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Rash, open sore behind ear
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
Concerned,
KDJ
My daughter had a similar problem. I used all that was recommended from fungi cream then hydrocortisone cream and maintained good hygiene. The sore comes and goes. My daughter is embarrassed at school. I'm a nurse so I tried hibiclens liquid to wash off the sores, dry and apply antibiotic cream. Within 4days the sore dried and skin is healed. Is been over a year with no sore behind the ear.
Is it possible to have fungal infection that comes and goes? I had open lesions in my left ear first. FIrst one area was crusty and I thought it was irritation from my cartilage ring. But then had a few in right ear and then a few on my face and scalp. This was in Saudi Arabia. I came back to the states. Had some lesions going up dermatone that ID thought was shingles, but then go these other lesions. I fell a kind of pop, and when I look I have a circular area with skin missing, looks like cut but round. Went away for awhile and now back. Once again first in my left ear, then open areas in right ear, then my face, scalp and a few on chest more on my back and several on my buttocks. It is so frustrating because I have no idea what it is. I would appreicat any advice you can give.
Please note that I am not a doctor - just have had a lot of skin problems in my life and have good observational skills...
I get this problem from time to time and have found several preparations that can clear it up very quickly, at least for a few weeks to a few months. For me, it appears to be stress related and sometimes diet related (see below). Regardless of the reason, one or more of the below suggestions should help the large majority of people. In no particular order:
1. Drugstore strength hydrocortisone works for some, but is too weak in general, in my experience. It is better than nothing, but definitely not my first choice.
2. A much stronger corticosteroid is 0.1% triamcinolone ointment (slightly better than the cream form, but doesn't really matter much). This is prescription only and some doctors may be reluctant to prescribe it, but it usually produces overnight results. I try other solutions first, just to avoid corticosteroids in general.
3. When fungal related, I use 2% ketoconazole ointment or cream. Again, this is prescription only (and for external use only!). If it doesn't help or even seems to make it worse, then the problem isn't fungal. There are some over-the-counter ketoconazole dandruff shampoos (only 1%) that may help, but they are often hard to find in drug stores. Try searching Amazon for "Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo". Nizoral is simply the brand-name. It is used to relieve dandruff that is sometimes caused by yeast overgrowths.
4. The very best over-the-counter preparation that I have found is CeraVe Skin Renewing Cream Serum with Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid. This is available at Amazon. I believe that retinoic acid is the active ingredient. It is painless and works practically overnight. This is also much safer than the corticosteroid preparations. Probably any formulation that contains retinoic acid (i.e., Retin-A or other retinols) and hyaluronic acid will work. CeraVe is simply the first brand that I tried. It is presently my first choice.
5. Acne preparations that contain benzoyl peroxide (i.e., Oxy-10 or similar) or salicylic acid sometimes helps although they sting quite a bit. I think that they simply act as oil cleansing astringents and antibacterials - not sure.
A few observations:
1. Sorry to gross you out, but if the waxy substance smells like your favorite cheese or or even "toe crud", you have been colonized by the molds and/or bacteria used to flavor the cheese. This is usually a strong aromatic (i.e., smelly) cheese such as blue cheese, gorgonzola cheese, or a very strong aged provolone cheese. Stop eating the cheese for a while and use an antifungal preparation. When you do eat this type of cheese, don't rub behind your ears until after you have washed your hands thoroughly. Same goes for the toes (yuck!)...
2. If ketoconazole doesn't produce overnight benefits, it probably isn't going to work and you should try a different preparation. This excess peeling skin can be caused by a number of problems and isn't always the same, even for the same person. Some people just seem to be more susceptible than others for whatever reason.
3. Whenever you have this problem, change your pillowcase more frequently to prevent recontamination from fungus, mold, yeasts, or bacteria and also use a clean towel each time that you bathe for the same reason.
Good luck and I hope that this helps!
I get this problem from time to time and have found several preparations that can clear it up very quickly, at least for a few weeks to a few months. For me, it appears to be stress related and sometimes diet related (see below). Regardless of the reason, one or more of the below suggestions should help the large majority of people. In no particular order:
1. Drugstore strength hydrocortisone works for some, but is too weak in general, in my experience. It is better than nothing, but definitely not my first choice.
2. A much stronger corticosteroid is 0.1% triamcinolone ointment (slightly better than the cream form, but doesn't really matter much). This is prescription only and some doctors may be reluctant to prescribe it, but it usually produces overnight results. I try other solutions first, just to avoid corticosteroids in general.
3. When fungal related, I use 2% ketoconazole ointment or cream. Again, this is prescription only (and for external use only!). If it doesn't help or even seems to make it worse, then the problem isn't fungal. There are some over-the-counter ketoconazole dandruff shampoos (only 1%) that may help, but they are often hard to find in drug stores. Try searching Amazon for "Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo". Nizoral is simply the brand-name. It is used to relieve dandruff that is sometimes caused by yeast overgrowths.
4. The very best over-the-counter preparation that I have found is CeraVe Skin Renewing Cream Serum with Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid. This is available at Amazon. I believe that retinoic acid is the active ingredient. It is painless and works practically overnight. This is also much safer than the corticosteroid preparations. Probably any formulation that contains retinoic acid (i.e., Retin-A or other retinols) and hyaluronic acid will work. CeraVe is simply the first brand that I tried. It is presently my first choice.
5. Acne preparations that contain benzoyl peroxide (i.e., Oxy-10 or similar) or salicylic acid sometimes helps although they sting quite a bit. I think that they simply act as oil cleansing astringents and antibacterials - not sure.
A few observations:
1. Sorry to gross you out, but if the waxy substance smells like your favorite cheese or or even "toe crud", you have been colonized by the molds and/or bacteria used to flavor the cheese. This is usually a strong aromatic (i.e., smelly) cheese such as blue cheese, gorgonzola cheese, or a very strong aged provolone cheese. Stop eating the cheese for a while and use an antifungal preparation. When you do eat this type of cheese, don't rub behind your ears until after you have washed your hands thoroughly. Same goes for the toes (yuck!)...
2. If ketoconazole doesn't produce overnight benefits, it probably isn't going to work and you should try a different preparation. This excess peeling skin can be caused by a number of problems and isn't always the same, even for the same person. Some people just seem to be more susceptible than others for whatever reason.
3. Whenever you have this problem, change your pillowcase more frequently to prevent recontamination from fungus, mold, yeasts, or bacteria and also use a clean towel each time that you bathe for the same reason.
Good luck and I hope that this helps!
I have a similar problem. It appears out of no where and itches and burns in the crease on both ears. I would in the past, search for a rash but nothing was ever found, I'd just wash my hands and scratch to get very temporary comfort in easing the itchiness but I think in doing so I'd also make it worse. I decided to start applying rubbing alcohol to it, it stings a little but the relief is instant and maintained, the soars are gone within hours. I've never seen a doctor for an explanation because of the above mentioned thing works very well.
Go to a doctor and ask about cephalexin, AKA: Keflex, Panixine, Biocef, Zartan. I had the same thing and this cleared it up and never returned! Hope this helped!!
my boy who;s 5 has sore red rash round whole of the ear from top to bottom at both edges its an open wound whats causing this and what can i use on it
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.
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.
maybe if you try getting a clean wet rag and clean daily around the sores.
they should go away.
they should go away.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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.
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.
The cut along the top of my left ear is red with little scabbing. I do not have any other lesions.
Clairette
Clairette
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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 ?
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 ?
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