Eczema behind the ears

Because the ears are exposed to the outside for a long time, we often touch them with our hands, and dust, strong wind, etc. can also bring some bacteria to the ears. Eczema is a type of dermatitis that is prone to occur on the hands, feet, and ears. The most typical feature of eczema is that it is very itchy, making you want to scratch it with your hands all the time, and scratch it really hard. So what should you do if you have eczema behind your ears?

Eczema refers to an allergic polymorphic dermatitis caused by a variety of internal and external factors. Histologically, it manifests as cellular infiltration and serous exudation. Its main characteristics are itching, polymorphic rash, and easy recurrence. Occurring in the external auditory canal is called external auditory canal eczema. If it occurs not only in the external auditory canal but also in the auricle and the skin around the ear, it is external ear eczema. Eczema in the external auditory canal is often caused by contact allergy. The most important allergens are topical medications, such as neomycin sulfate and polymyxin B. Avoiding eating or contacting allergens, promptly treating otitis media and eczema on the head, and changing bad habits such as ear picking can prevent external ear eczema.

The cause and pathogenesis of eczema are still unclear. It is generally believed to be related to allergic reactions. It may also be related to mental factors, neurological dysfunction, endocrine dysfunction, metabolic disorders, indigestion and other factors. Factors that cause allergic reactions may be food (such as milk, fish, shrimp, seafood, etc.), inhalants (such as pollen, animal fur, paint, chemical gases, etc.), contacts (such as lacquer trees, drugs, cosmetics, fabrics, soaps, chemicals in hearing aid casings, etc.) and other internal factors. Humidity and high temperatures are often triggers. Eczema in the external auditory canal is often caused by contact allergy. The most important allergens are topical medications, such as neomycin sulfate and polymyxin B. Purulent secretions, bacterial or viral infections can also cause external auditory canal eczema.

According to the course of the disease, it is divided into acute eczema, subacute eczema and chronic eczema.

Eczema manifests differently at different stages.

1. Acute eczema

The affected area is extremely itchy, often accompanied by a burning sensation. After digging the ear, yellow watery secretions flow out and form yellow scabs after solidification.

2. Subacute eczema

It is mostly caused by untreated acute eczema, improper treatment or prolonged treatment. The local area is still itchy, with less exudate than acute eczema, but there is crusting and desquamation.

3. Chronic eczema

If acute and subacute eczema recurs or is not cured for a long time, it will become chronic eczema, with severe itching in the external auditory canal, thickening of the skin, and desquamation. External auditory canal eczema may recur.

Examination of the skin in front and behind the auricle, the groove behind the auricle, or the skin around the ear shows that eczema may appear as very small spotted red rashes, scattered or densely packed together, or may appear as papules, blisters, erosions, serous exudate, yellow crusts, etc.