Causes of Acne Behind the Ears and How to Treat Them, According to Dermatologists

Pimples are a common occurrence for many of us—in most cases, we’re used to them on our face, neck, chest, or back. However, pimples can also appear in other places, such as behind the ears. If you’ve ever struggled with annoying pustules behind your ears, you may have wondered about their causes and treatment options. To help answer your questions, we turned to two board-certified dermatologists for the answers. Learn everything you need to know about acne behind the ears below.

What causes acne behind the ears?

Clogged pores

Clogged pores can cause acne behind the ears. They are caused by excessive oil production or reduced skin exfoliation and usually appear as blackheads or comedones. “[The distinguishing feature] is the presence of a ‘blockage’ in the pore,” notes Dr. Chilukuri. “For treatment, you can use PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash ($9) as a wash and then a retinoid. Before, you had to go to the doctor to get a prescription for a retinoid like Differin or Retin-A. Now, [acne sufferers] can order PanOxyl Adapalene 0.1% Leave-On Gel ($11) online for a fraction of the original price.”

Acne

Acne is what Dr. Murphy-Ross calls a hyperacne. Pustular acne can appear behind the ear as one- to three-millimeter red bumps that are usually tender and can be identified by inflammatory lesions.

“In this type of acne, bacterial growth leads to more inflammation, which results in red papules or pustules,” says Dr. Chilukuri. “If necessary, salicylic acid can be used to reduce inflammation. For painful bumps, you can use PanOxyl PM Night Spot Patches ($8). I also recommend using a retinoid to improve cell turnover and skin exfoliation so pores don’t clog as easily.”

Cysts

Acne can also occur behind the ears; the bumps that are usually visible are deeper and more painful. “Cysts are caused by a buildup of oil, bacteria, and pus beneath the surface of the skin,” says Dr. Chilukuli. “They are likely to cause permanent scarring and can be hereditary and hormonal. It’s important to see a licensed dermatologist to assess whether you’re a good candidate for oral medications to prevent permanent scarring.”

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs often appear as small, red or skin-colored bumps on or behind the ears and can be identified by the hair trapped within them. “Ingrown hairs occur when a hair follicle curls and becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin,” says Dr. Chilukuli. “I don’t often see ingrown hairs behind the ears because there’s no noticeable hair growth there, but they can appear on the neck and at the base of the hairline.”

Hair Products That Clog Pores

Not surprisingly, products that clog pores can lead to acne, and it’s often hair products that cause breakouts, especially behind the ears where hair comes into contact with your hair every day. “The occlusive action of oils, conditioners, and some dry shampoos can clog pores, leading to blackheads and pimples around the ears and hairline,” says Dr. Murphy Ross.

“Choose non-comedogenic hair products both in and out of the shower,” advises Dr. Chilukuri. “Cleanse the affected area thoroughly to remove debris that’s clogging the pores. If you think styling products are the cause of your breakouts, use a toner pad or toner with salicylic acid to wipe away residue and provide an anti-acne ingredient.”

How to Treat a Pimple Behind the Ear

Try a Topical Treatment

The first line of treatment is usually a topical treatment, both experts note. “Salicylic acid is a great choice for acne prevention,” says Dr. Dr. Murphy Ross. “The molecular size of this acid allows it to enter the pores, thoroughly clean and dissolve sebum, and its exfoliating action can treat and prevent further pore blockage. Prescription retinoids or retinol are also good options. Using Skincare Junkie’s Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads ($38) can help prevent and treat existing blackheads.”

Consider oral medications

When topical treatments don’t work, oral medications can be the next line of defense against acne, including behind the ears. “Oral antibiotics, isotretinoin (such as Tretinoin), and spironolactone are most commonly prescribed, depending on the patient and the type of acne,” says Dr. Murphy Ross.

Try home remedies

Home remedies can also help treat pimples behind the ears, such as: B. Warm compresses. “One of the most common home remedies for treating acne is tea tree oil,” adds Dr. Murphy Ross. “While other acne treatments may be more effective, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of this natural topical treatment can certainly help fight acne.”

It’s worth noting, however, that our experts don’t recommend homemade topical cocktails to treat pustules. “I don’t recommend applying homemade mixtures to the skin, as they can often cause a rash. Breakdown can make acne worse,” adds Dr. Chilukuri.

How to Prevent Pimples Behind the Ears

Use a Gentle Cleanser

According to our experts, cleansing is a simple but crucial step in preventing acne behind the ears. “Using a gentle, non-irritating cleanser will keep the skin free from acne-promoting bacteria without irritating the skin and disrupting the skin’s protective barrier,” notes Dr. Murphy-Ross.

Avoid Products That Clog Pores

As mentioned earlier, clogged pores can lead to blackheads and pimples, so it’s best to avoid comedogenic products. “Choose hair products carefully and choose those that are labeled non-comedogenic,” says Dr. Chilukuri. “Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after conditioning and wipe off any excess styling products that have clinging to the skin of your hair to prevent further breakouts.”

Keep your hair away from your ears

Dr. Murphy-Ross notes that keeping your hair up, especially when you’re playing sports, can help prevent acne behind the ears. “Keeping your hair away from your ears reduces the transfer of oils or hair products from your hair to your skin, which can lead to clogged pores or irritation,” says Dr. Chilukuli.

Conclusion

While it’s not the most common location for pimples behind the ears, they can occur there, too. Pore-clogging hair products and acne are just a few possible causes of pimples behind the ears. But luckily, there are ways to treat them when they do occur. Our experts recommend using topical treatments (products with salicylic acid and retinoids are great), applying tea tree oil, or using warm compresses to soothe the area. Of course, if the problem persists or you experience severe symptoms (such as redness, swelling, flushing, or increased discharge), you should consult a dermatologist for further advice.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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