Got acne? You’re not alone – and it’s not just a condition that impacts teenagers. Millions of adults experience acne. The American Academy of Dermatology Association states that 50 million Americans are impacted by acne every year. They also note that acne in adults is increasing, especially in women. Most of the time, pimples pop up on your face or on your back. However, they can turn up in areas you aren’t expecting – including in your ear. If you’ve ever experienced pimples in your ears, here’s why and what you can do about it.
Acne is a broad term and there are many different types of acne, including:
With all of these different types of acne, you might be wondering why and how one of these would form in your ear. You may find acne or pimples in your outer ear or on the external ear canal. Like other areas of your body, you do have oil glands in the skin on and in your ears. When these glands produce too much oil or become clogged with dirt and debris, pimples can form. Hormonal changes and stress may also cause pimples.
There are many ways to avoid acne and pimples in your ears. To stop pimples from forming in your ears, it’s important to practice basic hygiene just like you would on any other part of your body. This includes:
Most people are tempted to pop pimples. However, this should be avoided. Popping pimples contributes to the spread of bacteria that can actually make the pimple worse. It may cause pain, inflammation, scarring, and even infection. Popping a pimple can also make the pimple turn into a boil – a pus-filled bump caused by an infected hair follicle. It is best to not pop pimples in your ears or anywhere else.
The best way to treat an ear pimple is to leave it alone until it resolves on its own. However, if it is bothering you and you can feel it, you can apply a warm compress to the affected area. Gently press (do not rub) the compress to the pimple to loosen it up. This will help it drain on its own without picking, tugging, or popping.
You can also apply a natural spot treatment to the affected area, such as the Teami Green Tea Detox Mask.
If you can’t see the pimple or the discomfort needs medical attention, seek out the help of a dermatologist. A medical professional will be able to assist with safe removal and offer a safe treatment plan. Plus, a dermatologist will be able to evaluate the condition of your skin and the severity of your acne.
Clearing up acne or ear pimples is not an overnight process. It can take up to five days for one single pimple to clear on its own. However, a larger breakout can take up to six weeks to resolve. How fast you can help clear up the pimple will depend on if there’s one or several to resolve. It will also depend on how you treat it. If you pick and scratch at it, the pimple will take longer to go away.
If you have a bump in your ear, it might not be a pimple but resemble one. It could be a cyst that is not acne. It could also be a keloid, which is common on earlobes. A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue caused by excess collagen in the skin that builds up when a scar is healing. These are not harmful.
When to seek medical attention if you suspect your bump is not a pimple but something else:
Overall, if you have persistent acne and regularly experience pimples in your ears and elsewhere, it is helpful to seek out advice from a doctor. A professional can help you get to the root cause of acne and find out what is causing it. Once you do that, it will be easier to stop it.
Of course, the best starting point is to practice a healthy lifestyle by drinking plenty of water with our free 5-Day Water Challenge, getting exercise, and limiting your intake of refined and processed foods. If you’re new to meal prep and are looking for healthy food ideas, download this free e-book filled with 23 healthy recipes!
There’s no doubt that pimples can be painful, frustrating, and embarrassing. By taking the right approach to acne and being gentle with your skin, you will resolve the issue faster and stop it from getting worse.