Scab in the Ear: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A scab in the ear usually isn’t something to worry about. You can develop a scab in your ear due to a new ear piercing, an ear pimple, or dry and irritated skin. Acute causes like these can usually heal on their own, although an over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatment may help.

Much more rarely, a scab in your ear can be a sign of a serious, underlying condition like skin cancer. For this reason, it’s important to see your healthcare provider if the scab in your ear won’t seem to heal or is accompanied by other new or unusual symptoms.

This article covers the potential causes and symptoms of a scab in the ear. It also discusses treatment options for each cause, along with when to see a healthcare provider.

Ear Piercing

Ear piercing may lead to scabs due to infection.

Infections in piercings on the earlobe can cause scabbing, and sometimes lead to a keloid or an abscess. Cartilage piercings take longer to heal because this area lacks blood vessels. If a cartilage piercing becomes infected, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Treatment

The type of treatment depends on the severity of the infection. The following are some treatment options:

• Taking oral antibiotics
• Applying antibiotic ointment on the affected area
• Rinsing the infected area with sterile saline
• Applying a warm compress to the infected area

Ear Pimples

Ear pimples can occur inside the ear and develop similarly to those on the face or neck. While these pimples are generally harmless, it’s important not to pick at or pop them, as this can cause discharge to enter the ear or lead to infection and irritation.

Treatment

Ear pimples typically heal on their own. Applying a warm compress can aid the healing process. Other helpful options include:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments that can also be used for ear pimples

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition that causes inflammation throughout the body due to an overactive immune system. This inflammation can impact other organs and tissues as well.

In psoriasis, the immune system accelerates skin cell growth. Normally, skin cells grow and shed within a month, but in psoriasis, this happens in just three to four days. The skin cells don’t shed properly, leading to a buildup on the skin’s surface. This results in dry, scaly patches that can burn, scab, sting, and itch.

These patches can appear on various parts of the body, such as the knees, elbows, ears, eyelids, and scalp. Psoriasis is not contagious.

Treatment

There are several treatment options for psoriasis. Keep in mind that lifestyle habits may help the condition.

Some of the triggers include:

Finding ways to reduce stress, consuming low-inflammatory foods, and getting sun or using a humidifier are helpful. It is always important to contact a healthcare professional to address any questions.

Some common treatments for psoriasis include:

• Vitamin D3 ointment
• Vitamin A or retinol creams
• Steroid creams
• Moisturizers for dry skin
• Anthralin, a medication to slow skin cell production
• Medicated lotions, shampoos, and bath solutions to improve scalp psoriasis
• Light therapy

There are other treatments for extreme cases that can cause side effects. Speak with a healthcare provider regarding options if there is an extreme case of psoriasis.

Ear Dermatitis/Eczema

Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. This is a word that is used to describe rashes and skin irritation caused by issues such as:

• An overactive immune system
• Genetics
• Infections
• Allergies

The common symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they include a rash, dry skin, and itchiness. There are different types of eczema and dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis. That is the type usually found on the scalp, ears, and face. It shows up as dry, flaky, itchy skin on the area of the body that is affected.

Other symptoms include:

• Rashes
• Bumps
• Scaling skin
• Blood and liquid oozing from the area when scratched

Eczema can affect all areas of the ear, including the eardrum. People with eczema have an overactive immune system. Some triggers, such as stress, scented lotions, fabrics, or infections, will create inflammation in the skin.

Treatment

To diagnose dermatitis, the healthcare provider will typically examine the skin, perform a skin biopsy, and do a blood test and an allergy skin test. The specific treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

Some of the most common treatments include the following:

• Moisturizing creams
• Corticosteroid creams and ointments
• Oral medication
• Antibiotics
• Topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors

Some at-home treatments include using moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated, reducing stress, using mild soap, and bathing in lukewarm water.

For eczema, it is also important to consider adopting lifestyle habits such as:

• Wearing fabrics such as bamboo, cotton, or silk
• Minimizing exposure to dust and pet hair
• Avoiding processed and high-inflammatory foods

In the cooler months, be sure to get adequate fresh air and use a humidifier. Other triggers for eczema include:

• Metal from jewelry
• Scented soaps and lotions
• Stress

Dry Ears

Dry skin on the ears typically looks scaly, with rough-feeling patches. If the dryness is severe, the skin may bleed or crack. Dryness in the skin can be caused by climate, illness, allergies, genetics, age, or other skin conditions. Some of the symptoms include:

• Itchiness
• Cracked skin
• Rough patches
• Discoloration (a change in skin tone)
• Flakes or scales

Treatment

To diagnose dry skin, the healthcare provider may conduct a blood test, allergy test, or skin biopsy.

Treatments include moisturizers for softening and lubrication. These products can include ointments, oils, and lotions.

Another option is medication. If the dry skin in the ear is cracking or itching, a topical steroid may be prescribed.

Heat Rash

Heat rash, also called prickly heat or miliaria, is a skin irritation that causes tingling pain and, at times, small bumps. Too much scratching can cause irritation and scabs.

Although anyone can get a heat rash, it is most common in infants and children. Heat rash occurs when there is excessive sweating and it blocks the sweat glands and gets trapped under the skin. The rash happens when the pores can’t clear out the sweat.

Treatment

Heat rash can be treated by cooling down and drying off. If there is irritation and bumps or scabs occur, ointment can also be used or prescribed. If the rash doesn’t clear up within three to four days, call a healthcare professional.

Skin Cancer

Although it is far more rare than the other causes noted, it’s important to know that a scab in the ear can occasionally be a sign of skin cancer, particularly basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

Most people’s ears see a lot of sunlight, but unfortunately, not everyone applies sunscreen to their ears as often as they should. Sun exposure isn’t the only risk factor, though. Fair skin, increasing age, smoking, radiation exposure, and other factors can all increase your risk.

If you have a scab in your ear that does not get better within four weeks, you should have it checked by a dermatologist or healthcare provider. Other symptoms of ear cancer include:

• Scaly skin on the ear that does not improve with moisturizer
• A slow-growing, pearly-white bump
• A painful or bleeding ulcer
• Hearing loss, dizziness, or facial paralysis

Treatment

If a skin biopsy of the bump or scaly area on your ear proves to be cancerous, the lesion will need to be removed with surgery. Treatment will begin immediately to prevent the cancer from spreading.

The type of cancer treatment you receive will depend on the type and stage of cancer as well as its location. Treatment typically involves radiation therapy and may involve chemotherapy as well.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

There are a number of treatments for different conditions that cause ear scabs. If you start with OTC medicine and don’t see improvement, call your healthcare provider.

Other signs that you would need medical attention include:

• Excessive itching
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Cracks from the dry patches
• Discharge

Don’t hesitate to call your healthcare provider to get the proper care that is needed to treat the condition.

How to Care for Ear Scabs

Depending on the reason the ear scabs occur, treatment can vary. In general, it is important to follow the specific directions of any item you have to help the ear scabs. If it is a prescription, follow the care instructions given on the medicine or by your healthcare provider.

As a general rule of thumb, clean the area regularly with soap and lukewarm water and pat it dry. Try to avoid excessive rubbing or scratching. If there are scabs in the ear canal, avoid poking anything in the area, and wash it with lukewarm water. Keep hands clean at all times when applying medication or ointment.

Balms to Use

There are a lot of OTC options for treating scabs. Products that have water as a main ingredient are helpful for moisture. Ointments and creams are heavier than lotions and don’t need frequent application.

For more intensive care, products with lactic acid are known to be helpful. Some prescribed medications that have steroids are known to reduce inflammation of the affected area. Your healthcare professional can help make the right decision and answer questions.