What Causes Pimples Behind Ears?
Pimples occur when the skin pores get clogged by dead cells and are infected by microbes. Other factors that may contribute to this condition include:
Poor hygiene habits Excessively dry or humid weather conditions Friction due to spectacles Ingrown hair Ear piercing Comedogenic cosmetics Diet (sugary foods, especially, which can aggravate acne)
Pimples behind your ears can be quite painful, and you would want to treat them quickly. Though medical attention could be important in certain cases, the following home remedies may help supplement your treatment. Make sure you consult your doctor to understand which remedy may work for you.
Home Remedies To Treat Pimples Behind Ears
1. Cold Compress
Studies show that repeated application of an ice pack/cold compress helps treat inflammation. It can achieve this by constantly drawing out heat from the skin (1). This can help reduce inflammation behind the ear. A cold compress Do this 3 times daily.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (2). These properties may help fight the microbes that cause the pimples.
5% tea tree oil Cotton swabs
Do this once daily.
3. Egg White And Honey
Anecdotal evidence suggests that egg whites reduce the size of skin pores and tighten the skin. This could help improve skin appearance. Honey has antibacterial properties (3). These properties may help fight the pimple-causing bacteria.
1 teaspoon of egg white ½ teaspoon of honey (optional)
Do this 2-3 times daily.
4. Yogurt And Oatmeal
Oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (4). It was found to be useful in treating acne eruptions. Though more studies are needed to understand the efficacy of oatmeal in this regard, you may use it for pimple treatment. Yogurt contains probiotics that may help reduce acne (5).
1 teaspoon of yogurt 1 teaspoon of oatmeal ½ teaspoon of honey (optional)
Do this once daily.
5. Garlic
Garlic contains antimicrobial properties (6). These may help fight the pimple-causing bacteria and soothe the infected skin. A minced garlic clove Do this once daily.
6. Citrus Juice
All citrus fruits are rich sources of vitamin C. Applying citrus juice to your pimple can help reduce inflammation and protect against the pimple-causing bacteria (7).
A few drops of any citrus fruit juice (juice of orange, lemon, or lime) Cotton swab
Do this 1 to 2 times daily. These remedies may help treat the pimples behind your ears. But if your condition persists, consult a doctor immediately. In the following section, we have discussed what you can do to prevent the recurrence of pimples behind the ears.
Prevention Tips
Do not pop the pimple as this will aggravate the infection. Follow good hygiene. Scrub your skin once a week to prevent ingrown hair. Drink plenty of water. Quit smoking. Follow a well-balanced diet. Reduce your intake of sugar and processed foods.
These prevention tips can help promote overall skin health. The remedies discussed in the article may offer relief, but none of them are backed by concrete scientific research.
When To See A Doctor
If the pimples grow larger and become more painful, please visit your healthcare provider immediately. Test for any underlying condition and ask for the prescribed medications. Prompt action can help resolve the issue at the earliest. Pimples behind the ears, most often, do not pose any serious threat. The right treatment can help ease the pain and symptoms in a matter of days. But should your symptoms persist or get worse, ensure you visit your nearest hospital. In some rare cases, these little lumps could be a sign of an underlying condition. Does shampoo cause acne? Check out the infographic below to learn which are the most effective home remedies to treat pimples behind the ears. If the shampoo you use is comedogenic, it may clog your skin pores. This can lead to acne lesions over time.
