Pimple In The Ear: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

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What to do about a pimple in your earMedically reviewed by Megan Slomka, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on June 17, 2024

• Causes
• Popping pimples
• Treatment
• Prevention
• Other causes
• Summary

Pimples in the ear usually go away on their own. However, some treatments, such as antibiotic creams and hydrogen peroxide, can speed up the healing process.

Pimples can occur on the ear, behind the ear, or inside the ear canal. They can be painful and uncomfortable, but typically clear without treatment over time.

This article talks about what causes ear pimples, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent them from coming back.

What causes ear pimples?

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Pimples, also called whiteheads, zits, or blackheads are most common on the face and back. However, they can develop almost anywhere on the body.

The outer ear and external ear canal have skin cells, hair cells, and oil-producing glands, which all can cause pimples to form.

Pimples appear when a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, which is the natural oil that protects the skin and keeps it moist.

Bacteria can also cause pimples, which means anything that introduces bacteria or dirt into the ear can cause pimples.

Causes of pimples in the ear include:

• exposure to a dirty or dusty environment
• glands in the ear producing too much oil
• sharing earbuds with another person
• using dirty earbuds or headphones
• putting things in the ear, including a finger
• contact with unclean water, leading to swimmer’s ear or otitis externa
• increased stress levels
• hormonal imbalances, such as during puberty
• ear piercings that become dirty or infected
• wearing hats or helmets for long periods of time
• allergic reactions to hair or beauty products that enter the ear canal

Some conditions can cause symptoms similar to a pimple in the ear. A healthcare professional can help diagnose and treat these skin-related issues in the most effective way.

Should you pop pimples in the ear?

It is best to avoid popping pimples in the ear, particularly in the ear canal. Popping pimples can push pus and bacteria deeper into the pore and cause additional symptoms, such as inflammation and infection.

The ear is a sensitive area, and if a burst pimple becomes infected, this can cause further problems. It can also damage the skin and result in a scar.

A healthcare professional can remove a pimple that causes severe discomfort or distress.

Read more about popping pimples.

Treatment for pimples in the ear

There are several treatments for pimples that are gentle enough to use in the sensitive ear area.

A warm compress or heat pad may reduce inflammation and irritation. This can soften a pimple to bring the pus to the surface.

If a pimple drains in this way, the individual should clean up the discharge and gently wash the area with a mild soap. Cleansers, such as witch hazel or alcohol, may prevent infections.

Over-the-counter or prescription drugs may help to treat acne, such as:

• benzoyl peroxide
• topical retinoids
• antibiotic creams
• azelaic acid
• products that contain salicylic acid

For severe acne, a healthcare professional will usually recommend topical or systemic drugs made from vitamin A. Tretinoin cream is one of the most common.

Isotretinoin may also be used but is usually reserved for the most severe cases.

Healthcare professionals may also recommend antibiotics, including doxycycline or minocycline, to get rid of the bacteria. However, this type of treatment is becoming less common, as cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria appear.

There is some evidence to suggest that tea tree oil may reduce the severity of acne. However, more research is needed to verify the efficacy and safety of this oil as a treatment for acne.

Dermatologists may also recommend specific store-bought acne creams or facial cleansers based on the grade of a person’s acne.

How long do pimples in the ear last?

Overall acne may take around 3 months to clear. However, individual pimples may vary in the amount of time they take to go away with proper at-home treatment.

Attempting to pop the pimple can cause it to worsen or lead to an infection.

Prevention of pimples in the ear

Pimples in the ear may be preventable by practicing proper ear hygiene. This includes:

• regular washing and cleaning to reduce dead skin cells and sebum
• not putting foreign objects in the ear
• avoiding swimming in dirty water
• taking breaks from wearing helmets or hard hats

When pimples do not respond to treatment, a dermatologist can help recommend the most effective prevention methods. They can help identify which grade of acne the person has, and which medications or home practices may prevent flare-ups.

»MORE:Get a skin condition evaluation in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Other causes of a bump in the ear

While most spots in the ear are pimples, other conditions can also cause bumps that appear similar. Since people are unable to see their own ears, it is possible for bumps in and around the ear to go unnoticed until they become a problem.

Other ear bumps that can resemble pimples include:

• Sebaceous cysts: Sebaceous cysts are small bumps beneath the skin that appear not to grow, or to grow very slowly.
• Keloid scars: Small wounds near the ear may cause keloid tissue to appear. These are areas of raised, dark-colored scar tissue that can be much larger than the original wound.
• Seborrheic keratosis: Seborrheic keratosis is a common, harmless skin growth that appears as slightly raised, brownish area of skin.
• Acanthoma fissuratum: An uncommon skin condition, this may resemble a bump with raised edges. It is usually seen in a person who wears glasses.
• Boils or blind pimples: Boils are similar to pimples, but they are deeper into the skin, and so may cause more pain and inflammation. They tend to show no visible head.
• Basal cell carcinoma: Although rare, it is possible for bumps on the ears to be malignant growths, such as basal cell carcinmoa.

A person who is uncertain about a bump in or on their ear should speak with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Summary

Pimples in the ear are similar to pimples elsewhere and are typically treatable in the same ways. They usually clear up relatively quickly, often without leaving a scar.

People with persistent acne, whether in the ear or anywhere else, should speak with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a diagnosis. They can help assess the severity or grade of the acne and can suggest a treatment plan suited to individual cases.

 

• Dermatology
• Ear, Nose, and Throat

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Acne. (2023).https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne
• Acne treatment. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/
• Nascimento T, et al. (2023). Tea tree oil: Properties and the therapeutic approach to acne—A review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10295805/
• Pile H D, et al. (2023). Isotretinoin.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525949/
• Pimple popping: Why only a dermatologist should do it. (2023).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping
• Scheelhauf B. (2023). Tips to treat a deep, painful pimple.https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/treat-deep-painful-pimple
• Vasam M, et al. (2023). Acne vulgaris: A review of the pathophysiology, treatment, and recent nanotechnology based advances.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405580823001590?via%3Dihub
• Yoham A L, et al. (2023). Tretinoin.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/

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Medically reviewed by Megan Slomka, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on June 17, 2024

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