Dry Skin in Ears: Causes and Treatment

Jan 07, 2024

Dry skin in the ears can have a variety of causes, such as environmental factors like cold, dry air, or chronic skin conditions like psoriasis. When you have dry skin in your ears, it can be uncomfortable, itchy, and even painful. The skin may appear red and flaky. In severe cases, the skin around the ears can even become infected.

This article looks at some of the potential causes of dry skin in the ears, and how this problem may be treated.

Verywell / Laura Porter

There are several possible causes of dry skin in your ears. Most can be classified as either environmental, part of aging, or a result of a chronic skin condition. Certain other medical conditions, deficiencies, or medications can also put you at risk for having dry skin.

Dryness of the outer ears may be caused by allergens or environmental irritants. Once the skin is irritated, it may become dry, red, and itchy. If you have sensitive skin, you may be more at risk of experiencing irritation.

Examples of environmental irritants that may affect the ears include:

It’s also possible to experience skin dryness and irritation from pierced earrings. Ears that have recently been pierced may be irritated. Many people find that they cannot tolerate earrings made from nickel due to a nickel allergy.

Dry skin can also be related to age. By the age of 60, nearly everyone has dry skin somewhere on their body.

Chronic skin conditions that cause dry, itchy skin include eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. All these conditions can appear in and around the ears:

Other risk factors for dry skin include:

It’s important to check in with your healthcare provider any time you’re concerned about the skin in your ears. Some causes of dry skin in the ears, such as eczema, can affect your hearing if left untreated. See your healthcare provider if the skin in your ears is red and itchy. If at-home treatments do not provide any relief, check in with your dermatologist.

See your healthcare provider right away if the skin in your ears appears to be infected. An infection may occur when the dry skin is scratched or cracks, which allows bacteria to enter. Symptoms of a skin infection include pain, swelling, weeping, discharge, or a foul smell.

Treatment for dry skin in your ears will depend on how severe the dryness is, as well as its underlying cause. If your dry skin is due to an allergy or environmental irritant, the only way to treat it is by removing the irritant itself. Chronic skin conditions can be treated with medications from your healthcare provider, as well as good skin care at home.

If you have been experiencing dry skin in your ears, think about all the products that may have come in contact with your ears. Have you recently switched to a new shampoo? The first step may be to discontinue use of the new product and see if your skin gets better. If the dry skin improves, avoid that product going forward.

If you recently had your ears pierced or changed earrings, your ears may be reacting. Try switching to earrings that have been labeled “hypoallergenic” to see if you notice relief from skin dryness.

Once you have found the cause, treat your dry skin with a quality emollient. An emollient is a skin softener found in moisturizers. Look for a gentle moisturizer without artificial fragrances or colors.

If at-home care does not seem to make a difference, see your dermatologist. Medications can be used to soothe the pain of dry skin and treat the underlying causes. Some options include:

To help prevent dry skin in your ears, practice good skin care routines at home. Try to keep your ears clean and dry by washing them every day.

Limit showers to 10 minutes and avoid scalding water. Thoroughly dry your ears after a shower. Using a warm hairdryer may help you dry them completely; just be sure not to use the hot setting. Once your ears are dry, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent cracking.

Chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis cannot be prevented but can be managed with treatment. Pay attention to any irritants or triggers that always seem to lead to dry skin for you, and stop using them if necessary.

Dry skin in the ears and around the ears can have a number of causes. These can include environmental irritants such as shampoos and fragrances as well as chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Your skin may also become drier as you age.

You may be able to treat dry skin in the ears at home by avoiding products that irritate your ears and and applying an emollient. If this doesn't help, see your healthcare provider. They will be able to determine the cause of your dry skin and prescribe medication to help treat it.

Experiencing dry skin in your ears is uncomfortable, and you’re probably eager to take care of it as quickly as possible. The first step is determining the cause of the dry skin, and your dermatologist may be able to help.

Once you know the cause of your dry skin, treatment may include discontinuing an irritating product or implementing a new medication like a topical steroid or antibiotic. Call your healthcare provider if your dry skin becomes very itchy and painful or if you develop symptoms of skin infection including swelling, discharge, or a foul smell coming from the ear.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Dry skin: Who gets and causes.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema resource center.

National Eczema Society. Ear eczema.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Psoriasis resource center.

MedlinePlus. Seborrheic dermatitis.

By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPHCarrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. She has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health.