Although it is perfectly normal to have a pimple in your ears, there is so much to know about ear pimples. This article will take you through the types, causes, treatments and prevention methods. If you have questions about your hearing health and hearing ability, head over to one of our branches and get a free hearing consultation. Moreover, if you notice you are experiencing hearing loss, you can also undergo a free hearing test.
Everyone is familiar with annoying pimples on the nose or forehead. However, these unpleasant skin impurities can also surface in or behind the ear. As this is such a sensitive area, ear pimples can be particularly unpleasant and painful. Ear pimples are a result of clogged pores due to earwax that has drained properly. Instead of fulfilling its actual function of cleaning the ear, the earwax built up can cause small pus pimples. The location of the pimple can vary greatly. In addition to the swelling and redness, pimples in the ear may also cause earaches, hearing loss and jaw pain.
A boil is not a sebaceous pimple, it is an inflammation of a hair follicle caused by bacteria. A boil can form pus and can swell the tissue surrounding the affected area. Oftentime, boils are much more painful than pimples and only heal with scarring.
Untreated boils that do not heal on their own may lead to abscesses and blood poisoning, which is why a visit to the ENT doctor is strongly recommended. A warm and moist compress with antiseptic agents as well a calendula-based ointment may help with the inflammation. However, it is best to keep the affected area as still as possible and avoid at-home treatments.
Although pimples cannot be prevented in their entierity, there are home remedies that can help get rid of them quickly. Applying oils or ointments on the affected area several times a day with a cotton swab can help the healing process.
Important: Deep-rooted pimples in the ear canal should always be treated by an ENT specialist and not using home remedies!
There are several ways to prevent ear pimples and blackheads from forming:
The best way to thoroughly and carefully clean your ears is while showering or washing your hair with lukewarm water and a flannel. The key to ear care is ensuring that earwax is not being pushed back into the ear canal during the cleaning process. For this reason, cotton swabs should also be avoided and objects that come into contact with the ears, such as earphones, telephones and caps, should be wiped or washed regularly. Users should also clean their hearing aids frequently to help reduce the spread of dirt and bacteria.
Do you think your hearing might be impaired? Then check your hearing with the Amplifon hearing test. It takes only 3 minutes and is free of charge. In the next step, you can get advice from a hearing expert at one of Amplifon's clinics in Australia.
