Recently, we’ve gotten lots of questions about eczema in the ear canal. This is something that can be associated with several conditions–all of which look a little bit similar to each other and therefore making it difficult to determine what the problem actually is and how to treat it.
So, here are the problems that happen in our ear canals in dermatology land. 😀
- Eczema: this is probably the most common problem that occurs in the ear canal. While most dermatologists call this “Psoriasis”, it actually isn’t. Eczema of the ear canals usually presents as scaly, itchy ear canals without any other particular rash on the scalp (psoriasis usually has rash elsewhere on the scalp as well). Eczema in the ear canals can be associated with an allergic reaction to chemicals in your hair care products (fragrance, preservative systems (i.e. MCI/MI and the formaldehyde releasers), and to surfactants (SLS,SES and cocamidopropyl betaine) or even from your hair dye. Sometimes, people are allergic to their hearing aids! This can also cause eczema in the ear canal!
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis DOES happen in the ear canals, but it almost always also comes along with a thick “silvery” scaly rash elsewhere on the scalp and the body.
- Seborrhea: This is overgrowth of a naturally occurring yeast called pityrosporum that usually presents with scaly pink skin in the ear canal.
Each of these conditions can look very similar, but you can address all three of them using the same regimen: Stop using your current shampoo and conditioner (allergenic chemicals) and start using the TrueCider shampoo and conditioner that contains NONE of these chemicals. Then treat your ears using the TrueCider Serum followed by the Eczema Experts 1% hydrocortisone cream. Use this regimen two or three times a day and celebrate when your ears are happy again!
There is one more thing you should consider when you have a rash in your ears:
- Yeast or bacterial infection: Sometimes, you can get overgrowth of Candida albicans or of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When this happens, the ear canal is usually oozy or weeping yellow fluid or has a dried yellowish crust to it.
If there is overgrowth of yeast or Pseudomonas in your ears, I recommend pH modulation. A healthy ear canal has a pH of 5.0 to 5.7. Both Candida and Pseudomonas thrive at a pH that is higher than this. By restoring the correct pH to the ear canal, you make the ears unfriendly to the Candida and Pseudomonas so they can’t grow! I like to use the TrueCider serum in the ear canal a few times a day in this case to restore the healthy pH of the skin. You will find that the Candida and Pseudomonas just can’t live there anymore and your ears can become healthy again.