Getting a pimple in your ear can be painful and irritating. Learn how to get rid of ear pimples and avoid getting them again in the future.
Yes, you can get pimples even inside of your ear.
But, even though these tend to be more painful because they are right up against cartilage, generally they go away without an issue just like a pimple anywhere else.
For pimples in the ear, the most important thing is to not try to pop it to avoid spreading bacteria or making it worse, and if the pimple is inside your ear further than you can see - it is best to leave that to a professional to avoid any serious damage.
Keep reading to look into your options below for a safe way to treat your ear pimple.
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While it may seem a bit odd to have a pimple in your ear, it can (and does) happen.
Your ear has tiny hair follicles just like the rest of your skin, and those follicles produce oils and earwax.
So, when those follicles get clogged with excess oil, dirt, dead skin, or bacteria, its ear pimple go time.
Stress
Hormonal imbalance
Allergic reaction to products or cosmetics
Dirty earbuds
Sticking fingers in your ears
Since you do want to dig in with your nails and try to pop an ear pimple, you may be able to remedy the situation by simply applying a clean warm compress to the area for a few minutes multiple times a day.
The warm compress may help encourage the pimple contents like pus to come to a head and potentially drain out on its own - without any painful popping.
Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives that have long been used in the dermatology world for all sorts of acne breakouts.
You will be able to find lower strength retinoids over the counter, but for the stronger retinoids like Tretinoin, you will need to speak with a doctor for a prescription.
Benzoyl peroxide may help clear up acne breakouts that are visible on the outside of the ear.
You can find benzoyl peroxide over the counter at most pharmacies and you can apply it a few times a day with a cotton swab until the pimple subsides.
Look for products with at least 5% benzoyl peroxide for the best results.
Salicylic acid is the over-the-counter acne mainstay, and you can use this product on pimples visible on the outside of the ear.
Many acne products use salicylic acid as the active ingredient, and you can verify it is there by looking at the back of the package.
Apply the product as directed with a cotton swab and then gently clean away if directed.
Tea tree oil is a plant-derived essential oil that has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The 100% strength oil may be too strong for direct application to the skin, so dilute with a carrier oil to about 5% strength, or look for products that have tea tree oil already diluted to about 5%.
This can be applied with a cotton swab multiple times daily to acne visible on the outside of the ear.
If the ear acne is severe or inside of the ear, your doctor might prescribe you a course of oral antibiotics to help clear the pimple.
This is normally reserved for severe cases of acne that doesn’t respond to the usual therapies.
Learn More: Mild, Moderate, and Severe Acne: How To Tell Acne Severity Levels
There are a few ways to help you prevent getting a pimple inside your ear:
Do not stick your fingers in your ears
Reduce stress
Avoid hormonal fluctuations if possible
Clean earbuds regularly
Get face acne under control
If you have severe acne on your face, there is a higher chance of spreading bacteria and oil from face acne to your ears.
Look into over-the-counter options for acne, or speak with a doctor about prescription options.
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Strut Acne Formula is a physician formulated compounded medication that contains prescription-strength retinoids with a topical antibiotic to help clear up stubborn facial acne breakouts.
Have an Online Questionnaire-based Consultation with our U.S. doctors today to see if clearing up your facial acne can help you avoid ear pimples in the future.
If you are a good candidate for Strut Acne Formula, your medication can be shipped quickly and discreetly to your front door.
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