Eczema On The Ears Or Eyebrows: How To Cope | Everyday Health

Skin ConditionsEczemaExplore This TopicShare this articleShareShare on FacebookShare on XShare on PinterestCopy LinkEczema (Atopic Dermatitis)Learn about effective treatments and management strategies for eczema. Find tips on soothing irritated skin and preventing flare-ups for long-term relief.LEARN MORE

• 1What Is Eczema? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
• 2What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis?
• 3Causes and Risk Factors of Atopic Dermatitis
• 4How Is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed?
• 5Atopic Dermatitis Treatments: Drug and Nondrug Therapies
• 6Your Everyday Guide to Living Well With Atopic Dermatitis
• 7Atopic Dermatitis Complications: What You Need to Know
• 8Eczema and Diet: The Foods to Eat and Avoid to Prevent and Manage Flare-Ups

SEE MOREEverything You Need to Know About Eczema on the Ears

Artem Goncharov/ShutterstockByChristina FrankUpdated on November 18, 2025Medically Reviewed byBlair Murphy-Rose, MDON THIS PAGE

• Eczema on Ears
• Eczema Triggers
• Prevention
• Treatment
• Getting Medical Help

ON THIS PAGE

• Eczema on Ears
• Eczema Triggers
• Prevention
• Treatment
• Getting Medical Help

Eczema is a common skin condition that can affect any part of your skin, including your hands, neck, inner arms, legs, and face — and even your ears.

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When eczema affects the area around the ears, it can cause discomfort, itching, redness, and dry, flaky skin. It may lead to inflection and other complications as well.

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The key to finding relief is understanding the specific types of eczema that affect your ears, how this eczema is triggered, and effective management strategies.

How Eczema Can Affect Ears

Eczema on your ears can take different forms, each with its own characteristics and underlying causes.

Atopic Dermatitis

The most common and chronic form of eczema is atopic dermatitis.

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Experts estimate that atopic dermatitis affects around 200 million people around the world, according to a review of 344 studies.

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 In the United States specifically, more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults have the condition.

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Statistics are lacking when it comes to how commonly it affects the ears specifically.

Like many types of eczema, atopic dermatitis happens when an overactive immune system produces inflammation and causes the skin barrier to dry out and become irritated. It may also result from a weakened skin barrier, environmental triggers, and genetics.

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This noncontagious condition is typically associated with symptoms in places where the body flexes, such as inside your elbows or behind your knees.

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But any area of the skin can develop atopic dermatitis, including the ears, says JiaDe “Jeff” Yu, MD, a dermatologist and the director of the Contact and Occupational Dermatology Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Dr. Yu says that the outside part of your ear can be particularly vulnerable to atopic dermatitis because it tends to dry out easily, unlike certain areas of the body that have more oil and sweat glands, such as your armpits, groin, and scalp.

Symptoms are similar to what would occur elsewhere on the body: “Itching, scaling, and redness are by far the most common,” Yu says. The rash can look purple, dark brown, or an ashy gray or white color on darker skin tones.

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The rash may hurt, he says, “especially if scratching has led to open sores and a bacterial infection.”

Seborrheic Dermatitis

If you are experiencing itching, scaling, and color changes on or in your ears, the problem may not be atopic dermatitis. You may be dealing with seborrheic dermatitis, which is common on the ears and can look a lot like eczema.

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The condition occurs in approximately 3 to 5 percent of the population globally.

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Once again, however, research into the prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis on the ear specifically is lacking.It typically takes the form of a dry, scaly, flaky rash that may burn or itch. On the ear, you might experience crusting, cracks in your skin, or oozing if it becomes infected.

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“Seborrheic dermatitis is a fancy term for dandruff. It can occur anywhere the skin is oil-rich, such as inside the ears and the ear canal. It less often involves the external ear,” says Yu. The crease behind the ears and even the eyebrows can be affected, though.

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The underlying cause of seborrheic dermatitis may be the body’s reaction to a yeast-like fungi on the skin known as Malassezia.

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“It may be that the Malassezia eats the increased sebum and then the immune system reacts to the overgrowth of the yeast on the skin,” says Peter Lio, MD, a Chicago-based dermatologist who is on the board and clinical advisory council of the National Eczema Association.

Heat, sweat, and the entrapment of sweat and oils in the skin can all be factors in seborrheic dermatitis as well, Yu says.

What’s the Difference Between Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis?

Board-certified dermatologist Andrew Alexis, MD, explains similarities and differences between the two.

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What Triggers Eczema on the Ears?

In order to manage flare-ups, it’s crucial to understand what triggers eczema on your ears. Atopic and seborrheic dermatitis have distinct triggers, but there is some overlap.

Atopic Dermatitis Triggers

Atopic dermatitis can occur when your skin has an allergic reaction to substances it touches. In this case, it’s known as contact dermatitis.

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Common triggers for allergy-related ear eczema include:

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• Certain Metals Some of the metals used in jewelry are common culprits, says Yu, and can cause a reaction on the earlobes and outer ear. Nickel and copper are two examples.

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   Because some cell phones are made with nickel, they can cause a skin reaction, according to an older case study.

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• Headphones and Earplugs In-ear headphones and foam earplugs can trigger a reaction, potentially affecting the ear canal.

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• Products for Hair and Scalp Care These products — including shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, and hair dyes — can get in and around your ears, triggering a reaction.

Other irritants can include:

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• Soaps and detergents
• Cosmetics and toiletries
• Topical medications
• Objects used to clean the ear
• Allergens transferred to your ears from your fingers
• Certain, fabrics, like wool

Environmental factors may include:

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• Cold, dry air
• Changing temperatures
• Sweat
• Stress

Picking at or rubbing the skin in and around the ears can also trigger a flare-up.

“It is best to avoid scratching and rubbing these areas,” says Dr. Lio.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Triggers

Seborrheic dermatitis is often linked to the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, and has these possible triggers.

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• Excess oil production in areas with more (sebum) glands make these areas, including the ears, more susceptible.
• Heat and sweat create a favorable environment for yeast overgrowth.
• Infrequent washing can allow yeast and oil to build up.
• Stress and fatigue can contribute to flare-ups as well.

Similar to atopic dermatitis on your ears, seborrheic dermatitis may also result from changes in temperatures or weather, cold and dry air, harsh hair products or soaps, and certain medications.

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JesseLiving with atopic dermatitis“It's painful, it's itchy, it burns. And emotionally, it's also really taxing.”Listen 56 secTranscript Available

How to Prevent Eczema Flares on the Ears

To minimize eczema flare-ups, Yu recommends the following:

• Avoid costume jewelry or opt for styles made with metals that are unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction, such as surgical steel, titanium, gold, silver, or platinum.
• Try not to wear headphones or earplugs for extended periods.
• Minimize exposure to cold, dry air. Use a humidifier indoors and earmuffs outdoors during cold weather months.

“Take your jewelry off every night. Don’t shower in it. Don’t sleep in it,” says Gail Porter, who has atopic dermatitis as well as occasional bouts of seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp and behind her ears.

Try to also avoid fabrics that can irritate your ears, like wool or silk. For atopic dermatitis caused by allergens, try to limit any exposure to things you know cause an allergic reaction or irritation in your skin.

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It’s best to use a mild soap when bathing or showering, and pat your skin dry once you’re done. Apply a thick emollient to the ears, such as Vaseline, to seal in moisture, Yu says.

“Very few people moisturize around the ears, and this may also help explain why eczema is more likely,” Lio says.

A regular skin-care routine can help keep seborrheic dermatitis symptoms at bay.

The National Eczema Foundation recommends washing affected areas each day with a gentle, 2 percent zinc pyrithione cleanser (Head & Shoulders and Selsun Blue are over-the-counter examples), followed by a moisturizer.

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In general, the American Academy of Dermatologists recommends that Black people — who may have curly, tightly coiled, or straightened hair that is more fragile, dry, and prone to breakage — should wash once per week or every other week.

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Porter, who is Black, says washing her hair at least once a week has helped eliminate flakes and itchiness in both areas.

To avoid problems in the creases behind her ears, she is careful to dry that area thoroughly after each shampoo.

“Don’t allow it to stay damp,” Porter says. This is because too much contact with water can irritate the skin, especially if you don’t moisturize right away.

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Treatment for Eczema That Causes Ear Symptoms

Aside from taking steps for prevention, such as moisturizing, you can treat both types of eczema around the ears with topical medications prescribed by a doctor.

Atopic Dermatitis

A doctor can perform a patch test on an area of skin to determine whether a particular substance might cause an allergic reaction that could trigger an atopic dermatitis flare-up.

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Topical medications used to treat atopic dermatitis involving the ears include:

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• Low- to medium-strength topical steroids, such as over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors
• Topical PDE4 inhibitors
• Topical JAK inhibitors

Treating atopic dermatitis in the ear area can be a challenge because the skin is delicate and sometimes hard to access, says Lio.

“If [the eczema] is just below and behind the ear, usually creams or ointments can work well in those areas,” he says. “If there are cuts or fissures, it can be better to use a greasy ointment that is less likely to sting than a cream, gel, or liquid. Things get more difficult if the ear canal itself has eczema: Then we often use oil-based [steroid] ear drops to help get a bit inside and cool the inflammation and itch.”

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Porter has found that moisturizing her ears and face with an over-the-counter lotion that contained colloidal oatmeal brought relief: “I just started rubbing it on my ears, behind them, and on my face. The eczema’s pretty much almost gone now.”

In fact, research supports the idea that colloidal oatmeal protects the skin barrier, moisturizes, and has anti-inflammatory properties — and that it may ease the severity of eczema symptoms.

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Seborrheic Dermatitis

Yu uses several types of medication to treat seborrheic dermatitis.

“Generally, I try to reduce the Malassezia yeast with an [antifungal] cleanser of some sort, such as ketoconazole or ciclopirox. Then, I have patients use an anti-inflammatory topical preparation such as a corticosteroid, or a nonsteroidal agent such as a topical calcineurin inhibitor,” he says.

Antifungal creams are a treatment option as well.

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When to See a Doctor

Eczema is a chronic condition that typically comes and goes. If your symptoms are not responding to standard treatments or are getting worse, your rash becomes infected, or you develop a fever or other non-skin-related symptoms, talk with your doctor or dermatologist.

They may want to test for other underlying conditions and may recommend alternative treatment approaches.

Though the doctor may have started by prescribing creams and lotions, they may recommend oral medications or medications given as a shot instead. For more serious cases, they may consider a specific form of light therapy.

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The Takeaway

• Eczema, a common skin condition that causes an itchy rash and other skin symptoms, can affect the area in and around your ears.
• Two types of eczema that occur around the ears are atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Common causes of the former include allergies to certain metals in jewelry and other irritants, while the latter may result from the body’s reaction to a type of yeast.
• Eczema is a chronic skin condition that typically comes and goes. Symptoms can be managed by avoiding triggers and using topical medications. If your symptoms are not responding to treatment, contact your doctor.

Resources We Trust

• Cleveland Clinic: Ear Eczema
• National Eczema Society: Ear Eczema
• National Eczema Association: What Is Eczema?
• Mayo Clinic: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Eczema

EDITORIAL SOURCESEveryday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.SourcesResources

1. Eczema. Cleveland Clinic. October 25, 2022.
2. Ear Eczema. National Eczema Society.
3. Types of Eczema. National Eczema Association. January 27, 2025.
4. Tian J et al. Global Epidemiology of Atopic Dermatitis: A Comprehensive Systematic Analysis and Modelling Study. British Journal of Dermatology. September 14, 2023.
5. Atopic Dermatitis. National Eczema Association. January 27, 2025.
6. What Is Eczema? National Eczema Association. January 27, 2025.
7. Eczema. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. August 2024.
8. Seborrheic Dermatitis. National Eczema Association. February 20, 2025.
9. Ludmann P. Seborrheic Dermatitis: Signs and Symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology. December 6, 2022.
10. Ear Eczema. Cleveland Clinic. October 6, 2021.
11. Laviola E. Common Metals That Trigger Eczema. National Eczema Association. September 12, 2024.
12. Unilateral Eruptions on the Face: Consider Cellular Phone Contact Dermatitis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. May 2014.
13. Staples N. Ear Eczema: What You Need to Know. National Eczema Association. December 6, 2022.
14. Black Hair: Tips for Everyday Care. American Academy of Dermatologists.
15. Bathing for Eczema. National Eczema Association. March 20, 2025.
16. Prescription Topical Treatments for Eczema. National Eczema Association. April 21, 2025.
17. Sobhan M et al. The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. March 2020.
18. Easing Eczema: Why You Shouldn’t Suffer in Silence. University of Missouri. October 1, 2018.

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Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

Medical Reviewer

Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Skincare Junkie. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist, specializing in leading-edge facial rejuvenation techniques, including injectable fillers and botulinum toxin injections, advanced laser procedures, noninvasive body contouring, and removing lumps and bumps with precision. She is an expert in the treatment and detection of medical conditions, including skin cancer, acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Dr. Rose believes in a comprehensive approach to skin health and incorporating a skin-care routine tailored specifically for each individual and utilizing a wide array of tools to target specific skin concerns.

Rose has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Surgery, and Pediatric Dermatology, and has been featured in numerous publications, including Vogue, Elle, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Self, Women’s Health, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

See full bio

Christina Frank

Author

Christina Frank is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor specializing in health and medical topics. Her work has been published in over 50 digital and print publications, including Berkeley Wellness, Health, The New York Times, Parenting, and WebMD.

See full bioSee Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network

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