You may develop blackheads on different parts of your face and body, including ears. And it could be quite a task to get rid of blackheads in ears, compared to other body parts. It is because the outer ear, where you get the blackheads, is close to the sensitive inner structures of the ear and also because of the peculiar contour of the external ear. Hence, you have to proceed with caution. Read this article to understand the proper ways to get rid of blackheads on your ears and prevention tips.
In This Article
What Are Blackheads?
Blackheads are the tiny black bumps that form on your skin when dead cells and dirt clog the pores and block sebum. This build-up in the sebaceous glands produces bumps on the skin (1). The clogged material oxidizes when exposed to air (as the top of the pores is open) and turns black.
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.
Fun FactIn medical terms, a blackhead is called an “open comedo.” Historically, it was a word used to refer to worms that devour the body. Blackheads get the name for their worm-like appearance.
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.
Did You Know?When the sebum touches the pore’s surface, the melanin in it gets oxidized. This is what gives blackheads the black color.
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.
Related: Using Hydrogen Peroxide For Earwax Removal: Safe Or Not?
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.
Related: 10 Homemade Body Scrubs For Glowing Skin And Their Benefits
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.
Related: How To Get Rid Of Blackheads On The Chin Easily At Home
Infographic: Can Headphones Cause Blackheads? How Can You Avoid Them?
A lack of some simple headphone hygiene is why your headphones may be causing blackheads in your ears. Headphone hygiene refers to regularly cleaning your headphones. However, other issues connected to headphones can also play a role. Learn how to prevent blackheads in your ears caused by your earphones by checking out the infographic below.
The first step to preventing blackheads is to keep your ears clean and clear excess oil and dirt. So, wash your ears regularly and exfoliate them once a week. Avoid squeezing blackheads with your fingernails or fingers. Use non-comedogenic skin care products on your ears. Acne medications can also be used to get rid of blackheads. If none of these methods work, see a dermatologist and have them removed. They can safely and properly remove blackheads using specialized extraction tools. Since you may not be able to see well inside or even behind your ear, this could be far more successful than performing the extractions yourself.
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