What is worse than a pimple appearing? Trying to get rid of it, of course. These pus-filled blemishes always seem annoying and painful in inconvenient places – on your face and back, and yes, sometimes you can even find one in your ear.
What causes a pimple in the ear?
Ear pimples can come in different shapes and sizes. You may be dealing with small blackheads, whiteheads, or red, sensitive pimples. In any case, don’t worry too much. A pimple inside your ear is usually not a sign of poor hygiene or anything serious, as explained by Susan Bard, a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology Specialists.
“They typically start with clogged pores and it’s common for this to happen in the ear canal,” she says. This is known as a blocked canal, which is the circular, hollow part that leads to the ear canal.
Something as simple as excess oil on the skin can cause a pimple in your ear. “Buildup of oil, dead skin, and residue from hair and hair products that accumulates and isn’t cleaned properly can contribute to clogged pores and the formation of blackheads,” says Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
If you are prone to certain conditions like dandruff – which can also occur behind the ear canal as well as the scalp – it may cause the skin to flake and contribute to clogged pores, Dr. Bard says.
Why are pimples in the ear so painful?
If you’ve had a pimple in your ear before, you know how uncomfortable it can be – but it is rarely serious when allowed to heal properly. The pimple is unlikely to cause ear infection and the pus isn’t likely to sneak into the eardrum.
“Pimples in the ear are very painful because the skin is more sensitive there, and importantly, there is cartilage there,” says Dr. Bard. “Any time there is inflammation around cartilage, like around the nose or the ear, it is always very painful.”
How to prevent pimples in the ear
If the issue stems from clogged pores due to earwax, Dr. Garshick recommends cleaning your ears regularly and using non-comedogenic products. But that doesn’t mean using a cotton swab. The Mayo Clinic advises putting drops of baby oil or mineral oil in the ear to soften the wax. The next day, perform an ear wash at home using a bulb syringe to rinse out the wax with warm water. Let the water flow out afterward, then dry your ear with a clean cloth. It’s best to speak to your healthcare provider before putting anything in your ear, though.
You can also go to a doctor who uses medical instruments to remove any blockage and excess wax. If properly washing your ears doesn’t stop the pimples from appearing, Dr. Garshick recommends washing your hair regularly to prevent transferring oils.
Oils and dead skin are major contributors to clogged pores, so keeping your hair and face clean can help prevent pimples from forming on your face and scalp – and in your ears. “Gentle exfoliation using a product that contains salicylic acid once or twice a week can help prevent the buildup of dead skin, although it’s important to avoid putting it inside the ear canal,” says Dr. Garshick.
How to get rid of a pimple in the ear
The best thing you can do is to stay away from it. Just leave it alone, says Dr. Bard.
However, she also acknowledges that nine out of ten patients do not follow that recommendation. So, if the pimple is really painful and might be quite visible (for example, if it’s very white in the center), you can use two cotton swabs to gently press on it, Dr. Bard says, ensuring that the process is clean. Only target the areas you can actually see – nothing deep inside your ear should be touched by anyone other than a healthcare provider.
Avoid
Use your hands if possible. When people use their fingers, they tend to apply more force, says Dr. Bard. Additionally, your nails can cause further injury to the ear and push bacteria deeper into your skin if you haven’t washed your hands properly. This increases the risk of infection.
If the pimple is not in the right position, but you urgently need immediate relief, Dr. Bard recommends using warm compresses or acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide, which fights the bacteria that cause acne. Products containing retinoids, like Differin Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment, can also help speed up the healing process, she says. But be cautious when applying them to the ear area.
Should you pop a pimple in your ear?
The bad news is that despite the relief it might provide (and the satisfaction that fans of Dr. Pimple Popper might get), says Navin Aurora, a board-certified dermatologist at Borealis Dermatology, it’s generally not a good idea to pop a pimple in the ear. “The skin inside the ear is sensitive, and popping a pimple can lead to infection or damage,” he says, echoing some of Dr. Bard’s advice. “Additionally, the ear canal is a sensitive area, and interfering with it can cause pain or injury.”
While we usually don’t think about ear beauty, Dr. Aurora points out another big reason to keep your hands away from the problem: popping a pimple also increases the risk of scarring. This means that in addition to the risk of infection, you might be left with a permanent mark after the skin heals.
How long does it take for a pimple in the ear to go away?
Generally, Dr. Garshick says it can take days to weeks for a pimple in your ear to disappear, which is similar to acne on any part of your body or face. However, the number of days or weeks it takes for an annoying ear pimple to heal is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Some types of pimples, like whiteheads, may take a week to clear up, while cystic acne may take weeks or even months. Blackheads typically do not go away on their own, but can be stubborn and may last from one month to three months.
Just remember that pimples will last longer or leave scars if you attempt to pop them without taking necessary precautions (like cleaning your hands before touching the area). This increases the risk of pushing bacteria deeper into the pores, which can lead to new pimples or infection. Let it heal on its own or try the treatment options mentioned above, and you’ll get rid of that pimple in no time.
What could it be if it’s not a pimple?
If the pimple hasn’t followed the traditional timeline set by Dr. Garshick, you could be dealing with something completely different. “In rare cases, a bump in the ear can be a benign tumor or skin growth,” explains Dr. Aurora, who lists some other common causes:
Follicular cysts: These are non-cancerous cysts filled with sebum, which is a skin lubricant.
Ear infections: Bumps can sometimes be a sign of an ear infection, especially if accompanied by pain and fever.
Folliculitis: This can cause bumps that may resemble pimples.
Keratosis pilaris: A harmless condition where small bumps similar to acne appear on the skin.
No matter what you’re dealing with, a board-certified dermatologist should be able to diagnose the problem and help you find relief.
When
Should you see a doctor?
The good news is that you shouldn’t have to suffer from ear discomfort for long. “If the swelling doesn’t go away within seven to ten days, you should see a dermatologist for symptom relief or to make sure there’s nothing else that needs further diagnosis and treatment,” explains Aya Ahram, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery. She says your doctor may follow a variety of different treatment options, including “a topical antibiotic that can help combat the pimple, or a steroid injection to help soothe the inflammation.”
Additionally, Dr. Arora says it’s important to consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- The swelling is painful, persistent, or increasing in size.
- Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or warmth.
- Hearing issues or there is discharge from the ear.
- If there is a fever or severe pain associated with the swelling.
- If the swelling does not improve with general care, or if there is uncertainty about its nature.
Just remember, for accurate medical advice, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider, especially when dealing with sensitive areas like the ear.
Source: https://www.aol.com/best-way-rid-painful-pimple-134100234.html
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