What You Should Know About Psoriasis in and Around The Ears

Psoriasis is a relatively common, chronic skin condition. It can be found in both children and adults, although it’s most commonly diagnosed in early adulthood.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes the skin’s life cycle to accelerate. Dead skin cells rapidly accumulate and create rough, dry, red patches or scales that can itch or hurt. An estimated 7.4 million U.S. adults have psoriasis.

Pain or itching on the skin around your ear might be an indication of psoriasis. If this is the case, you might notice a buildup of skin scales or wax in the external area of your ear. This can make hearing difficult. According to a 1992 study, approximately 18 percent of people diagnosed with psoriasis will end up with patches of affected skin on or near their ears.

What are the symptoms of psoriasis of the ear?

If you notice a pattern of consistent pain or itching on the skin around your ear, you might have psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation says that psoriasis usually occurs in the external ear canal. Regardless of where on your ear it occurs, you may have a buildup of scales or wax, making it difficult to hear.

Your psoriasis symptoms might include:

  • small or large areas of irritated skin that won’t heal
  • dry or cracked skin that bleeds
  • temporary hearing loss from blocked ears

You may also have nails with pits or ridges on them, as well as joints that feel swollen or rigid, which is part of psoriatic arthritis.

It’s common for psoriasis in the ear to spread to the face. You might notice it around your eyes, mouth, and nose. A small number of people may even find psoriasis on their gums, tongue, or the inside of their cheeks and lips.

What treatment options are available for psoriasis in the ears?

After an initial consultation with your primary doctor, you may be referred to a dermatologist for treatment.

There are several methods for treating psoriasis in the ear. Some treatment options are better than others. Talk to your doctor about treatment and take into account the severity of your symptoms plus any medication allergies you may have.

Natural treatments

Although there’s no cure for psoriasis, even at-home treatments can help you to manage your ear psoriasis.

Researchers have found that using jojoba oil can be beneficial for easing skin affected by psoriasis. Olive oil is another option, due to its moisturizing, antioxidant, and vitamin-rich properties. However, no extensive research has been done into its effectiveness for this condition.

You can try the following two-step process for using a natural oil for psoriasis:

  1. Using an over-the-counter ear cleansing kits, squirt a small amount of warm distilled water into your ear.
  2. Follow this up by applying a thin layer of jojoba oil to external areas with a cotton ball.

There’s evidence that suggests that herbal medications, when used with traditional therapies, are more effective to treat psoriasis than traditional medicines alone. Extracts from the mahonia bush (Mahonia aquifolium), aloe vera, and indigo naturalis are ingredients regularly used in holistic psoriasis ointments.

Manual extraction

For impacted ear canals, doctors can use a small tool to remove the excess skin that’s blocking your hearing.

Never insert anything into your ear at home. You could damage your eardrum and risk hearing loss.

Topical medications

There are a variety of nonsteroidal medications that can be applied to the skin for more mild forms of psoriasis. Calcipotriol (Dovonex), or a combination of betamethasone and calcipotriene (Taclonex) is often used on the ear.

These medications work by slowing skin growth and flattening existing lesions. They also provide pain and itch relief. It’s important to note that while medications can provide relief of psoriasis symptoms, side effects such as headaches are a common result of many autoimmune suppressing drugs.

Steroids

Your doctor might prescribe a liquefied steroid formula (such as a Lidex solution) to be dripped into your ear canal. This medicine can also be applied to the outer skin, depending on the location of the affected area.

A steroid is frequently used in combination with other medications for enhanced effectiveness.

Can children or infants have psoriasis?

Though it’s not very common, children and infants can develop psoriasis. Fortunately, this skin condition generally tends to be less severe in children.

Most children with psoriasis will develop a few patches that are easily addressed with treatment. However, mild symptoms aren’t always the case. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above developing around your child’s ear and scalp area, visit their pediatrician for guidance.

What’s the long-term outlook for psoriasis in the ear?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition. The good news is that you can find relief with the treatments listed above.

Over time, you may notice that your skin responds adversely to different triggers.

These might include:

  • alcohol
  • sunburns
  • cold or dry weather
  • stress
  • medications
  • infections
  • scratches or cuts

Consider keeping a written log to determine which triggers make your skin act up. Then discuss them with your doctor.

Left untreated, psoriasis of the ear can lead to temporary hearing loss and become increasingly uncomfortable. Visit your doctor or dermatologist today, to start your path to relief.

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