You can develop blackheads on different parts of your face and body, including your ears. And compared to other parts of the body, getting rid of blackheads in ears can be quite a task. This is because the outer ear, where the blackheads develop, is close to the delicate inner structures of the ear and also the particular contour of the outer ear. Therefore, you must proceed with caution. Read this article to learn how to properly get rid of blackheads on your ears and tips on how to prevent them.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are tiny black bumps that form on your skin when dead cells and dirt clog pores and block sebum production. These deposits in the oil glands lead to bumps on the skin (1). The clogged material oxidizes when exposed to air (since the top of the pores are open) and turns black.
Blackheads can form anywhere on the body, especially if you have oily skin. However, they are commonly seen on the chin, nose, and forehead. But your ears are no exception.
Why do blackheads form in the ear? Let’s hear it from an expert. Keep scrolling!
What Causes Blackheads in Your Ears?
dr Robin Evans, a board-certified dermatologist, says that ear blackheads are common in people with acne-prone skin. “It’s particularly common in people who have blackheads elsewhere on their face,” she says.
The skin inside your ear has hundreds of microscopic hair follicles and glands that produce oil and earwax. These substances make the skin more susceptible to blackheads. Genetic factors, different immune responses, hormonal fluctuations, and stress could also be factors that can lead to clogged pores, although more research is needed to prove this.
Most of you may know how to remove blackheads from face. But what about your ears? Scroll down to find out.
1. Wash your ears regularly
Wash your ears daily to remove dirt, excess oil, and other debris.
You can use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid — an effective and safe solution for acne lesions (2).
Rub your ears with a cotton ball soaked in the detergent.
Wipe it off with a clean cotton ball and rinse your ears.
Tilt your head to the side to prevent the cleaner from dripping into your inner ear.
Related: Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Earwax: Safe or Not?
2. Exfoliate your ears
Exfoliating will help you remove dead skin cells that are clogging your pores. Exfoliants that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids are effective in treating acne problems (3), (4).
Take some scrub on your finger and gently rub it on the blackheads in your ear. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes.
Wipe it off with a clean cotton ball or soft cloth.
Exfoliate your ears once a week.
Note: Improper and excessive ear peeling can cause redness and itching. Be sure to adjust the concentration of these scrubs to your skin type to avoid any unwanted effects.
3. Use acne medication
Use acne medications or topical antibiotics like retinoids and adapalene for recurring blackheads (5).
You can also use over-the-counter medications to get rid of blackheads in your ears overnight. Medications that contain ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids can help unclog pores and remove blackheads. If you have any skin conditions, consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter acne medication.
Although manual extraction methods also exist, it is best to consult a professional for this.
dr Robin Evans says, “The topical medications target the keratin formation that causes blackheads.” They come in a 0.3 percent formulation (gel) as prescription drugs and in a 0.1 percent formulation (cream) as over-the-counter products available. “Although the stronger agent is more effective, one could try the over-the-counter product to begin treatment,” she adds.
4. Extract the blackheads
Consider removing the blackheads with an extraction tool if these methods don’t work. This tool will help you release the oil in the affected pores.
Manual extractions can be the best choice when you want to know how to remove blackheads from ears. The extractions are quite difficult to perform on yourself. Therefore recommends Dr. Evans to have this procedure performed by an experienced doctor. A professional knows how much pressure to apply to the skin, at what angle, and what safety precautions to take.
Even after removal, blackheads can appear. So you should know how to prevent them. Keep scrolling for a list of tips to follow.
This will prevent blackheads from forming in your ears
It’s important to keep your ears clean and free of excess oil to prevent blackheads from forming. Here are some tips you can follow:
Clean your ears daily with a cotton ball or soft cloth.
Avoid touching your ears frequently as this can trigger an outbreak.
Clean everything that comes in contact with your ears weekly, including your cell phone and pillowcases. This helps prevent dirt and bacteria from building up in your ears.
Only use non-comedogenic skin care products.
Tie back your unwashed hair to prevent the oil from getting into your ears.
Do not remove blackheads with your nails or needles as this can cause irritation and further pimples. Infection and inflammation can also occur, leading to painful and swollen pimples.
Don’t apply acne products more often than recommended. This can dry out your skin and lead to excessive oil production, leading to more blackheads.
Wondering when to consult a dermatologist? Find out in the next section.
When should you see a dermatologist?
Visit a dermatologist if none of the above methods work for you. As previously mentioned, it is always a good idea to see a dermatologist to remove blackheads with an extractor.
In addition, the independent removal of blackheads from the ear can be painful. The ear cartilage is sensitive. A dermatologist will loosen the blackheads with a sharp scalpel blade and remove them with a cotton swab. They can also prescribe medication for blackhead removal and prevention.
Infographic: Can Headphones Cause Blackheads?
A lack of simple headphone hygiene is why your headphones can cause blackheads in your ears. Headphone hygiene means regular cleaning of your headphones. However, other headphone-related issues can also play a role. Learn how to prevent blackheads in your ears caused by your headphones in the infographic below.
In summary, blackheads can develop in the ears due to clogged pores, excess oil, and dead skin cells. While there are several ways to remove blackheads from ears, it’s important to exercise caution and follow the right techniques to avoid damaging the delicate ear skin and structures. Regular ear cleaning, exfoliation, and the use of acne medication or topical antibiotics can help clear blackheads. When these methods fail, consulting a dermatologist for professional extraction and prescribing medication is advisable.
To prevent ear blackheads, it is important to practice good ear hygiene, avoid frequent touching, and regularly clean objects that come in contact with the ears. Additionally, using non-comedogenic skin care products and not using nails or needles to remove blackheads is vital to preventing irritation and further breakouts.
Overall, proper care and attention can help treat and prevent blackheads in the ears and keep ear skin healthy and clear without causing damage or discomfort.
