a reaction to environmental allergens. As a result, asthma can trigger eczema behind ears, or other areas of the body.

Environmental Allergies

When the skin reacts to irritants, it causes inflammation which can cause allergic eczema. People with environmental allergies often suffer from skin inflammation, which is why they get eczema inside ears. 

Hay Fever

Hay fever is an allergic response from the immune system that results in sneezing, runny nose, or watery and itchy eyes. It’s triggered by pollen, which also causes common allergies. Because allergies also trigger eczema in ear canal and other body parts, people with hay fever often suffer from this condition.

Tips To Clear Out  Ear Eczema

To get rid of ear eczema, you need to avoid its causes. Some other below-written tips will also help you get rid of eczema behind ears.

• Stop using allergic products, such as wearing nickel, cobalt or copper earrings.
• Prefer using a humidifier to prevent skin dryness.
• When going out in cold weather, wear a warm hat to keep your ears covered.
• Avoid rubbing or scratching your ear skin. It might cause inflammation, which can trigger eczema behind the ears.
• Apply hydrocortisone cream or ointment on ear skin. It will relieve pain and discolouration.
• Moisturise your ear skin with cream or ointment to prevent dryness.
• Bathe in lukewarm water and gently wash your ears to remove dirt.
• Use steroid creams and pills prescribed by the doctor.

How To Prevent Ear Eczema

The following steps will reduce the risk of ear eczema.

• Avoid using wool and silk clothes; they can dry your skin.
• Always use mild soaps for showering and pat your skin dry.
• Drink enough water to keep yourself hydrated.
• Avoid areas where temperature changes suddenly. 

Dealing With Ear Eczema

Now, you have learned everything about ear eczema, including its treatment. But you should always try to avoid this condition. You also need to know that in kids, eczema behind ears occurs naturally and improves over time, so there is no need to be worried much. But, if the situation worsens, you must visit a doctor immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 1. How long does it take to cure ear eczema?

With proper treatment and precautions, eczema in ear canals can be treated in three weeks.

 2. Can ear eczema spread to the face?

Yes, ear eczema can spread all over your face, including lips, chin, forehead and cheeks.

 3. What are some Ear acupuncture points for eczema?

Lung (CO14), Shenmen (TF4), Endocrine (CO18), and Adrenal (TG2P) are some acupuncture points that can help cure eczema.

 4. Is vaseline good for ear eczema?

Yes, the National Eczema Association has affirmed that people suffering from eczema can use Vaseline Jelly Original to relieve their symptoms. 

 5. Can stress cause ear eczema?

Poor diet and stress are internal triggers for eczema, so people must avoid them.