Blackheads can form anywhere on the body, especially if you have oily skin. But they are commonly seen on the chin, nose, and forehead. But, your ears are no exception. Why do blackheads form in your ear? Let’s hear it from an expert. Keep scrolling!
What Causes Blackheads In Your Ears?
Dr. Robin Evans, a board-certified dermatologist, says blackheads in the ears are common in people with acne-prone skin. “It is especially common in those who have blackheads on other parts of the face as well,” 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 increase clogged pores, though more research is required to prove the same. Most of you may know how to remove blackheads from your face. But, what about your ears? Scroll down to find out.
How To Get Rid Of Blackheads From The Ears?
There are some simple things you can do to remove the blackheads in your ears.
1. Wash Your Ears Regularly
Wash your ears daily to remove the dirt, excess oil, and other impurities.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 cleanser. Wipe it off with a clean cotton ball and rinse your ears. Tilt your head to the side to prevent the cleanser from dripping into your inner ear.
2. Exfoliate Your Ears
Exfoliation helps you remove the dead skin cells that are clogging your pores. Exfoliators containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acids are effective in treating acne-related issues (3), (4).
Take some exfoliant on your finger and rub it gently onto the blackheads in your ear. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes. Wipe it off with a clean cotton ball or a soft cloth. Exfoliate your ears once a week.
3. Use Acne Medications
Use acne medications or topical antibiotics like retinoids and adapalene for recurrent blackheads (5). Dr. Robin Evans says, “The topical medications target the keratin build-up that causes blackheads.” They are available at 0.3% formulation (gel) as prescription medications and 0.1% formulation (cream) as over-the-counter products. “Though the stronger is more effective, one could try the over-the-counter product to get started with the treatment,” she adds.
4. Extract The Blackheads
Consider removing the blackheads with an extraction tool if these methods do not work. This tool helps you to release the oil within the affected pores. Manual extractions are quite difficult to do on yourself. Hence, Dr. Evans advises getting an experienced medical professional to perform this procedure. A professional will know how much pressure to apply on the skin, at which angle, and the safety precautions to be taken. Blackheads may occur even after you remove them. So, you should know how to prevent them. Keep scrolling for a list of tips you can follow.
How To Prevent Blackhead Formation In Your Ears
Keeping your ears clean and free of excess oil is important to prevent the formation of blackheads. Here are some tips you can follow:
Clean your ears daily with a cotton ball or a soft cloth. Avoid touching your ears frequently as it can trigger a breakout. Clean everything that comes in contact with your ears weekly, including your mobile phone and pillowcases. This helps avoid the build-up of dirt and bacteria in your ears. Use only non-comedogenic skin care products. Keep your unwashed hair tied back to prevent the oil from transferring into your ears. Do not pop blackheads with your nails or pins as it can cause irritation and further breakouts. It may also cause an infection. Do not apply acne products more often than recommended. This may dry out your skin and lead to excess oil production, leading to more blackheads.
Wondering when you should consult a dermatologist? Find out in the next section.
When Should You See A Dermatologist?
Visit a dermatologist if none of the methods mentioned above work for you. As stated earlier, it is always recommended to visit a dermatologist to remove blackheads with an extraction tool. Moreover, self-extraction of blackheads from the ear can be painful. The ear cartilage is sensitive. A dermatologist will loosen the blackheads with a pointed scalpel blade and extract them with a cotton tip applicator. They can also prescribe medicines to remove as well as prevent blackheads. Does blackhead removal in the ears hurt? No, blackhead removal in the ears does not hurt. However, it may cause pain and further breakouts if you try to extract them by yourself. So, visit an experienced professional. Can you use essential oils to treat blackheads in the ears? You can use essential oils like tea tree oil to treat blackheads in the ear. Dilute it with any carrier oil and apply it as a cleanser. Rinse it off after 5 minutes. Applying it regularly may help unclog the pores. How do get rid of blackheads in your ears overnight? Usually, people use pore strips to remove blackheads overnight. However, it will be difficult to use them on your ears. So, it is better to get them extracted by a professional. Does hydrogen peroxide clear blackheads in the ear? No. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that hydrogen peroxide can help clear blackheads in the ear. In addition, it can irritate the skin and cause discomfort if used frequently. Will rubbing alcohol remove blackheads in the ear? No. Rubbing alcohol cannot help remove blackheads in the ear. It can only help disinfect the area and cleanse it. Can a toothbrush remove blackheads in the ear? A toothbrush may be used as a scrub to get rid of blackheads in the ear. However, it is inadvisable to do so, as blackheads are deep-seated and unlikely to be removed by a toothbrush. In addition, the bristles may injure the sensitive skin in the ear. Is witch hazel good for blackheads in the ear? Witch hazel works as a disinfectant and may help cleanse the area around the ear thoroughly, removing dirt, buildup, and excess sebum and may be used as a preventive measure against blackheads. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it can help get rid of existing blackheads.
