
Spots in your ear are a thing, and here's how to get rid of them
You can get spots in some pretty interesting places. Case in point? Please see back acne and vaginal acne as exhibits A and B. But those aren't even the oddest spots for blemishes. You can also get ear pimples, as in acne in your ears.
What are ear spots?
Ear spots typically take one of two forms, says Alan Parks, a board-certified dermatologist in Ohio and founder of DermWarehouse. "People can get blackheads on the inside of their ears, or they can get pimples or larger, more inflamed cysts," he tells Allure. The latter types β the red angry ones you fear getting anywhere on your body β typically appear on or around the earlobe, he says, though they can also pop up in the "conchal bowl," aka the hollow part of your outer ear.
So, how do ear spots happen in the first place?
"Ear pimples are usually closed comedones [aka whiteheads] or milia, which are both types of clogged pores," Lily Talakoub, a board-certified dermatologist in Virginia, tells Allure. Turns out, your ears (and the area behind and around them) actually contain oil glands, which produce sebum β the oily stuff that causes clogged pores and sebaceous cysts.
Some people are just predisposed to getting ear pimples.
Unfortunately, you can't really do anything special to prevent ear pimples. Oil glands, no matter where there are on your body, are subject to clogging, says Parks. "Some people are just predisposed to getting these, although washing the area with acne cleansers can help," he says.
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How do you get rid of them?
Ear acne can be tricky to treat, according to the experts. First step, try to clear the blemishes on your own with a topical acne treatment cream. "Blackheads can be treated with topical prescription medications, called retinoids, such as Retin-A or Epiduo," Parks says. (You can also pick up an over-the-counter retinol like Differin Gel.)
Topical solutions might not always cut it, however, cautions Talakoub. "These are different than facial blemishes of acne β they don't usually go away with topical treatments," she says. "Ear blemishes [often] need to be extracted by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician" Γ la Dr. Pimple Popper, she says. If you're prone to them, your dermatologist might also prescribe an oral acne medication.
Ear blemishes [often] need to be extracted by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician.
One very important PSA: Do not try to squeeze the clogged pores on your own. This is the rule with any blemish β you can up your risk of the pimple getting infected β but it's especially important for ear acne since the spot is more prone to infections, Talakoub explains. (Just picture rubbing your grimy earbud up against an improperly popped pimple β recipe for disaster.)
"The best way to prevent inflammation is by not touching the blemish and keeping the area clean," Talakoub says.
If your ear acne does get inflamed (or emerges as an angry cystic blemish to begin with), go straight to your dermatologist. "If an ear pimple flares up and gets acutely inflamed, it can be injected with cortisone medication," says Parks. This will help zap the inflammation, he says.
Consider this your official reminder to wash behind (and all around) your ears.
Here's GLAMOUR's pick of the best acne treatments to say farewell to those pesky pimples:
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Super Spot Removerβ’ Blemish Treatment Gel, Β£16,
By combining the power of zit-zapping salicylic acid with skin-soothing red algae, Origins have concocted one powerful spot stopping solution. And it seems you guys love it too, as it was awarded with 'Best Blemish Treatment' in the GLAMOUR Beauty Power List 2018. -
EridiKate Acne Treatment, Β£22,
The cult US brand has only recently landed in the UK and itβs already proving to be a hit. It contains 10% sulfur that dries out spots, alpha hydroxy acids that reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and zinc oxide that absorbs excess oil. Perfect for those bumps you can feel but canβt yet see. -
Overnight Clearing Gel, Β£46.50,
Pricey but spot sufferers swear by this stuff that contains salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and tea tree that helps clear spots, calm redness and stop bumps from re-appearing, all while you sleep. -
Clear Skin Clearing Treatment, Β£37,
If your spots are leaving unsightly marks, this formula works hard to not only fight blemishes but also fade any existing marks without being too drying, -
10% Sulfur Paste, Β£19,
This magic potion also contains the ingredient-of-the-moment, sulfur, along with salicylic acid to calm, dry and exfoliate skin. -
These handy little patches from Korea can be popped on at night and are designed to pull out puss from pimples. The weightless patches help target spots and breakout-causing bacteria, whilst minimising the appearance of blemishes, redness and inflammation to leave skin clear, fresh and soothed. People who have tried the purse-friendly stickers can't stop raving about them.
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Effaclar Duo + Anti-Blemish Moisturiser, Β£16,
No one understands skin like the experts at La Roche Posay, who have relied on their skin-loving thermal spring water to remedy problematic skin for years. This wonder product is able to moisturise, control oil production and correct dark spots all at once. Genius.
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Offects TE-Pads Acne Pore Treatment Pads, Β£44.50,
Heralded as the king of the chemical peel, Dr Zein Obagi's at-home treatment regime is cosmecuetical skincare at its finest. These acne-fighting pads contain salicylic acid to hinder oil production and glycolic acid to enhance exfoliation, resulting in clearer, more radiant skin from first use.
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Salicylic Acid 2%, Β£4.20,
Believe it or not, the best thing about this product isn't the price (although, it's pretty great, right?). The hybrid of salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid proven to both prevent and treat blemishes) and witch hazel to reduce redness makes this serum a great product to add to your anti-acne arsenal.
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Dynaspot, Β£22,
Pop this cult classic on top of any spot and watch it disappear thanks to the combination of chamomile, tea tree oil and salicylic acid, allowing the formula to treat the blemish without drying out the skin around it.
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Blemish + Age Defense, Β£85,
The fact that this oil-free serum targets the signs of ageing as well as pesky blemishes makes it an instant favourite. Containing a potent wrinkle-reducing blend of acids, it works to detox congested pores and boost cell turnover.
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Acne On The Spot Superstar Serum, Β£105,
Patented anti-microbial ingredients, precious botanical complexes and high-grade salicylic acid makes this serum a powerful solution to your acne woes.
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Detoxifying Clay Mask, Β£45,
Showcasing activated volcanic ash and clay, this results-driven mask loosens stubborn blackheads and inhibits oil production, while tea tree oil and peppermint keeps skin calm.
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Drying Lotion, Β£16,
Your new go-to for on-the-spot treatment, this concentrated salicylic acid treatment dries up spots in a flash.