Rash, open sore behind ear

[kdj]

I am 45 years old, Male, Caucasian...  I just recently noticed that I have a rash that runs along the back of my ear in the crease where my ear attaches to my head. It is about 1 inch long and gets raw then scabs over. I have been putting cortisone on it. It appears to help for a while, but then dries up,  scabs and then gets raw again. It does not itch and that is the only place where it appears. Any ideas?

Concerned,

KDJ

[clairette]

Could someone answer Rash question from 45 old man posted previously.  I have the same problem and do not know what to do?  I have a skin lesion along the attachement of my ear to my head.  It is not really itchy, it's red and scabby.  Please, help.
Clairette

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

For skin conditions involving the said area differentials will be psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and a fungal infection.

Would you be able to identify some scaling in the area?Psoriasis may present with plaques that may look like  white scales. This may not be true in all cases but they usually present as reddish rash that may eventually thicken and scab. Also, seborrheic dermatitis may present with an oily or greasy scale or flake. The underlying cause for seborrheic dermatitis is not very clear although stress seemed to have been associated with it.

Would you note similar lesions in other parts of the body (scalp, area near the navel, chest)?

Any problems with your nails?

Any one in the family with similar lesions ?

[clairette]

The cut along the top of my left ear is red with little scabbing.  I do not have any other lesions.
Clairette

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are primary differentials here.A dermatitis and fungal infection should also be considered. However, these skin conditions may be difficult to differentiate given visual inspection. A microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings from the area may help rule out a fungal infection.In the absence of other associated lesions in the body, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are still not to be excluded.

A consult with a dermatologist will be able to guide you.

[med_olivia]

maybe if you try getting a clean wet rag and clean daily around the sores.

they should go away.

[momoma]

Hi,

It seems like I have the same problem. It started on my left ear and then my right, however, both of my ears are now better. No signs of ozzy, wet, raw, scaly rash. What I'm concerned about is re: the questions you asked previously- about any other lesions found elsewhere on body and any problems with nails. I have a small (dime size) red rash on my scalp (hairline to be exact) that feels wet to touch and one of my toenails is gray. I don't know the exact name for the disease with my toenail but I know that these can all link together because my boyfriend who lives with me has all the same symptoms. He started 2 years ago and seems like I'm mirroring him. He's been visiting a derm regularly and has been using a topical treatment for his rash on his scalp. Is this contagious? What should I do? I'm so worried. I really don't want it to spread. Please help. Thanks

p.s. He's a smoker and I just quit smoking 3 months ago.