Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin. It causes a thick layer of skin cells to build up in some areas of the body, including the ears. Psoriasis in the ears is not common.
It typically occurs on the elbows, knees, legs, back, and scalp but can also occur on more sensitive body parts.
Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune condition in the United States and varies in severity.
This article explains how psoriasis develops in the ears and discusses the treatment options.
It is rare for people to develop psoriasis in the ears. If it happens, however, this can be emotionally and physically challenging for an individual.
Keeping the ear canal clear of scales can help prevent hearing loss and discomfort.
Some people find that psoriasis worsens over time. This can occur when something triggers a flare, but it may be unclear why psoriasis spreads or worsens in some people. New areas of the body, such as the ears, can sometimes become affected.
Developing psoriasis in the ears has no links to cleanliness, touching, or similar factors.
Anyone who develops psoriasis in the ear should consult a doctor to determine which psoriasis medications are safe for use in the ear.
What is psoriasis?
People with psoriasis have an overactive immune system that triggers the rapid production of excess skin cells. Experts do not fully understand what causes this.
Healthy skin cells take about 21 to 28 days to produce. During this time, the body sheds old skin cells, making room for new ones.
In people with psoriasis, the body creates new skin cells in as little as 4 days, which does not leave enough time to shed old cells.
This leads to a buildup of old and new cells in the affected areas, resulting in thick, scaly patches of skin that can be painful alongside itching, cracking, and bleeding.
Depending on a person’s skin color, the patches may look pink or red with white or silvery scales, or purple or dark brown patches with gray scales.
Researchers have yet to establish why psoriasis appears in certain areas of the body, including why some people develop it in the ears when others do not. However, they do know that it cannot spread through contact.
Psoriasis can cause symptoms such as:
- rough and scaly skin in the ear
- sensitive skin
- scale and wax buildup in the ear
- itching
- pain
- hearing loss due to blockage
People who experience symptoms on the face and ears may feel self-conscious.
Facial skin can be more sensitive than the skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp, so some treatments may be too severe to use in this area. As a result, psoriasis in the ears can be more difficult to treat.
Learn more about the symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is not transmissible but tends to run in families. It results from an overreaction of the body’s immune system.
Triggers
Psoriasis triggers can vary from person to person. Some people find that certain triggers temporarily worsen psoriasis.
Others experience a permanent worsening of scales and other symptoms.
Either way, people with psoriasis should try to avoid triggers whenever possible. Those with psoriasis in the ears may find that a flare can suddenly affect their hearing, which can be particularly bothersome and stressful.
Common triggers of psoriasis include:
- Stress: Although it is not always possible to avoid the causes of stress, being able to manage it can help prevent flares. Relaxation, regular exercise, deep breathing, and meditation may help.
- Medications: Certain drugs can worsen psoriasis, including some for high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, mental health disorders, and malaria. People should work with a doctor to find medications that do not aggravate their psoriasis.
- Cuts, scrapes, sunburn, and other skin injuries: Any trauma to the skin can cause a new case of psoriasis in the affected area.
- Certain illnesses: The immune system kicks in during an illness, which can also trigger a flare-up of psoriasis. Some illnesses, such as strep throat, ear infections, tonsillitis, and common colds, can cause flares.
Avoiding triggers as much as possible is an integral part of managing this condition, whether on the ears, face, or other areas.
There is no cure for psoriasis, but it is possible to manage it with medications.
People with psoriasis in the ears may require ongoing medical care to help keep flares under control and avoid complications, such as hearing loss.
Some psoriasis medications are not suitable for use inside the ears. Certain topical creams and ointments may harm the delicate eardrum. People can ask their doctor about medications that are safe for the ear canal.
Treatment options may include:
- liquid steroids in the form of eardrops
- liquid steroids in combination with another psoriasis medication, such as a vitamin D cream
- antifungal dandruff shampoos to help clean the ear and kill fungi
- pills that help reduce the actions of the immune system
- drops of warm olive oil, which can help moisten and loosen the wax inside the ears and keep them clean
If psoriasis in the ear interferes with hearing or causes discomfort, a doctor can remove the scales and wax safely and effectively.
It is vital not to insert objects into the ears to remove the scales. Pushing the debris further into the ear can cause a blockage, damage the eardrum, or injure the skin.
If symptoms are moderate to severe, a doctor may prescribe systemic medication. Biologics are a class of drugs that can treat the underlying causes of psoriasis.
Even if a person has psoriasis that does not affect the skin in and around the ears, they may still experience hearing loss.
A
The link between psoriasis and sudden deafness is not completely clear, but it may be due to the immune system damaging part of the inner ear.
Doctors may recommend that people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis get regular hearing checks to ensure the early detection and treatment of any problems.
Many people find psoriasis emotionally and physically challenging, but they can usually manage the condition with support from a doctor.
Finding an effective treatment is key to minimizing symptoms and flare-ups, whether in the ears or elsewhere.
A person with psoriasis in the ears should have regular hearing checks and ear examinations to address any complications as early as possible.
Finding the proper treatment may take time, as every person with the condition responds to psoriasis medications differently. Some people find that their psoriasis medication stops working over time, requiring an alternative treatment.
Once people with psoriasis find an effective treatment, they should be able to lead full, active lives.
How can a person remove psoriasis in the ears?
Treatment for psoriasis includes liquid steroid drops in the ears, steroid medication such as ointments, and antifungal dandruff.
Is psoriasis in the ear contagious?
Psoriasis in the ear cannot pass from person to person.
Can psoriasis in the ear cause dizziness?
Inflammation
Psoriasis is a painful, chronic skin condition that can flare up inside and around the ear.
When it does this, it is more difficult to treat than psoriasis elsewhere on the body. The condition can also lead to temporary and permanent hearing loss. Although a complete cure is not yet possible, people can manage the condition using medications and lead a full life.
It is important for a person to receive regular hearing checks and consultations to help avoid severe flare-ups.
Q:
Are there any natural treatments for psoriasis in the ear?
A:
Identifying psoriasis triggers and avoiding them to prevent a flare-up is the best treatment for this condition. Taking this action will keep psoriasis symptoms at bay for as long as possible.
If a flare-up occurs in the ear, people need to take precautions to avoid permanently damaging the eardrum. People who have a severe flare-up should consult a doctor immediately.
Some natural remedies that may be beneficial include jojoba oil or olive oil, which have moisturizing and antioxidant properties. People can use a cotton ball to apply a small amount of one of these oils to the affected areas of the ear.
