Eczema can strike any area of the body, including the ear canal and outer ear. Ear eczema patients may experience dry, flaking skin in or around their ears. This can be the reason behind dry cracked skin behind ear. When you come into contact with certain triggers, such as cosmetics or metal jewelry, this symptom may emerge.
Acute otitis externa is an infection and inflammation of the ear canal caused by ear eczema. Eczema of the ears is a common skin disorder that produces discolouration, dry skin, and itching in, on, and around the ears. People can typically lessen ear eczema symptoms and flares by using a variety of therapy and prevention measures.
Symptoms of Ear Eczema
- Eczema is characterized by patches of skin that are exceedingly dry, scaly, itching, and cracked or dry cracked skin behind ear.
- You may also notice a clear discharge from your ear if you have ear eczema.
- These sensations are frequently aggravated during periods of excessive dryness. During the winter, when indoor heating makes the air inside drier than usual, you may notice them more.
- The skin of your ear, as well as the area behind your ear and the fold between your earlobe and cheek, might be affected by ear eczema. It can also impact your ear canal, which extends from your eardrum to the aperture of your ear.
Causes of Ear Eczema
The following can be the reasons behind dry cracked skin behind ear or inside the ear:
- Doctors and researchers aren’t sure what causes eczema, but they assume a number of factors are at play.
- A gene mutation that affects filaggrin, a protein that forms a protective barrier on the skin, could be one of these factors. The skin may get irritated and infected as a result of this mutation.
- The immune systems of many persons with eczema are overactive. Their immune system responds by creating skin irritation when they come into contact with a trigger.
- Eczema is commonly triggered by: Baby wipes, soaps, and detergent allergens in common nickel and a few other metals fragrances, lotions, and soaps with a few germicides. smoke, stress and heat can also be triggers to this problem .
Types of Ear eczema
Ear eczema can also be caused by contact with certain irritants. Contact dermatitis is the name for this type of eczema. Contact dermatitis in and around the ears can be triggered by soaps, hair colors, and metal jewelry.
This type of eczema, which occurs when your skin is exposed to changes in the weather, is more common among older people. Overwashing, interior heating, and windy conditions are just a few of the things that might make it worse.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that affects oily parts of the body, particularly the scalp. It can also cause problems with your ears, particularly the skin behind them. Doctors aren’t sure what’s causing it, although it could be caused by a fungus in the oil secreted by your skin glands or an immune system problem.
Diagnosis of Ear Eczema
Dermatitis, including ear eczema, is usually diagnosed during a standard physical examination. In addition to completing a visual assessment of the area, they will ask the individual about any symptoms they are having. Skin tests may be ordered by doctors to help assess the type of eczema a person has or which allergens are causing their symptoms.
Accordion Treatment options for Ear eczema
Various treatment options for dry cracked skin behind ear and inside the ears are:
- Consider phototherapy: UV radiation, mainly ultraviolet B (UVB), from specific lamps is used in phototherapy. Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, can be helped by UV light waves present in sunlight.
- Antibiotics – If your ear eczema has become infected, you will be given antibiotics.
- Take your prescription drugs as directed: Steroid creams, pills, shots, or ear drops may be prescribed by your doctor. Side effects such as elevated blood pressure, weight gain, and skin thinning are long-term hazards. Topical immunomodulators (TIMs), which are newer drugs, have shown promise in treating patients who haven’t responded to conventional treatments. They alter the immunological response to allergens in the body and cause less negative effects.
- For severe itching, antihistamines are available over-the-counter (OTC).
- Use a cream or ointment to moisturize your skin. Lotions are frequently ineffective. Apply multiple times throughout the day, including after a bath or shower. Moisturizers aid in the retention of moisture in the skin.
Treatments as per eczema types:
- The treatment for ear eczema is determined by the underlying cause as well as the affected area. If you have allergic eczema, you may need to stop using specific products or wearing earrings to figure out what’s irritating you. If you still can’t figure out what’s causing it, allergy testing may be necessary.
- If you have seborrheic eczema, you may need to treat the affected area of your ear with an antifungal ointment. If the skin behind your ear is impacted, your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid to relieve inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe steroid ear drops if you have symptoms in your external ear canal.
Prevention, Habits & Management tips
The following tips for ear eczema may help:
- Nickel, cobalt, and copper earrings are typical allergies to avoid.
- When it’s cold outside, wear a warm cap that covers your ears.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing your skin.
- If dry air causes your skin to become dry, use a humidifier.
- Use fragrance-free, dye-free, and alcohol-free mild soaps and hair and skin care products.
- Use lukewarm (not hot) water to bathe or shower. Wash your ears gently. Try to stay in the water for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
- Rinse your items thoroughly after using mild laundry soap.
Conclusion
Ear eczema is a common condition that is usually straightforward to cure, but your skin may take some time to heal. Make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms are severe or you’ve never had eczema before to rule out any other conditions. While you heal, you may need to use a topical steroid cream to manage inflammation. Keep your ears hydrated as they heal, whether you require medical care or not.
FAQs
How soon will I feel better following ear eczema treatment?
After one to three weeks of adequate treatment, your ear eczema should be gone. However, no treatment can guarantee that the symptoms of ear eczema will go away completely. For the rest of your life, you may get flare-ups on or in your ears. You may be able to avoid flare-ups from occurring as frequently if you’ve identified the reason for your flare-ups.
Is it possible to get rid of ear eczema?
Because ear eczema is a chronic illness, there is no cure. Treatments, on the other hand, are quite helpful in alleviating the symptoms of dry, itchy skin.
Is petroleum jelly effective for ear eczema?
Ear eczema can be treated with petroleum jelly or skin care ointments. These products hydrate and protect the skin that has been harmed. They’re hypoallergenic and include antibacterial and antifungal properties that aid in skin healing.
Is ear eczema spreadable?
Eczema of the ears is not communicable. Ear eczema cannot be passed from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact.
