Ear Eczema - Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Ear Eczema?

Ear eczema is a skin condition causing itching, discoloration, and dry skin around or inside the ear. Ear eczema is not contagious. The chances of acquiring ear eczema are high when someone has a family history of eczema, asthma (a respiratory condition resulting in swollen and narrow airways producing excess mucus), or allergy. Eczema affects the skin barrier function, and thus the skin becomes more sensitive and prone to infections and dryness.

What Causes Ear Eczema?

The ear eczema cause will depend on the type of eczema affecting the ear. The types of eczema that can affect the ear are:

1. Allergic Eczema - Allergic eczema is when someone comes in contact with some allergens. A few things or irritants that can provoke ear eczema are:

   • Makeup products.

   • Earrings.

   • Headphones.

   • Other personal care products.

2. Asteatotic Eczema - This type of ear eczema occurs when exposed to weather changes, and older people are prone to develop this. There are some factors that can make it worse, like overwashing, windy conditions and indoor heating.

3. Seborrheic Dermatitis - Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the oily sites of the body, and in the ear, it affects the areas behind the ear. The exact cause is unknown, but it could be related to fungus in the oil secreted by the gland or immune system response.

What Is the Difference Between Ear Eczema and Psoriasis?

The two types of skin diseases are psoriasis and ear eczema. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means that it does not go away that fast. Psoriasis can result in thick, discolored skin patches which are lined by white or silver-colored scales. Ear eczema affects the skin in or around the ear and causes more intense itching than psoriasis. Many people, especially children, can have psoriasis and ear eczema as well.

What Are the Symptoms of Ear Eczema?

The symptoms of ear eczema are:

• Itching of the skin.

• Skin dryness.

• Discolored rashes on the skin.

• Leathery patches of skin.

• Crusty skin.

• Swelling.

• Bumps on the skin.

Who Gets Affected by Ear Eczema?

Ear eczema can affect any person. But it is more common in people with the following:

• A person with a family history of ear eczema.

• Pre-existing asthma.

• A person who has allergies.

• People with allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

How Does Ear Eczema Affect the Body?

Ear eczema affects the ear, which includes:

• The outer ear, including the ear lobes.

• The inner ear includes the ear canal.

• Behind the ear.

• The skin between the ear and the face.

There may be itching, color change, bumps, dry skin, and thickening of the skin. In severe cases, there may be cracking of the skin and yellow or white pus discharge. The patients can also have tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or loss of hearing.

What Tests Will Be Done to Diagnose Ear Eczema?

Ear eczema can be diagnosed by physical examination by the healthcare provider. However, there are some tests that the health care providers may advise to confirm the diagnosis, and they are:

• Allergy skin test.

• Blood test is done to look for other causes of ear eczema.

• Skin biopsy is performed to distinguish between other types of dermatitis.

What Is the Treatment of Ear Eczema?

The treatment of ear eczema will be decided on which type of eczema is causing this. Also, one must determine the factors which aggravate the condition and must avoid it. The aim of the treatment is to reduce itching and discomfort and prevent infections.

The following home remedies will help to relieve ear eczema:

• Avoid common allergens like earrings made of metals like nickel, copper, or cobalt.

• Wear a hat that is warm so as to protect the ear when going out in cold weather.

• Avoid scratching the affected skin site.

• Keep the skin moisturized using a cream or ointment. Apply several times a day as they help to trap the moisture in the skin.

• Use hydrocortisone cream or ointment, which will help the itching and skin discoloration.

• Use lukewarm water to bathe and limit the time spent in water to less than 15 minutes.

• Use mild laundry soap to wash the clothes.

• Use mild soap, hair, and skincare products that are also perfume, dyes, and alcohol-free. Use products that are labeled fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or for sensitive skin.

• Try to use skin products with ceramide, as they can replace some of the barriers lost in the skin.

• Use over-the-counter antihistamines for severe itching.

• Take prescription medications, as the health care provider may prescribe pills, shots, steroid creams, or ear drops. There are some long-term risks, like high blood pressure, weight gain, and thinning of the skin. Topical modulators are a newer group of medications that have been effective in treating patients who did not respond to other medications. They work by changing the body's immune response to allergens and have fewer side effects.

• Try phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet lights from special lamps which can help certain skin disorders like eczema.

How to Reduce the Risk?

There are certain things that can be done to prevent ear eczema breakouts, such as:

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice for maintaining a proper skincare routine.

• Use mild soap to bathe and avoid rubbing with towels, instead, pat dry the skin after bathing.

• Use a moisturizer on a daily basis regularly multiple times so as to prevent the skin from getting dry.

• Use lukewarm water to bathe and avoid hot water.

• Drink enough water each day which will help to keep the skin moist.

• Avoid exposure to known irritants and allergens.

• Avoid scratching or rubbing irritated skin.

Conclusion

Ear eczema is an irritating and embarrassing condition that can sometimes affect hearing. It can affect daily living and can make one feel self-conscious. With timely intervention and following the healthcare provider's advice, the condition can be treated, and the impact can be reduced. If there are any changes in the skin in and around the ear, do consult a healthcare provider to arrive at a diagnosis so that they can provide treatment if needed.