Eczema in the Ear Canal: A Common Cause of Itchy Ears

Have you ever had an itch you couldn’t reach inside your ear? Eczema in the ear canal is a common skin condition that can lead to itching and flaking. It is not a dangerous condition, but the itch can be hard to reach and treat. Knowing how it happens and what you can do about it can help you manage your next ear eczema flare-up. 

What is ear eczema? 

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition of the skin. It can happen anywhere on the skin, including in or on your ears. Eczema causes your skin to be itchy, red, flaky, and dry. In some cases, the skin can be bumpy and discolored. Over time, inflammation can cause the skin to thicken and become leathery. 

Overall, eczema happens in about 7 out of 10 adults. Eczema is much more common in children. It’s estimated that about 15% of children have the condition. 

What causes eczema in the ear canal?

There are a number of things that might cause eczema in the ear canal. One factor is a breakdown in the skin’s protective layers. When the skin’s defenses are down, it loses water more easily and does not retain enough moisture. This can also allow irritants to get in the skin more easily. 

This breakdown can have genetic causes or it can be triggered by your environment. 

Environmental triggers for eczema include:

• Weather changes

• Stress

• Contact with chemicals or other harsh irritants

• Allergens

• Clothes made from scratchy materials such as wool

• Excessive washing of the skin

These factors can lead to skin dryness and inflammation, which can lead to an eczema rash. 

What are the symptoms of ear eczema?

The symptoms of ear eczema can be different for each person. The symptoms can also vary depending on how severe your eczema is. Here are a few common symptoms of ear eczema:

• Red, itchy, flaky skin anywhere on the ear (including on the outer ear and ear lobe, inside your ear, or behind or in front of your ear)

• Thick scale or bumps on the skin of the ear

• Tender and broken or cracked skin

• Bleeding from the skin of the ear

• Itching

• Skin weeping and pus

• Hearing changes

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

How do you treat ear eczema?

Treatments for ear eczema are similar to those for eczema on other parts of the body. These include home remedies and prescription treatments. 

Home treatments may include:

• Avoiding irritating products (like using cotton swabs in the ears)

• Avoiding common ear allergens (such as ear pods and nickel-containing earrings)

• Using mild personal care products without many fragrances

• Avoiding excessive scratching of your ears

• Applying Vaseline to help protect the skin barrier

• Drinking plenty of water to improve hydration and moisturization

• Avoiding prolonged showers

Prescription treatments can include:

• Topical steroid creams (like hydrocortisone)

• Topical non-steroidal creams (like pimecrolimus, tacrolimus)

• Antihistamines (like cetirizine) to reduce itching

• Systemic treatments (like prednisone, dupilumab)

What are other causes of rashes in the ears?

A few other skin conditions can cause rashes in the ears. And they can sometimes look like ear eczema. Here are some other common rashes that can affect the ears.

Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is driven by inflammation in the skin. It also commonly affects the ears. Psoriasis can look similar to eczema. But in the ears, psoriasis tends to cause much thicker red patches. And the rash is not as itchy as eczema. 

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a rash commonly caused by an overgrowth of friendly yeast on the skin. It often happens on the scalp, the eyebrows, or the ears. Seborrheic dermatitis causes skin flaking, dryness, and itching. Severe cases can lead to thickening of the skin inside the ears and discoloration. 

Unlike psoriasis and some forms of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is not a chronic rash. The symptoms can resolve after being treated with anti-yeast prescription creams. 

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is a rash caused by an allergy to something your skin came in contact with. It can happen anywhere on the body. In the ears, it is commonly caused by:

• Earrings

• Ear pods

• Shampoos

• Personal care products

• Hair dye 

Allergic contact dermatitis can be diagnosed with an allergy test, called the patch test. This test is usually done by a dermatologist or an allergist. 

If you have a rash in your ears that is not improving, it may be a good idea to seek help from your healthcare provider. 

Is ear eczema serious?

Ear eczema is usually not a serious problem. However, eczema tends to be chronic — meaning there is no cure for it. Eczema in the ears can cause embarrassment, and, in severe cases, it can affect your quality of life. 

Treatments can be helpful in clearing your skin and maintaining it. Because eczema is chronic, you will most likely need a long-term plan to keep your skin clear. This includes consistent moisturization, avoiding things that trigger your eczema, and regular treatment as needed.

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Written by:

Alina Goldenberg, MD, MAS, FAAD

Alina Goldenberg, MD, MAS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in San Diego. She is also an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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