Why there is peeling of the skin in the ears. Do you have flaky skin in your ears? This is a sign of illness! Peeling in the ear canal

There are many reasons for flaky skin in the ears. If the problem is caused by beriberi or improper care, incorrectly selected cosmetics, it is easy to solve it yourself.

But when accompanied by peeling, severe itching, pain, the appearance of crusts or discharge, you need to see a doctor. Self-medication in such cases will only worsen the situation.

In most cases, skin problems arise due to the banal neglect of the rules of personal hygiene. Few people know that the ears are a very sensitive organ that needs daily care and preventive actions in order to avoid various ailments. Now, for sure, everyone wanted to pick up cotton buds and remove all the sulfur accumulated during the day.

However, there is a paradox : too frequent use of cotton swabs threatens with the formation of ear plugs. Sometimes even those who observe personal hygiene get annoying itching and constantly peeling skin in the ears. What is the reason?

There are many reasons due to which there is itching and burning in the area of ​​​​the auricles. It can be either an allergic reaction or a symptom of a serious illness. Oddly enough, itchy ears can be associated with endocrine or hormonal disorders.

Causes of itching:

• Wrong hygiene. Itching may occur if you clean your ears very often. In this case, the auditory canal is damaged. When the wound heals, a burning sensation is observed.
• Allergy. It may be associated with flowering plants or the use of powders with strong odors. Food allergies cannot be ruled out.
• Otomycosis. This is a fungal disease, which in the initial stages is characterized by mild itching or a slight burning sensation.
• Dermatitis. It can be seborrheic or allergic. It all depends on what caused the disease.

Prevention

It is possible to significantly reduce the likelihood of skin peeling in the ears if certain principles are followed.

The most important of them are:

• A varied, balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Regular physical activity.
• Timely treatment of colds.
• Protect your ears from water while visiting swimming pools.
• Prevention of being without a headdress in drafts.

Be especially careful when cleaning your ears. The procedure should be carried out with cotton swabs only in the outer region of the ear canal. There is no need to try to get sulfur out of the “depth”, since it comes out of there on its own during chewing.

When peeling of the auricle appears, you should not self-medicate. Determine the true cause and prescribe effective therapy only a doctor after a comprehensive examination is capable.

In general, cracks behind the ear are formed for a reason. In most cases, this is due to ailments of a fungal or allergic nature.

Causes of cracks:

• Atopic dermatitis. It usually appears in children under 3 years of age. It is associated with nutritional deficiencies. With such violations, a diet and the use of emollients are indicated.
• Eczema. In the initial stages, it may be wet and secrete a yellow liquid. Then dry crusts appear.
• fungal infection. In this case, it is necessary to identify the pathogen. To do this, you need to pass the scraping to the laboratory. Most often, itching and peeling with cracks are provoked by fungi of the genus Candida.

The best remedies for peeling ears

Depending on the causes of peeling, doctors prescribe different groups of drugs. Bacterial infections of the inner ear require the use of antibiotics. Mycosis and otomycosis - antifungal ointments or creams. Dermatitis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions are treated with steroid ointments.

Peeling skin behind the ears is treated with creams, pastes containing zinc, sulfur, salicylic acid. Ointments with selenium disulfate or ketanazole may be used.

After consulting a doctor, treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies:

• Bury onion juice in the ear canal two or three times a day.
• Wrapped in gauze and inserted into the external auditory canal, a clove of garlic will relieve inflammation and reduce the pathogenic microflora.
• Aloe vera juice will relieve swelling and skin irritation. Freshly squeezed juice (no more than 5 drops) is instilled two, three times a day.

Sunburns and frostbite are treated with panthenol, other vitamin B6-based products that stimulate skin regeneration. If ear dandruff is not accompanied by unpleasant sensations - itching, burning, pain, they can be treated independently.

How to cure abundant peeling of the ears in an adult - vitamin compresses are effective. It is necessary to mix the contents of the capsules with vitamins A, B, E, C in equal proportions. Place a moistened cotton swab in the ear canal for 30 minutes.

Rosehip oil is used to facilitate the removal of keratinized scales. Vegetable or olive oil is also suitable. They moisten a piece of bandage or a cotton swab and gently wipe the flaky skin. The oils are left for 20 minutes, then removed along with the scales with a cotton pad.

You can wipe the problem surface with a decoction of chamomile or calendula. With these infusions, you can make compresses. A moistened sterile bandage is placed in the ear for 20-30 minutes. It is important that the broth is slightly warm.

To facilitate the discharge of dead skin cells, you can add a few drops of oil, both vegetable and cosmetic, to it.

Nourishing, hypoallergenic creams will help repair damaged skin behind the ear. If peeling on the ears is associated with stress, not only local skin treatment is necessary, but also the use of sedatives.

The video describes in detail the treatment regimen for a fungal infection that leads to itching and peeling of the ear:

Peeling of the earlobes is quite common. However, sometimes the treatment is quite simple and paradoxical. Often patients themselves are to blame for the occurrence of the disease.

• Allergy. Most often occurs due to the use of hair dyes or styling products for curls. These products contain a lot of aggressive substances that cause allergies.
• Eczema and fungus. Along with peeling, an unpleasant odor is observed, as well as a yellow or brown coating.
• bacteria. This is due to the use of headphones or earrings. Do not forget to sometimes treat jewelry and headphones with antiseptics.

Main reasons

There are several pathologies that most often provoke crusts in the ears. They are characterized by additional manifestations that allow you to make an accurate diagnosis. So why does this problem appear?

Scrofula

Most often, this anomaly develops in children. Its occurrence is influenced by such factors:

• metabolic disorders due to damage to the endocrine system;
• malnutrition;
• weakened immunity as a result of infections or relapses of chronic pathologies;
• genetic predisposition.

The appearance of scrofula leads to the ingestion of Koch's sticks into the body. These are bacterial microorganisms that provoke the development of tuberculosis. The key manifestation of the disease is the appearance of dry crusts behind the ears, which have a yellow tint. The skin becomes pale. If a person rips off the crust, the skin begins to itch and get wet.

Tuberculosis is indicated by additional symptoms. They include subfebrile temperature, fever, increased agitation. A person loses body weight, his submandibular lymph nodes become inflamed.

In such a situation, only therapy of the main pathology will help to cope with scrofula. In other situations, it is enough just to normalize living conditions - to include more foods containing many vitamins in the diet.

To remove the crusts, the affected areas should be treated with drugs containing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components.

• Orally, substances that normalize metabolic processes and antibacterial agents can be used.
• Air baths will help speed up the recovery process.
• The maritime climate is also very useful.

allergic reactions

Crusts and scales in the ears can be the result of exposure to allergens. Earrings, hat material, hair cosmetics, etc. can cause negative reactions.

Therapy consists in eliminating contact with the allergen, using antihistamines and treating the affected areas with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic substances. If it is not possible to identify the provoking factor, there is a possibility of eczema.

Dermatitis and eczema

These pathologies are the result of allergies and mechanical damage. The provoking factor is the weakening of the immune system with the development of infectious pathologies.

Dermatitis is characterized by the formation of crusts in the region of the auditory opening. Rashes appear on the surface of the skin in the form of small papules that contain fluid. After opening them, inflammation of the skin and dried crusts are observed in these areas. The ear passages swell. In this case, the same therapy is required as with allergies.

In the case of the development of eczema, formations with liquid often appear on the auricles and on adjacent areas of the dermis. The recurrence of the disease usually lasts 21-28 days. Initially, the skin becomes denser and there is a sensation of itching. Then rashes form in this area, which are very itchy.

If you remove the affected area, the inflamed skin will crack. Weeping crusts with a small rash will appear on it. To achieve a stable remission, the dermis should be treated with oil solutions containing oxycort.

To avoid secondary infection or the development of a fungal disease, these areas are treated with alcohol antiseptics. In case of dry peeling, local anti-inflammatory drugs should be used. If you start treating eczema at the first manifestations, after 7-10 days it will be possible to stop the development of the disease. To stop severe itching, systemic and local antihistamines can be used.

fungal infection

In adults, dried crusts in the ears are often caused by infection with fungi. Their active reproduction is most often observed as a result of a weakened immune system and a violation of hygiene rules. At the same time, fungal microorganisms can develop not only with insufficient cleaning of the ears, but also with too frequent washing. In the latter case, the lubrication of the skin is washed off, which is a protection against the ingress of fungi.

Ear mycosis can be infected through hearing aids, headphones or ear plugs. The main symptoms of pathology include the following:

• sensation of a foreign object in the ears;
• formation of sulfur plugs;
• noise in ears;
• headache;
• discharge from the ears - they can be serous or purulent in nature.

Used to eliminate pathology antifungal drugs. They are placed in the ear passages with a cotton turunda. Manifestations of itching can be eliminated with antihistamines.

Other reasons

This defect is formed due to the influence of a variety of factors:

1. Infection. Pathology may develop due to a violation of the piercing technique or other factors. As a result, scales, itching, hyperemia of the dermis often appear.
2. Seborrheic dermatitis. This disease is accompanied by the appearance of white scales on the skin and dandruff. In addition, there is often a feeling of itching, dryness and discomfort. Especially often these symptoms are localized behind the ears. The exact causes of the pathology have not been established. However, most often provoking factors are stressful situations, HIV infection, exposure low temperatures, Parkinson's disease.
3. Irritation due to exposure to chemicals.
4. Prickly heat. This anomaly is characterized by blockage of the sweat glands. As a result, no sweat is released. The patient may develop small bumps. In addition, there may be a feeling of itching, peeling, redness and crusts.
5. Psoriasis. This pathology is accompanied by a sensation of itching, redness, the appearance of peeling of the dermis.
6. Measles. This pathology is accompanied by rashes on the forehead and behind the ears. The rash appears in the form of small pink spots.
7. Bacterial meningitis. This is very serious illness who needs urgent medical attention. A common symptom of pathology is the appearance of purple rashes.
8. Folliculitis. Infectious lesions of the hair follicles are accompanied by a sensation of itching and rashes on the ears. Also, this anomaly is characterized by hyperemia and irritation. Often blisters form.
9. Chickenpox. This infectious pathology is characterized by the appearance of itchy blisters or ulcers. They first appear on the face. In addition, there is a cough, headaches, fever. Often there are crusts on the ears or inside the ear canal.
10. Otitis media. This pathology appears due to infection with viruses or bacteria, as well as an increase in the volume of fluid that is localized in the middle ear. In addition, a person has chills, discharge of pus, pain, fever.
11. Otitis externa. This condition is accompanied by an inflammatory lesion of the outer ear.
12. Dryness of the dermis. Dehydration of the epithelium can provoke a sensation of itching, the formation of crusts and scales.

Inflammatory processes in the organs of hearing

Why is peeling observed and what causes it? Often the cause lies in the inflammatory process. The main disease is otitis media. The disease provokes an infection that penetrates into the auricles along with water or as a result of hypothermia. The main symptoms of the developing inflammatory process are:

• itching deep in the ear;
• the presence of traffic jams;
• hearing loss.

If at this stage we do not intervene in the process, the situation begins to become more complicated. Gradually standard clinical picture complemented severe pain, purulent secretions and dermatitis. The skin begins to itch intensely, due to this strong drying and peeling. It is necessary to eliminate the inflammatory process under the supervision of a specialist. In most cases, it is advisable to use a solution of boric acid and take antibiotics. Such agents as Amoxiclav and Nitrofural have a pronounced effect. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy can eliminate obvious symptoms from the outside of the ears.

Peeling, complemented by pain, may indicate the formation of a boil. In this case, infection is observed, complemented by an inflammatory process. Pathology is accompanied by peeling behind the ears and redness at the site of the formation of the boil. In this case, there are no hearing impairments, but the pain increases significantly. A complex inflammatory process requires surgical intervention followed by antibiotic therapy.

Diet

There is no specially designed diet for physiologically normal flaky skin. A balanced diet is recommended, including unrefined vegetable oils, fish, chicken eggs, vegetables and fruits, garden greens, nuts, as well as fortified drinks (rosehip broth, oats, freshly prepared juices). Smoked, fatty, spicy and pickled foods / dishes, alcoholic beverages to which the skin does not react well are subject to restriction.

With dryness and flaking of the skin against the background of dermatological or endocrine diseases, appropriate diets are prescribed, for example:

• Diet for hypothyroidism thyroid gland .
• Diet at hormonal failure among women.
• Diet for dermatitis.
• Diet for psoriasis.
• Diet for eczema.
• antifungal diet.
• hypoallergenic diet.

A photo

Treatment

Treatment should begin when the exact cause is identified. If this does not pose a threat to the health of an adult or a child, then treatment can be carried out at home as prescribed by a doctor.

Allergic reactions to food, drugs, or insect bites are treated with antihistamines, soothing ointments, and compresses. When determining the cause of an allergic reaction, the allergy provocateur must be eliminated (cancel the medication or exclude the food from the diet).

If the irritation is caused by insufficient hygiene, then the solution to the problem is very simple. You just need to wash the affected areas of the epidermis with soap.

Nervous peeling quickly stops when the root cause (stress or neurosis) is eliminated. It is necessary to avoid situations that irritate the nervous system.

Ear dandruff is perfectly treated with medicated hair shampoos.

If the cause of peeling ears lies in a lack of vitamins or nutrients, then it is necessary to change the diet and take vitamin complexes to make up for the deficiency.

Diseases, a symptom of which is peeling of the ears, must be treated by a specialist. Most often it is a dermatologist. When visiting a doctor, it is necessary to indicate all symptoms, even minor ones. Since the itching of the epidermis is possibly caused by a hidden insidious disease (for example, diabetes mellitus). That is why the diagnosis should be made by a specialist.

After the diagnosis is made, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment. For skin diseases, it consists of taking pills, applying ointments and visiting a physiotherapy room, where there are special light lamps.

In no case should you prescribe yourself a treatment on your own, without making an accurate diagnosis. This can turn into an aggravation of the problem, the disease can go into a chronic course with exacerbations. In this case, getting rid of peeling will become much more difficult.

Precautionary measures

If you have just managed to get rid of the ill-fated crust in your ears, then you are still at risk. To prevent the disease from reappearing, be guided by the recommendations of experienced dermatologists:

• observe the rules of personal hygiene, do not use other people's accessories (for example, headphones or ear plugs) and wash your ears regularly;
• otolaryngologists forbid using cotton buds to clean the ears, because they destroy epithelial cells and eliminate the protective lubricant formed in the ear canal;
• spend more time outdoors and try to follow the generally accepted daily routine (preferably sleep at least 8 hours);
• in no case do not supercool your ears in the cold season, so buy a hat;
• protect your ears from water, especially chlorine(should get a special cap for swimming);
• if a person wears a hearing aid, you need to regularly treat the device and use special ear drops;
• do not start the treatment of otitis media and boils, otherwise it will be difficult to get rid of the crust in the auricle;
• drink as much as you can mineral water without gas, because it will help to establish a metabolism;
• try to avoid stressful situations (you can improve your perception of the world around you by doing yoga or reading books on self-development and psychology);
• start eating a balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, greens, cereals, meat and dairy products).

Important point! If left untreated, dandruff in the ears can develop acute mycosis. The fungus acts not only locally, but also begins to penetrate deep into the tissues of the body.

To treat dandruff in the ears, you need to use an integrated approach- simultaneously eliminate a cosmetic problem with ointments, lotions and tablets, and also begin to lead healthy lifestyle life by eating foods rich in fiber and vitamins. Remember to drink at least 2.5 liters of water a day.

Do not think that white grains will immediately begin to disappear, at least 2 months must pass for the skin on your ears to acquire its former healthy appearance.

Diagnostics

At the reception, in order to identify the causes, the specialist makes a thorough examination. If necessary, prescribes a number of general tests to establish the full picture and nature of the disease.

• If the symptom is provoked by inflammation of the ear, the doctor examines with an otoscope;
• If an allergy is suspected, consultation with an allergist-immunologist is required, which in turn also determines the cause and method of treatment. In this regard, in some cases, tests are prescribed to identify allergens;
• If there is a suspicion of eczema, a detailed examination of the skin is carried out. In the case when the patient came with diabetes, tests for hormones are prescribed to confirm the diagnosis.

Thus, for each type of disease, an individual diagnosis is carried out, which has its own separate specifics.

How to get rid of scabs

The mistake of many people suffering from the formation of crusts in the ears is that they do not go to the doctor and direct all their efforts precisely to eliminate the scab. This is fundamentally wrong, as a result of which the skin is covered again yellow coating, scales and crusts.

First of all, therapy is directed to the underlying disease. Only after complete recovery, the crusts on the ears will stop appearing. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, as well as on the stage of the process and the individual characteristics of the patient.

Otitis involves the use of the following medications:

• antibiotics - Ciprofloxacin and analogues;
• combined preparations - Sofradex, Candibiotic;
• antiseptics - Miramistin.

Fungal infections:

• solutions and drops - Nitrofungin, Clotrimazole;
• ointments - Pimafukort, Lamisil;
• capsules - Fluconazole.

Eczema and dermatitis include complex treatment aimed at both suppressing the pathological process and supporting the body's immune system.

Only the passage of the full course of treatment is guaranteed to get rid of crusts on the ears. It is not recommended to self-medicate, as well as to use dubious methods of traditional medicine. most efficient and in safe ways getting rid of yellow crusts is the use of chamomile, calendula or string in the form of a decoction. For cooking, 1-2 tablespoons of the plant and 200 ml of boiling water are required. The broth is infused for 5-6 hours and cooled to room temperature, after which the affected area is moistened with a cotton pad. Do not rub the scales strongly or try to get rid of them mechanically. Wiping should be done 5-6 times a day. Chamomile, string and calendula have an antibacterial and healing effect.

Before use folk recipe you need to consult a doctor. Contraindications and individual intolerance are possible.

List of sources

• Trukhan D.I., Viktorova I.A., Bagisheva N.V. SKIN CHANGES IN SOMATIC DISEASES // International magazine applied and fundamental research. - 2019. - No. 8-5. - S. 736-740.
• Studenikin V.M., Studenikina N.I. Skin care for children in the first years of life: neuropediatric aspects. Attending doctor. 2008; 3:66–70.
• Arabian E.R., Sokolovsky E.V. Dry skin. Causes and mechanisms of occurrence. Principles of correction // Journal of dermatovenereology and cosmetology. 2002. No. 2.
• Kuznetsov S. L., Goryachkina V. L., Tsomartova D. A., Zaborova V. A., Lutsevich O. A. Modern views on the structure and functions of the epidermis // Russian Journal of Skin and Venereal Diseases. 2013. No. 2. P.26 - 31.
• Lomakina E. A. Role barrier function skin in the pathogenesis of some dermatoses // Contemporary Issues dermatovenereology, immunology and medical cosmetology. 2009, No. 2, pp. 87–90.

Eczema (weeping lichen)

Inflammatory disease, accompanied by weeping rashes and itching, damaging the skin and ear canal. It occurs equally often in children and adults. The character may be acute or chronic.

The symptoms are quite typical:

• redness and swelling, against the background of which congestion and noise occur;
• the appearance of a vesicular rash from vesicles with transparent contents;
• ears get wet inside when bubbles burst;
• as it dries inside, the ear itches, the bubbles injure again, and so on, until the rash passes.

Treatment

To reduce itching and allergic manifestations appoint a course:

• antihistamines - Fenistil, Suprastin, Claritin, Zodak, Zirtek, etc.),
• vitamin groups B, P and A, nicotinic, ascorbic and succinic acid;
• physiotherapy.

bacterial infection

If a person is faced with such a pathology, doctors can only eliminate the problem by taking antibiotics. If there is discharge from the ear, it will be necessary to take antibacterial drugs and use local resources.

Each of these drugs has a complex effect:

• fights the inflammatory process;
• relieves tooth and redness;
• destroys pathogenic bacteria.

It is extremely important to remember that antibiotics have many contraindications and can only be used after a certain age.

Diseases

Diseases in which the ears are covered on the outside or inside are most often associated with skin problems and disorders in the immune system. Let's take a closer look:

• Psoriasis. A chronic non-infectious disease, the symptom of which is severe itching of the epidermis (often on the ears). At present, the autoimmune root cause of this disease is being considered in medicine.
• Eczema. A non-infectious disease characterized by a rash, severe irritation and burning.
• fungal infection. It is caused by various types of fungus that affects the dermis.
• Diseases of the liver. This group of disorders is often accompanied by dryness and irritation of the epidermis.

If the earlobe is peeling for a long time, then you should definitely visit a doctor and find out why such a nuisance appeared.

VIDEO: Ears are peeling

Peeling is the process of desquamation of dead cells of the epidermis from the surface of the skin. Normally, we do not notice this phenomenon, although it happens all the time. Horny skin flakes are removed by washing the skin (especially with a washcloth), wiping it with a towel, etc. The skin of the ears, like other parts of the body, is also constantly updated.

Increased peeling indicates that either the skin is overdried, or the epithelial cells divide so quickly that the stratum corneum does not have time to peel off. Another possible cause is permanent damage (mechanical, chemical, allergic irritation, inflammation, etc.) to the cells on the skin surface. Peeling ears are caused by one or more of these factors.

How to understand why the skin in the ears and on their surface is peeling off? We will tell you how to find out the cause of this violation.

Allergic reaction

If peeling appeared due to allergies, antihistamines are prescribed. Medicines of a similar pharmaceutical group must be taken for eczema, various skin dermatitis.

If the pills are chosen correctly, they will help block the receptors that respond to the stimulus, eliminate the symptoms in a few days. Popular drugs are:

Since all these medicines have contraindications, you must read the instructions before using them.

Pathogenesis

The main cause of pathological dryness of the skin and desquamation of the epithelium is a violation of the hydration of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Leading pathogenic mechanisms dry skin are:

• Decreased ability of the skin to retain moisture due to a deficiency of hygroscopic substances inside the corneocytes - natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which is a product of protein breakdown filaggrina. With the participation of the enzyme peptidyl deaminase, the proteolytic breakdown of filaggrin occurs, while a multicomponent structure is formed in the stratum corneum, which forms the hydrolipid mantle of the skin (free amino acids, urea derivatives, lactate compounds, lactic and polycarboxylic acids, metal ions and other components) that bind and retain water in corneocytes. It is this water that is the main moisture of the stratum corneum. The degradation process of filaggrin and the effect of NMF components (urea, glistidine, glutamine) on the skin is schematically presented below.
• Decrease in the barrier function of the stratum corneum due to the failure of the lipid component (violation of their location and structure), which causes defects in the intercellular lipid layers and leads to sharp increase transepidermal water loss. It is the change in the composition of epidermal lipids that underlies the formation of an inferiority of the protective hydrolipidic layer, which leads to a transcutaneous loss of water and contributes to the penetration of irritants and allergens.
• Violation of the process of transporting moisture from the dermis to the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The pathogenesis of desquamation (desquamation) is based on pathological changes in speed and order of destruction rootodesmosome in the stratum corneum of the skin, which affects the condition of the skin (thickness of the stratum corneum, peeling, dryness). Regulation of desquamative processes is controlled by many factors: exogenous/endogenous proteases, skin pH, activity of protease inhibitors, properties of corneodesmosome proteins, external factors aggression. A special role in the control of desquamative processes is assigned to protease inhibitors that are secreted in the lamellar bodies of the granular layer (SLPI, SKALP, LEKTI, plasminogen activation inhibitor, etc.) and metal ions, in particular, zinc. It is the defects of protease inhibitors that lead to structural disorders in corneodesmosomes, which contributes to the formation of defects in the process of desquamation of the stratum corneum of the skin.

Thus, a violation of the differentiation and proliferation of the epidermis, as well as the inability of the stratum corneum to retain moisture, underlie the mechanism for the development of dry skin, pathological desquamation (desquamation) and changes in skin relief.

Otomycosis

A fungal infection of the ear that affects the structure of the outer and middle ear. There are no specific symptoms, as a rule, violations of hygiene rules and the addition of secondary infections against the background of previously transferred diseases lead to otomycosis. In other words, this is ear dysbacteriosis, in which the patient's own immunity is not able to inhibit the activity of the fungal flora.

Symptoms are similar to other ear diseases - pain, noise, congestion, discharge of fluid, feeling of wet ears even after complete removal of the fluid.

Treatment of otomycosis

First, hygienic cleaning of the ear canal is carried out with boric acid, furacillin or similar antiseptics, after which antimycotic drugs of general and directed action are prescribed. The course usually takes 5-7 days without any consequences.

What to do in case of fungal otitis media

With the development of a fungal infection, it is necessary to determine the type of fungus. This will help you choose effective drug. If molds are found, the appointment of Terbinafine is indicated. If a fungal infection is provoked by yeast fungi, then the use of Pimafucin is recommended.

For the treatment of otitis externa, topical medicines(ointments and drops). In severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed. Preventive actions involve the elimination of moisture from the ears, the refusal to bathe in polluted water bodies and the use of sharp objects during hygienic manipulations.

How to recognize a fungal infection in the ears, Dr. Komarovsky will tell:

Symptoms

If inflammation occurs behind the auricles, a number of common symptoms appear on the epithelium:

• itching, discomfort, rash,
• the skin is flaky and wet,
• blisters appear on the irritated areas, after opening of which yellow crusts form,
• moisture in the lesions progresses,
• cracks appear
• there is pain, redness, burning,
• inflamed areas begin to itch unbearably,
• a fetid odor emanates from weeping skin,
• patients develop psychoemotional disorder.

If you do not start treatment, the signs of the pathological process will increase:

• annoyance appears,
• sleep is disturbed
• performance decreases,
• a complication develops: in addition to the fact that a person’s skin is peeling and getting wet behind the ears, a secondary infection occurs in the areas of inflammation.

Structural changes in the epidermis in the auricles and ear canal or in areas located in close proximity to them can be both a manifestation of contact dermatitis (mild frostbite, sunburn) and a pathological sign of a number of diseases of the middle and inner ear. Exfoliation of skin flakes on the ears is one of the symptoms: hypovitaminosis, dysfunctions of individual organs, malfunctions of the endocrine and immune systems. If visual metamorphoses of the skin are accompanied by swelling, pain and itching, you should seek advice from your local doctor. After assessing the situation, he will either prescribe the necessary treatment himself, or refer him to a specialist.

The reasons

Signs of the appearance of scaly exfoliation of the skin on the auricles, provoked by hypothermia or excess ultraviolet radiation, cause trouble, associated more with aesthetic than physiological damage, unless, of course, the process has captured deep-lying tissues. Frostbite and mild sunburn do not require clinical rehabilitation and special pharmacological agents. At healthy person self-healing of the upper layers of the epidermis takes place in a short time.

But if the reasons for which the ears are peeling do not find an accessible explanation, then the situation that has arisen requires closer attention. Such external manifestations, associated with other symptoms, may be the result of diseases caused by pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi. Urgent measures will help prevent complications associated with infection in the middle and inner ear.

Otitis externa (diffuse)

Unlike local otitis, which is characterized by a single infectious inflammation of the hair bulb in the ear canal, diffuse type the disease develops against the background of mechanical or chemical damage to the skin of the outer ear, which has arisen:

• when trying to clear the ear canal from sulfur accumulations;
• at the site of scratching with intense itching;
• as a result of self-medication with home remedies;
• as a result of the unsystematic use of drugs of directed action.

The delicate skin is easy to damage even with special hygiene products (cotton buds) or cause a burn using pharmaceutical preparations without following the instructions. Through the injured area, the causative agent of the disease (staphylococcal, streptococcal bacteria, viruses) penetrates into the deep layers of the epidermis, begins to actively multiply and spreads through the blood and lymph over the entire surface of the outer ear, causing:

• tissue swelling;
• inflammatory process, accompanied by an increase in the parotid lymph nodes;
• painful sensations;
• severe itching;
• scaly peeling.

The infection is brought into the outer part of the organ of hearing from the outside or enters through perforations in the membrane along with purulent masses in inflammatory bacterial and viral diseases the middle part of the ear. In an infant, the disease can develop on the basis of a birth injury not detected in time.

Otitis externa

Otomycosis

This is a disease of the outer ear. Both in an adult and in a child, it most often occurs against the background of a weakening of the body's immune defenses. This condition leads to:

• deficiency in the diet essential vitamins and minerals;
• chronic course of infectious diseases;
• prolonged use of antibacterial drugs;
• constant nervous tension.

The fact is that otomycosis is caused by fungi that are constantly included in the microflora of the human body and occupy a certain position in the upper layers of the epidermis. With healthy immunity, their number is stable, and the life process does not have a negative impact on a person. If the body's defense is weakened, the fungus, penetrating through any microtrauma of the upper layers of the epidermis of the ear canal, begins to actively multiply and intensively saturate the surrounding tissues with decay products. Quantitative accumulations of these alien human body substances is the beginning of an acute allergic reaction, which becomes protracted.

First, itching appears in the inner part of the outer ear, the ear canal becomes inflamed, the skin on its surface cracks. Liquid fragments, similar to ichor, stand out from the cracks. Then, the process involves: the open and back of the auricle:

• the pigmentation of the skin changes (from pinkish red to burgundy);
• swelling is observed, especially the size of the lobe increases significantly;
• the ear itches a lot, and touching it causes pain;
• the skin dries, cracks, flakes and flakes off.

Without timely treatment otomycosis can be aggravated by dermatitis of infectious pathology.

Otomycosis

Hypovitaminosis and other general systemic disorders in the body

Vitamin deficiency is the most common cause of flaky skin on the outer part of the ear. The onset of symptoms is seasonal (late winter, spring, early summer). To fix the problem, you need the most balanced diet with enough minerals and vitamins.

By itself, hypovitaminosis does not pose an immediate danger to the body, with the exception of extraordinary cases (scurvy, pellagra). But the lack of vitamins reduces the immune defense, as a result of which the risk of developing more severe diseases that affect the auditory organs increases.

It happens that the causes of symptoms such as dryness and peeling of the skin on the ears provoke malfunctions of the endocrine system. Similar manifestations occur in the acute course of thyroid disease ( diffuse goiter) and insufficient amounts of adrenal cortex hormones in the body. Problems are eliminated by treating the underlying disease.

Treatment

Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. If exfoliation of the skin on the outer part of the ear is accompanied by: severe itching, discoloration of the skin, an increase in the parotid lymph nodes and painful sensations, then you should definitely contact a medical facility.

The treatment of otitis includes, as the main means, antibiotics of the general spectrum of action in the form of injections, orally and for external use (drops, ointments). The fight against otomycosis is carried out with the same set of drugs and means, but with a directed antifungal effect.

The dosage and duration of the use of drugs is determined by the attending physician, who is guided by:

• the general condition of the patient;
• forms of the course of the disease;
• the body's reactivity to drugs.

Drip injections are carried out strictly stationary under the supervision of medical personnel.

In both cases, analgesics, sedatives and antihistamines are prescribed to relieve symptoms of pain and itching. Treatment is accompanied by the intake of immunomodulating agents and vitamin complexes. When agreed with a doctor at home, it is permissible to treat diseases caused by pathogens with folk remedies.

Folk remedies:

To protect yourself from these diseases, you must observe personal hygiene, lead a healthy lifestyle, including:

• complete nutrition;
• giving up alcohol and smoking;
• hardening and sports.

A strong immune system is able to resist infection of any kind.