Hands Off

Pimples are a nuisance anywhere they appear, but some places are more uncomfortable or more difficult to get rid of than others. One that falls into both of these categories is a pimple in your ear. While not uncommon, pimples in your ears are tough to deal with – and they can hurt a lot. That’s why we asked dermatologists for everything you need to know, including how to get one out safely.

Like zits in other locations, ear pimples come in all shapes and sizes. You may be dealing with tiny blackheads, whiteheads, or red and tender bumps. However they appear, a pimple inside your ear is usually not a sign of improper cleanliness or anything dangerous, explains Dr Susan Bard, a dermatologist. “It usually starts with a clogged pore and it’s not uncommon to have that in the bowl of the ear,” she says. This is known as the conchal bowl, or the round and hollow part that leads to your ear canal.

Again, just as is the case with pimples elsewhere, something as basic as oily skin can lead to a pimple in your ear. “The accumulation of oil, dead skin, and residue from the hair and hair products that build up and aren’t properly cleaned can contribute to clogged pores and blackheads,” says Dr Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist. If you’re predisposed to certain conditions like dandruff – which can also occur behind the bowl of the ear in addition to your scalp – it can cause flaking and lead to clogged pores, Dr Bard says.

Unlike pimples in all other locations, those in your ears tend to be particularly painful. “[Ear pimples] are very painful because the skin is more taut there, and more importantly, there’s cartilage there,” Dr Bard says. “Any time there’s inflammation around cartilage, such as around the nose or the ear, it’s always very painful.” Still, they’re rarely dangerous when allowed to heal properly. The pimple isn’t likely to cause an ear infection, and the pus isn’t going to sneakily make its way down into your eardrum.

Read on to find out how to safely get rid of a pimple in your ear, plus what to do if it’s really deep in there and when you should give your doctor a call.

The best way to get rid of a pimple in your ear

The best thing you can do is take a hands-off approach. Just leave it alone, says Dr Bard. However, she also admits that nine out of 10 of her patients don’t follow that recommendation. So, if you’re looking for ways to get rid of the pimple in your ear faster, here are some dermatologist-approved tips from Dr Garshick:

• Acne spot treatments: Topical acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoids “can be used to address breakouts in the ears,” says Dr Garshick, though she cautions against overdoing it. “It’s important to know that the skin around the ears is delicate and may be more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity.”
• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties that can “help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria on the skin,” Dr Garshick explains.
• Warm compress: Warmth can help open pores and allow the pimple to drain for faster healing. Try heating a slightly damp cloth until warm (not hot), then apply it to the affected area for 10–15 minutes.
• Keep the area clean: Ensuring the area around the pimple stays sanitary can help speed up healing time, according to Dr Garshick. Be sure to avoid any harsh scrubbing and use a mild cleanser so as not to cause further irritation.
• Avoid picking: While tempting, picking at your pimple increases the risk of infection and inflammation, which will delay the healing process, as well as increasing the likelihood of scarring.

Can you pop a pimple in your ear?

The bad news is that despite the relief it may offer (and the satisfaction Dr Pimple Popper fans may get), Dr Navin Arora, a dermatologist, says it’s generally just not a good idea to pop a pimple in the ear. “The skin inside the ear is delicate, and popping a pimple can lead to infection or damage,” he says, echoing some of Dr Bard’s advice. “Additionally, the ear canal is a sensitive area, and interfering with it can potentially cause pain or injury.”

While we don’t normally think of the aesthetics of the ear, Dr Arora points out another big reason why you should keep your hands away from the problem: Popping a pimple also increases the risk of scarring. This means that in addition to your risk of infection, you could also be left with a lasting mark long after the skin heals.

However, Dr Bard offers some tips for those who plan to go for it anyway. If the pimple is truly painful and has come to a very obvious head (say, it’s very white in the centre), she suggests using two cotton buds to pop it. This prevents you from using too much force, Dr Bard explains. Plus, your nails can cause more trauma to the ear and dig bacteria deeper into your skin if you haven’t washed your hands properly, which can increase your risk of infection.

Finally, only target areas you can actually see – anything deep inside your ear shouldn’t be touched by anyone but a health professional.

How to prevent pimples in the ear from forming

If the problem stems from clogged pores from ear wax, Dr Garshick recommends regularly cleaning ears and using non-comedogenic products. That doesn’t mean using a cotton bud, though. Per healthdirect, the best way to soften a wax build-up at home is to put olive oil drops in your ear twice a day for two to three days, or to ask your pharmacist for wax-softening drops. Don’t try to dig the wax out yourself – that can push it further in and damage your ear. It’s best to speak to your doctor before placing anything in your ear, though.

You can even go to a doctor, who’ll use medical tools to clear any blockage and excess wax. If properly cleaning your ears doesn’t stop pimples from forming, Dr Garshick advises washing your hair regularly to prevent the transfer of oils.

Oils and dead skin are two of the main contributors to clogged pores, so keeping your hair and face clean can help prevent pimples on your face and scalp – and in your ears. “Gentle exfoliation using a salicylic acid-containing product one to two times per week can help to prevent dead skin build-up, though it’s important to avoid getting it inside the ear canal,” Dr Garshick says.

How long does it take a pimple in your ear to go away on its own?

In general, Dr Garshick says it can take anywhere from days to weeks for a pimple in your ear to go away, which is similar to acne on any part of your body or face. However, the number of days or weeks it takes for that pesky ear pimple to heal isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Some types of pimples, like whiteheads, can take up to a week to go away, while nodular acne (aka inflammatory acne that often requires treatment) can take weeks or months. Blackheads typically don’t go away on their own – they’re stubborn and can last for one to three months.

Just remember, pimples can last longer or leave scars if you try to pop them without using proper precautions (like cleaning your hands before touching the area). You raise the risk of pushing bacteria deeper into the pores, which can lead to the formation of new pimples or an infection. Let it heal on its own or try the treatment options discussed above, and you should be free of that pimple in no time.

And if the pimple hurts too much and you’re afraid of making it worse, check in with your dermatologist, who can offer a prescription medication, like a cortisone injection, for especially angry zits.

What to do about pimples deep in the ear canal

The at-home treatments and strategies above can be effective for getting rid of pimples in the outer ear, or those that you can see and touch. But pimples can develop deeper in the ear canal, too. “Pimples in the ear canal often develop as a result of the warm and moist environment of the ear canal,” Dr Garshick explains. “In this environment, bacteria and fungi can thrive, which contributes to infection and acne. Hormonal changes and irritation from improper ear hygiene practices can also play a role.” Other common causes of a pimple in the ear canal are frequent wearing of headphones or AirPods, which may cause friction and irritation that leads to breakouts.

A pimple in the ear canal is often more uncomfortable than a pimple on the outer ear, as the skin is more sensitive and the area is closer to the eardrum. Also, “pimples in this area are harder to access and pose a higher risk of complications if not handled properly,” Dr Garshick adds. Because of this, the treatment approach will differ.

Dr Garshick recommends against self-treatment for pimples in the ear canal due to the risk of injury and infection, and instead suggests seeing a professional. However, if you’re in a lot of discomfort, Dr Garshick says you can try using ear drops or ear wax softeners, which may help with drainage and alleviate some pain. If you try any at-home treatment for these types of pimples, “it’s very important to avoid irritating the ear canal and to maintain proper hygiene to prevent other complications,” she adds.

When an ear pimple isn’t a pimple at all

If your pimple isn’t following the traditional timeline laid out by Dr Garshick, you may be dealing with something else altogether. “In rare cases, a bump in the ear could be a benign tumour or skin growth,” explains Dr Arora. Here are some of the other common culprits he’s seen:

• Sebaceous cysts: These are non-cancerous cysts filled with sebum, a skin lubricant.
• Ear infections: Bumps can sometimes be a sign of an ear infection, especially if accompanied by pain and fever.
• Folliculitis: Inflammation of the hair follicles can cause bumps that might be mistaken for pimples.
• Keratosis pilaris: a harmless condition where small, acne-like bumps appear on the skin.

No matter what you’re dealing with, a dermatologist should be able to not only diagnose the problem but also help you find relief.

When to see a doctor about a pimple in your ear

The good news is that you shouldn’t have to suffer from ear discomfort for long. “If the bump doesn’t resolve after seven to 10 days, you should see a dermatologist for either symptomatic relief or to ensure that it isn’t anything else that might need further diagnosis and treatment,” explains Dr Aya Ahram, a dermatologist. She says your doctor may pursue a variety of treatment options, including “a topical antibiotic that can help combat the pimple, or even a steroid injection to help calm down the inflammation.”

Additionally, Dr Arora says it’s important to consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• The bump is painful, persistent or growing.
• There are symptoms of infection, like redness, swelling and warmth.
• Hearing is affected, or there’s a discharge from the ear.
• There’s a fever or severe pain associated with the bump.
• The bump doesn’t improve with general care or there’s uncertainty about its nature.

Just remember, for precise medical advice, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist or a healthcare professional, especially when dealing with sensitive areas like the ear.