How to remove acne in the ears: how to squeeze, ointments, folk remedies

Why do ear pores get clogged?

Ear acne (it will not be possible to remove the rash forever unless the cause of the problem is determined) appears as a result of excessive activity of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous secretion provides hydration and protection to the skin, but if it is produced in excess, the pores become clogged and comedones appear. Contact with air leads to oxidation of sebum and discoloration of the head of the formation in a dark color.

Small acne can grow in size over time and fester, causing significant discomfort. People with oily skin and rashes on other parts of the body are more susceptible to the problem.

Ear cysts

Earlobe cysts - sebaceous cysts

Some patients report that they find a bulbous appearance on their earlobe or behind their ear (a pimple inside the earlobe). The doctor can determine whether this lump is a lymph node of inflammatory etiology (various scalp infections, pharyngitis, otitis media, etc.), lipomas localized behind the ear, parotid tumor, etc.

But the most common diagnosis is atheroma or epidermal cyst in the ear area.

The patient, using his fingers, feels in the area of ​​the lobe a round, small and hard lump that appears in the ear area or behind the ear. Although the word "epidermal cyst" may seem a little scary, lobular cysts are not considered dangerous.

An epidermal cyst is actually a type of sebaceous blister and is a sac formed in the subcutaneous layer (subcutaneous cyst) by the sebaceous glands. It can be a small, medium or large epidermal cyst.

Causes of cyst formation in the earlobe

It is not entirely clear what exactly causes ear cysts. One explanation is that cysts are caused by overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands of the skin. These glands, located under the skin, produce a certain substance called sebum, which lubricates the dermis. The sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, which eventually accumulates locally, forming a so-called sebaceous blister.

Other possible causes of earlobe cysts include skin trauma, infection, or inflammation of the hair follicles.

Treatment of earlobe cyst

Often cysts behind the ear are asymptomatic, but if there is damage to the skin, infection can occur. In this case, in addition to the usual compaction, the person feels significant discomfort, pain, and the affected area becomes hyperemic and swollen. The solution to the problem in this case is radical - the cyst is removed to prevent the occurrence of any complications.

In a contaminated sebaceous bladder, removal of such a cyst is not always safe, so first the surgeon makes a single hole for drainage, while the cavity is treated with antibacterial agents. The mentioned alarming symptoms become an external reason for carrying out such manipulations.

Please note that a sebaceous bladder cannot degenerate into a malignant tumor. At a late stage (after approximately 15-20 days), in the absence of complications, standard surgical excision is performed.

Contraindications for sebaceous cyst removal:

• cyst obstruction with abscess formation;
• critical increase in cyst size;
• aesthetic reasons (in the absence of complications).

Sebaceous cysts on the ear - removal features

The surgical procedure is simple and is usually performed in a clinic or hospital.

Duration of surgical removal of a cyst in the ear: about 10-20 minutes.

Removal of the cyst should be carried out radically with an intact, intact capsule, so that the sebaceous bubble does not return again in the future. Removal of a cyst inside or behind the ear is carried out under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. An incision is made in the center of the cyst, the cyst is discovered, after which it is excised.

After the cyst is removed, the area is cleaned and disinfected. For a better aesthetic result, a cosmetic suture is made. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent possible infections. The sutures are removed after 7-10 days.

Provoking factors

Sebaceous glands can become overactive as a result of:

• hormonal imbalance. At the same time, the properties of the secreted secretion change, which leads to blockage of the gland ducts;
• unbalanced diet. Indulging in fast food and sweets helps to increase the amount of insulin, which in turn provokes increased production of testosterone. This hormone can influence the activity of the sebaceous glands, increasing the likelihood of acne formation;
• the use of low-quality cosmetics, insufficient cleansing of the skin after their use;
• violations of general and local immunity. At the same time, pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply more actively, contributing to the occurrence of acne. And the bactericidal properties of sebum are reduced;
• taking certain medications (antibiotics, steroid hormones, anti-tuberculosis drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, antiepileptic drugs);
• mechanical injuries that provoked infection;
• regular contact with headphones, phones, and other dirty objects.

Poor hygiene can also cause rashes. Insufficient cleansing of the ears leads to the fact that dirt begins to accumulate in them and the pores become clogged.

Ear plugs: main causes

The ears have a complex structure; the sulfur glands perform a protective function. The external auditory canal connects the eardrum to the outside world and is a curved, hollow tube. The outer part of the passage has a membranous-cartilaginous structure, the inner part has a bone structure. The outer part contains sulfur glands.

The number of sulfur glands can reach two thousand. Harmful microorganisms and dust particles stick to the secretion they produce. This is how the protection system works, preventing infectious agents and debris from entering the deep places of the ear canal. The skin of the ear canal regenerates very quickly, and epithelial cells divide in an outward direction. There is a constant production of sulfur; up to 20 mg of secretion can be formed per day. This mass gradually moves towards the entrance along with added contaminants. This process is usually invisible to a healthy person. Daily cleaning of the vestibule of the ear canal and wiping the outer part with water ensures comfortable cleaning of accumulated wax.

What is the reason for the accumulation of secretion in the ear? Ear wax can form due to improper cleaning or neglect of personal hygiene rules.

Often people use a cotton swab to push the sulfur into the bone region, trying to immerse it as deeply as possible. Such manipulations damage the skin of the ear canal, which causes increased secretion production. This mass is formed in large quantities and does not have time to come out on its own, it is compressed. Diseases of the digestive system and metabolic disorders can also create a violation of the consistency of the sulfur glands or increased secretion.

Some factors can cause hearing loss:

• genetic predisposition (increased viscosity of gland secretions, excessive hair growth, and some structural features of the canal are often inherited);
• staying in areas where there are sharp changes in atmospheric pressure (swimming at great depths, hiking in the mountains);
• frequent inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx during ARVI (enlarged adenoids in children with a chronic inflammatory process can cause ear plugs);
• the use of in-ear headphones and other sound amplifiers (long telephone conversations cause increased release of conglomerate);
• various skin diseases (the outflow of sulfur can be complicated due to psoriasis, dermatitis; inflammatory processes of the skin affect the cartilaginous part of the canal).

Poor nutrition can also cause increased secretion production. The presence of a high concentration of cholesterol in the blood makes sulfur viscous and accelerates hair growth.

What do ear acne look like?

Acne in the ears can be of two types:

• closed. They are also called white. These are neoplasms in the form of small nodules (about 2 mm), which can be detected by stretching the skin. They squeeze out poorly and can become inflamed;

• open or black. They are black cysts located at the mouths of the hair follicles. They contain not only sebum, but also cosmetic residues, dirt, and dead skin cells. When squeezed out, a dense dark mass emerges. Having open acne increases the risk of infection. In this case, an inflammatory process occurs and an abscess is formed. Incorrect actions can cause the infection to spread to large areas of the skin.

Cleaning ears with wax plugs

People most often come to an otolaryngologist with complaints about earwax. In this case, patients experience hearing impairment, the cause of which is clogging of the ear canal with sulfur. The substance contains a lubricating secretion of glands and keratinized epithelial particles.

Often, a noticeable decrease in the ability to perceive sounds is observed after taking water procedures, swimming, when water gets into the ears. The cause of aching or sharp “shooting” pain is swelling of the conglomerate. If you have pain symptoms, you should contact a medical facility as soon as possible; you should not try to clear wax from your ears on your own, as this can lead to the development of complications.

Getting rid of comedones with medications

Ear acne can be removed at home. But first, you need to visit a doctor first. The cause of the rash may be any disease, in which case it is necessary to treat it first. If there are no serious pathologies, you can try to solve the problem yourself.

Ointments

You can eliminate rashes with the help of pharmaceutical ointments. Such products have antiseptic, antimicrobial properties, eliminate inflammation, normalize sebum production, cleanse and dry the skin.

Ointments for the treatment of acne in the ears:

Before using pharmaceutical products, it is necessary to prepare the skin by washing it with tar soap and treating it with an antiseptic (Chlorhexidine, Salicylic acid). Then you can apply the selected drug.

Medicinal compresses

Compresses with Vishnevsky ointment or Ichthyol ointment help remove acne in the ears. To do this, lubricate a gauze napkin with a small amount of the product and apply it to the problem area, securing it with an adhesive plaster. Leave the compress overnight, and in the morning the purulent contents will come out of the pimple.

Compresses are also made from Levomycetin in the form of drops. The product is applied to a cotton swab, applied to the affected area, and secured with an adhesive plaster. This compress is effective if the cause of acne is hypothermia. Additionally, you can put drops in the ear, which will help avoid the development of complications.

An effective remedy is a compress with Dimexide. The product must be diluted with boiled water (1:5), moistened with the liquid, applied to the problem area, covered with polyethylene and secured with a band-aid. Keep the compress until the tampon dries.

Preventive actions

To prevent black spots from ruining a person’s life and opinion, prevention should be carried out:

• The ears should be washed as often as the face, but you should not go deep into the auricle.
• After bathing, ears should be carefully selected.
• Frequently cleaning the ears is not recommended, otherwise all the protective lubricant will be removed.
• Your daily diet should include more fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Try not to aggravate the situation and not lead to an inflammatory process.

Blackheads are not a death sentence, you can easily get rid of them and forget them completely, the main thing is to adhere to all preventive measures.

Folk remedies against comedones

Ear acne can be removed painlessly using folk remedies. Their use improves the discharge of secretions, cleanses pores, and reduces the inflammatory process.

Scrub with soda

You need 1 tsp. combine soda with 1 tsp. warm water. The resulting product is applied to acne and left for 2 minutes, after which it is washed off. The procedure is carried out daily until the rashes disappear.

Soda solution can be used for ear drops. For this, 1 tsp. powder is dissolved in 1 tbsp. water. The product is instilled into the ears while warm. You can add salt (1 tsp) and 1 drop of iodine to the solution. Moisten a swab in the liquid and apply to the affected areas for 20 minutes.

Shaving cream based scrub

The scrub helps clean pores, remove dead cells and sebum. You can use it 2 times a week.

To prepare the product you need to take:

• shaving cream – 0.5 tsp;
• soda – 0.5 tsp;
• fine salt - 0.5 tsp.

Mix the ingredients and apply to the affected area, gently massaging. After 5 min. washed off.

Mask with gelatin, milk and charcoal

A mask with gelatin cleanses well and tightens pores.

Have to take:

• warm milk - 1 tbsp. l.;
• gelatin – 1 tbsp. l.;
• activated carbon – 1 tablet.

Combine milk and gelatin, add powdered charcoal. Place the product in the microwave for 2 minutes, allow to cool and apply to the skin. Remove after 20 minutes when the film has hardened.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice can be used to wipe the affected areas. It helps dissolve acne. It is more convenient to apply the product using a cotton swab. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times a day.

Natural honey

Honey helps remove acne that appears in the ears and improves the condition of the skin. It is heated to a liquid state, lubricated the affected areas, lightly massaging the skin. The remaining product is washed off after 10 minutes.

Mechanical acne removal

You can squeeze out blackheads only as a last resort, not forgetting about disinfection. To carry out the procedure, it is better to use a special device, be sure to disinfect it before use. This tool will help you remove acne painlessly without causing harm to your health.

To fix the problem:

1. Steam the skin of the ears.
2. Hands and tools are disinfected.
3. Wipe the affected area with an antiseptic, massaging the skin.
4. Press on the acne with a tool, and after it comes out, wipe the skin with alcohol.

If the elements of the rash are in hard-to-reach places, it is better to consult a cosmetologist. Incorrect actions can lead to some of the pus remaining inside. If an infection occurs, a boil may form, which can have unpleasant consequences. In addition, inaccurate use of the tool often causes damage to the skin, which can lead to the formation of scars.

Acne removal by a cosmetologist has many advantages, including:

• high-quality treatment of the skin with antiseptic agents;
• sterility of the instruments used;
• minimal risk of infection.

Vacuum method

The vacuum technique allows you to quickly and painlessly get rid of rashes. During the procedure, a special instrument is used that creates a vacuum and draws out the contents of the acne.

It is contraindicated to use this technique for rosacea. Bruises may remain on the skin after the procedure.

What to do if acne is inflamed and painful?

If acne becomes inflamed and pain occurs, you can use aloe juice. Moisten a tampon with the product and apply it to the affected area for 20 minutes. The procedure is carried out until the inflammatory process subsides.

You can lubricate the inflamed element with salicylic acid. The procedure is carried out in the morning and evening; in a few days the inflammation will disappear. Iodine is used in a similar way.

You can also remove inflammation with a compress of apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, which is applied to acne. But you should remember that the oil must be applied pointwise, as you can get a skin burn.

A composition for which you will need:

• lavender (mint) oil – 1-2 drops;
• grape seed oil – 1 tsp.

Moisten a cotton swab with the product and lubricate the elements of the rash. It is better to carry out the procedure before bedtime.

Aspirin helps get rid of redness and inflammation, dry out the skin, and clean out pores. You need to grind 1 tablet of the product and mix it with a small amount of water to form a paste. It is applied to the pimple and left until it dries, then washed off. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated after 2-3 hours.

Ear acne is not just an aesthetic problem. As the inflammatory process develops, serious complications can arise. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the rashes as quickly as possible, using medications, traditional methods or hardware techniques. And in order to prevent the appearance of a rash in the future, it is necessary to adhere to the rules of hygiene, monitor nutrition and strengthen the immune system.

Prevention

Carrying out regular preventative measures will minimize the likelihood of wax plugs. It is necessary to keep the ear canals clean and regularly remove secretions. Cotton swabs should not be used. Such household items can compact wax and clog the ear canal, damage the upper layers of the epidermis and cause inflammation.

Cosmetic cotton swabs are most often used after water procedures: washing hair, washing in the shower, taking a bath. A cotton swab is not able to dry the ears, but warm boric alcohol accelerates the evaporation of water. It is enough to drop 4-5 drops of the product into each passage, then lower your head and dry your ears with a towel, napkin or cotton sponge, wrapping the material around your little finger.

A cosmetic cotton swab can be used for delicate cleaning; you can wipe only the outer part of the ear canal, without going deeper than 4 mm. The vestibule should be cleaned using gentle circular movements.

If you suspect an ear plug, the right decision would be to visit the hospital. Specialists from the Diamed medical institution will perform an otoscopy, assess the condition of the canal, and, if necessary, remove the ear plug. Such procedures are safe, performed in a comfortable environment, and do not cause complications.