Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Skin & Beauty > Skin Conditions > How to Get Rid of Blackheads in Ears

How to Get Rid of Blackheads in Ears

Updated on September 22, 2021
6 min read
By Akanksha Shah Sanghvi, MD, Clinical Dermatology

In this article:

  • How to Extract Blackheads
  • How to Prevent Blackheads
  • How Do Blackheads Form?
  • Final Word

The skin contains millions of tiny pores that are home to hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These skin pores often get clogged due to the accumulation of dirt, dead skin cells, and oil. Once clogged, the skin pores become visible as tiny spots on the skin surface, also known as comedones.

blackheads in ears

These spots may either form due to closing of the pores, resulting in the formation of white spots, or opening of pores, leading to blackhead formation. (1)

Comedones, especially blackheads, can form on any part of the skin but most commonly around the nose. They may also occur on the neck, back, chest, arms, and shoulders. While generally harmless, blackheads can be a source of pain and discomfort if they appear in hard-to-reach places such as the inner ears.

It is best to get such blackheads treated medically and practice self-care measures that can help remove and prevent blackheads in the ears. This article will talk about the different treatment methods for blackheads in the ears.

Advertisements

How to Extract Blackheads

techniques used for blackhead extraction

If you develop blackheads in your ears, it is best to get them removed by a dermatologist to avoid complications. The doctor may use the following techniques for blackhead extraction:

1. Use of a blackhead extractor tool (comedone extractor)

A metal loop is pressed onto the skin to help release the accumulated dirt and oil inside the skin pores. This procedure is followed by the application of an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent to soothe the skin and prevent infections. (1)

2. Chemical peels

Mild acids are applied to the skin to help treat dryness, hyper- or hypopigmentation, acne, and scarring. The treatment may be given every 2–3 weeks until needed. The doctor may also recommend topical creams, exfoliators, retinoids, bleaching agents, and moisturizing creams to be used in between two sessions for better results. (2)

3. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive dermatological treatment that uses a crystal- or diamond-tipped wand that helps remove the upper layer of skin. This procedure treats age spots and blackheads and exfoliates the skin in general to reveal new, healthy skin. (3)

4. Photopneumatic therapy

An intense pulsed light laser along with a vacuum is employed to help unclog the skin pores. This treatment effectively clears pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. (4)

How to Prevent Blackheads

The following self-care tips and home remedies help prevent the recurrence of blackheads once you get them removed:

Advertisements

1. Maintain good hygiene

Make sure to wash your towels, pillowcases, hats, headbands, and other accessories that come in touch with your ears to prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria into your ears.

2. Cleanse your skin daily

cleanse your skin daily to prevent blackheads in ear

Not keeping your skin clean can increase the chances of clogged pores and therefore blackheads. Cleansing your skin every day prevents the accumulation of dirt and increases the absorption of moisturizers and other skin care products by the skin.

3. Exfoliate

It is recommended to exfoliate your skin at least once a week to help clear the settled debris and oil from your pores. You can use beta hydroxy acid and salicylic acid for the same.

Exfoliation disintegrates the accumulated dirt and slows down the shedding of skin cells, therefore preventing your skin pores from getting clogged up. (5)

4. Use topical retinoids

topical retinoids can be used to treat blackheads in ear

These vitamin A derivatives help prevent clumping up of cells and treat skin inflammation. Topical retinoids also stimulate the generation of new skin cells. However, make sure to use retinoids in minimal quantity and gradually increase their use once your skin gets used to them.

Using a large amount of retinoids initially can cause dryness, stinging, itching, and even erythema. Consult your dermatologist on proper retinoid use. (6)

Advertisements

How Do Blackheads Form?

formation of blackheads in ears

Blackheads occur when dirt and oil accumulate in skin pores and cause blockage; the pores remain open, exposing the oil to the air. The sebum, on contact with oxygen in the air, turns black, giving blackheads their characteristic appearance.

The following factors may contribute to the formation of blackheads in ears:

  • Excessive sweating: Heat or exercising may lead to profuse sweating, which causes the skin pores to overwork. The oil from the sebaceous glands, along with the dirt sticking to your sweat, may accumulate in the pores and clog them. If you do not cleanse your skin properly, especially after exercising, blackheads may easily form.
  • Oily or acne-prone skin: Blackheads in the ears are common in those who have excessively oily skin or are infected with acne-causing bacteria.
  • Hair products: Hair products can easily clog the skin pores on contact with the skin.  
  • Over-Exfoliation: Exfoliating or cleansing the skin too often can cause irritation and dryness. This can also trigger increased sebum production, leading to blackhead formation.
  • Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal changes associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are the most common reasons behind blackhead development.
  • Certain medicines: The use of medications such as corticosteroids can also increase the risk of blackhead formation in the ears.
  • Genetic factors: Blackheads in the ears may also occur due to your genetic makeup and therefore run in your family. They can also indirectly form due to the genetic tendency of having oily skin.
  • Stress: Stress is a common trigger of blackhead formation as the sebaceous glands go into overdrive under stressful conditions.

Final Word

Blackheads or comedones are a common skin problem that affects the nose and back commonly. However, you may also develop blackheads in your ears due to a number of reasons. While these are not serious health issues, they may cause discomfort and can be a cosmetic concern for some.

There are various blackheads treatments that you can undergo upon consulting your dermatologist. However, simple measures such as keeping your skin clean and maintaining good hygiene can help prevent the formation of blackheads in the first place.

References
  1. Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, Gerber M. Treatment Modalities for Acne. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273829/. Published August 13, 2016.
  2. Rendon MI, Berson DS, Cohen JL, Roberts WE, Starker I, Wang B. Evidence and considerations in the application of chemical peels in skin disorders and aesthetic resurfacing. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921757/. Published July 2010.
  3. JS; SMC. Microdermabrasion. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30571004/.
  4. Rajabi-Estarabadi A; Choragudi S; Camacho I; Moore KJ; Keri JE; Nouri K; Effectiveness of photopneumatic technology: a descriptive review of the literature. Lasers in medical science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30143923/.
  5. Jiang LI, Hino PD, Parker L, Stephens TJ, Mccook J, Gotz V. Efficacy and Tolerability of an Acne Treatment Regimen with Antiaging Benefits in Adult Women: A Pilot Study. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6011872/. Published June 2018.
  6. Thielitz A; Abdel-Naser MB; Fluhr JW; Zouboulis CC; Gollnick H; Topical retinoids in acne–an evidence-based overview. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology: JDDG. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18479477/.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements

You Might Also Like

Nutrition

10 Ways Cloves Help Restore Your Health

By Vanessa Voltolina LaBlue, MS, RD, CDN

Read more

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health
  • Web Stories

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health
  • Web Stories

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.