Dermatologists Explain Causes and Treatments for Ear Acne

Dermatologists Explain Causes and Treatments for Acne Behind the Ears

Pimples are common to many people, and they usually appear on the face, neck, chest, or back. However, pimples can also appear in other places, such as behind the ears.

If you’ve ever been bothered by annoying pustules behind your ears, you may have wondered about their causes and treatments. To help answer your questions, we asked two board-certified dermatologists. Learn all about pimples behind the ears.

What causes pimples behind the ears?

Clogged pores

Clogged pores can cause pimples behind the ears. They are caused by excessive sebum production or insufficient skin exfoliation and usually appear as blackheads.

“(Their distinguishing feature) is the presence of a ‘plug’ in the pore,” Dr. Chilukuri notes. Treatment recommends using PanOxyl Acne Cleanser ($9) first, followed by a retinoid.

Previously, a doctor’s prescription for a retinoid, such as Differin or Retin-A, was required.

Now, [acne sufferers] can order PanOxyl Adapalene 0.1% Leave-On Gel ($11) online for a fraction of the original price.

Pimples

As Dr. Murphy-Ross says, pimples are the supergroup of acne.

Pustular acne presents as red, one- to three-millimeter-sized bumps behind the ears that are often painful and identifiable by inflammatory lesions.

“In this type of acne, bacterial growth leads to increased inflammation, resulting in red papules or pustules,” Dr. Chilukuri says. Salicylic acid can be used to reduce inflammation if necessary.

For painful pimples, we recommend PanOxyl PM Nighttime Acne Patch ($8). I also recommend using a retinoid to promote cell turnover and exfoliate the skin so pores don’t clog as easily.

Cysts

Acne can also occur behind the ears; the visible nodes are usually deeper and more painful.

“Cysts are caused by a buildup of oil, bacteria, and pus beneath the surface of the skin,” Dr. Chilukuri explains.

They are likely to cause permanent scarring and can be determined by genetics and hormones.

It is important to consult a dermatologist to determine if oral medications to prevent permanent scarring are right for you.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs usually appear as small red or skin-colored bumps on or behind the ears and can be identified by the hair inside them.

“Ingrown hairs occur when a hair follicle curls and becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin,” explains Dr. Chilukuli.

I rarely see ingrown hairs behind the ears because hair growth there is not noticeable. They may appear on the neck and hairline, however.

Pore-Clogging Hair Products

It’s no surprise that products that clog pores can cause acne. Hair products are often the cause of acne, especially behind the ears, where hair comes into contact with the skin 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.

“Whether you’re in the shower or on the go, use noncomedogenic hair products,” advises Dr. Chilukuri. Cleanse the affected area thoroughly to remove any residue that’s clogging pores.

If you think styling products are to blame for your breakouts, use facial toners or a liquid toner with salicylic acid to remove any residue and apply acne-fighting ingredients.

Treatments for Acne Behind the Ears

Try Topical Treatments

Both experts note that the first treatment is usually a topical application. “Salicylic acid is very effective for preventing acne,” says Dr. Murphy-Ross.

The acid’s molecular size allows it to penetrate pores, deep clean and dissolve sebum. Its exfoliating action can treat and prevent further clogging of pores.

Prescription retinoids or retinols are also good options. Skincare Junkie’s Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads ($38) can prevent blackheads and treat existing ones.

Consider Oral Medication

If topical treatments don’t work, oral medications may be the next step in treating acne, including behind the ears.

“The most commonly prescribed medications are oral antibiotics, isotretinoin (such as Accutane), and spironolactone, 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 ear, such as 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 significantly help fight acne.”

However, our experts advise against making your own local cocktail to treat pimples. “I do not recommend applying homemade concoctions to the skin, as they can often cause skin irritation.”

“This can lead to acne breakouts, which 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 key step in preventing acne behind the ears.

“Use gentle, non-irritating cleansers to remove acne-causing bacteria from the skin without irritating the skin and disrupting the skin’s protective barrier,” advises Dr. Murphy-Ross.

Avoid clogged products

As mentioned earlier, clogged pores can lead to blackheads and pimples. Therefore, comedogenic products should be avoided.

“Choose hair products carefully and look for ones labeled non-comedogenic,” advises Dr. Chilukuri.

“After using conditioner, rinse your hair thoroughly to remove any excess styling product that may be on the skin to prevent further breakouts.”

Keep your hair away from your ears

Dr. Murphy-Ross notes that tying your hair up, especially when exercising, can help prevent acne behind the ears.

“Keeping your hair away from your ears reduces the transfer of oil or hair care products from your hair to your skin, which can clog or irritate your pores,” says Dr. Chilukuri.

Summary

Although it’s not the most common spot for pustules to appear behind the ears, it can happen there too.

Pore-clogging hair products and acne are just some of the possible causes of pustules behind the ears. Luckily, there are ways to treat them when they occur.

Our experts recommend topical treatments (products containing salicylic acid and retinoids work well), applying tea tree oil, or using warm compresses to soothe the area.

If the problem persists or you experience severe symptoms (such as redness, swelling, warmth, or increased discharge), see a dermatologist.

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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