Psoriasis in ear and behind the ear

Symptoms, causes and remedies

Things to know about psoriasis in ears

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that can appear in any part of the body, including the ears. In particular, it can affect one or both ears, the lobe, the eardrum or even in the ear canal, becoming particularly annoying. In people with hearing loss, wearing hearing aids can also become very difficult when experiencing psoriasis. 

What is psoriasis in the ear?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that falls into the macro-category of dermatitis. It manifests itself as erythematous and roundish plaques covered with white flaky patches. In some cases, these lesions can cause itching and become very annoying. Psoriasis in the ears is often an extension of scalp psoriasis and classically affects the ear canal, as well as the pinna and behind the ears. Its complications are similar to earwax plug formation.

Psoriasis inside the ear

Most often the distinctive symptoms of psoriasis manifest themselves around the ears as a result of symptoms that begin on the scalp. 

Psoriasis behind the ear

Psoriasis behind the ears can be identified by the redness of the entire area surrounding the scalp and the itchy erythematou patches that appear on the skin.

Psoriasis vs. Dermatitis

It is possible to recognize whether we are dealing with a case of psoriasis or dermatitis from the appearance of the white flaky patches: dry in the case of psoriasis, oilier in the case of dermatitis. Another difference is the affected areas. Psoriasis appears particularly on elbows, knees and at the level of the sacrum, areas that are immune to dermatitis. Psoriasis may also occur on the nails. It can also happen that psoriasis and dermatitis are present at the same time causing a fairly common mixed condition.

Psoriasis vs. Neurodermatitis

Unlike psoriasis, neurodermatitis is a skin disease that is characterized by intense itching aggravated by the urge to scratch repeatedly. The disorder usually occurs on the arms, neck, legs, back, chest, and scalp. Neurodermatitis is not a primary pathology but depends, in some cases, on a dermatosis that, maintaining the inflammatory state, causes itching. Other times it is the consequence of other conditions such as nervousness, stress and anxiety disorders.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis of the ear?

Psoriasis in the ears is manifested, generally, by these symptoms: 

Different types of psoriasis

There are several forms of psoriasis, the most common being:

  • Plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris. This the most common and it is recognized by its pinkish or reddish erythematous white flaky patches 
  • Guttate psoriasis. This forms manifests as small, pink or red, teardrop-shaped patches covered with scales. Usually, this type of psoriasis is the consequence of certain events, including group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus infections.
  • Reverse psoriasis. This form presents itself with red patches that are shiny and smooth to the touch.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis or erythrodermia. This is the rarest and most severe form. It is a kind of skin disorder, which becomes red, tending to purple and shiny in more than 90% of the body. It is often associated with a feeling of cold, discomfort, fever and muscle and joint pain.

What are the causes of psoriasis of the ear?

 If psoriasis develops in the ear, it is important not to underestimate the problem precisely because it is very delicate area. Ear Psoriasis has both genetic and external causes.

Genetic factors: psoriasis is an autoimmune disease determined by a malfunction of the immune system. It has a genetic basis, as it has been found that many people with psoriasis also have cases in their families.

External factors: stress could be a risk factor, but physical traumas such as burns, scars or accidental blows can also influence it. It can also be caused by certain medications such as antimalarials or beta blockers. In addition, alcohol abuse and smoking also trigger the appearance of this condition.

Ear psoriasis treatment and home remedies

There are several natural remedies that can treat ear psoriasis, Aloe vera, for example, has an anti-inflammatory and soothing action. Tea tree oil is also excellent due to its moisturizing effect, useful when the skin is flaky and peeling and as it is able to sooth the sensation of irritation. It is also possible to mix two teaspoons of baking soda with some water in order to create a real compress, to be applied locally for few minutes. However, we recommend that you consult an expert before opting for DIY skin remedies.

Hearing aid for psoriasis in the ear

Because of the skin flakiness caused by this condition, people with hearing aid are likely to experience some discomfort. In fact, when the patches are located near the ear canal, people may experience reduced hearing similar to when a wax plug forms. If you're having trouble with your hearing aids due to psoriasis, contact our Amplifon experts so that we can work together to find the best solution for you.

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Are you worried about the possibility to wear a hearing aid with ear psoriasis? Schedule an appointment at one of our Amplifon centers and discover all the solutions offered and the different types of hearing aids. 

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