weeping and peeling behind the ears

[BearcatBengal]

For several years now I have had constant fluid weeping and peeling behind both of my ears. The fluid that weeps from the area seems to form a layer of "skin-like" flakes which eventually block/stop the weeping. Eventually this layer builds up enough that it is so annoying that I practically have to peel it off, which then starts the weeping process all over again.

I was prescribed a topical steroid (Cutivate) by a derm and told the condition was likely a form of sebborheic dermatitis. It doesn't seem to respond to anti-fungals like tea trea oil and other prescriptions I have tried so I don't think its a fungus. The only thing it has seemed to respond well to is the steroid which eliminates it for about 3-5 days after which it returns just as severely as before. It is completely painless and not noticeable. It's more of a nuisance than anything else, but it would be great if I could completely rid myself of it.

Sebborheic dermatitis hardly even seems like a diagnosis to me. Its like saying, "sir, you have inflammation of the skin". Which is obvious in and of itself from the outset. If I knew that it was eczema or psoriasis or some other specific condition then I could probably have a better shot at treating/curing it.

I have read that topical steroids eventually lose their effectiveness somehow. I guess the body somehow develops a tolerance due to the repeated use. Any other ideas of what it might be or how I can treat it? Should I just keep using the steroid forever?

Chronic inflammation can lead to skin cancer. If the area really is inflamed I should probably due something about it. Oddly though, the area doesn't really even seem to be inflamed since it doesn't burn or hurt to touch. Still, It seems like I should be doing more about it than just let it be.

[BearcatBengal]

buMP

[BearcatBengal]

bump

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Eczema and psoriasis present as red dry patches rather than weeping lesions. Fungal infections are a high possibility. You can get a KOH examination and fungal culture of the fluid done. If it comes positive then you need to use topical and oral antifungals.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[BearcatBengal]

Dr. Bhupinder Kaur,

Thank you for responding to my post. If my condition is fungal, I am at a loss for what I should use to treat it. At this point it seems like I've tried most of the common anti-fungal shampoos. I've used 2% Nizoral, Loprox 1% (Cicloprox), Tea Tree Oil, Zinc Pyrithione, Coal Tar (Neutragena T-gel). I'm just hoping for some suggestions, so I will be prepared to suggest them to whichever physician I see. Also if it is fungal is it likely that I will have to apply medicines to it for the rest of my life?

Thanks, Andrew

[BearcatBengal]

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[JoCJo]

THIS WORKED FOR ME!
Came here months ago to see if anyone found any relief. I have had terrible cracked and oozy ears for 8-9 months. Working it's way up the side of my head and over the tops of my ears. Had it once as a teen also, not sure how it went away that time. I have tried all the suggestions here, have a bathroom pantry full of stuff. Went to my GP for my annual check up and mentioned it to her. Asked it it was some sort of psoriasis or something. She said not one like she has ever seen. She said it just looked more irritated and sore than anything. She asked me what I had all tried. She gave me a prescription for a steroid cream called TRIAMCINOLONE 0.1% CREAM. I put it on my ears in the parking lot of the drugstore. Then 2 x a day for 4 days and my ears were 99.8% cleared up. I was so happy my household thought I had hit the lottery. I was going around showing everyone the backs of my ears and they thought I had flipped my lid. I hadn't really shown anyone before because it was so gross so they did not really have a reference.
So I looked up this steroid cream to maybe give me a clue if this was fungal or what and found it treats many things like poison ivy, poison oak, allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. So who knows but It took about 5 days to feel like I was good and I quit using it. All is good. I put a bit on about once every two weeks just to keep the heebie jeebies away though! Hope this helps someone else!

[BearcatBengal]

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[Raina726]

I have the exact condition. It has not responded to anything I have tried.
It's currently weeping. doctor also thought fungal but cremes did not work.
Also looking for a cure.

[cynful4812]

I have had this condition since I was 6 years old. I am now 37. My first diagnosis - not drying behind my ears well enough. Then - allergic reaction to hair products. Then  - fungus. Then -  seborrheic dermatitis. I have used everything. The only time it was ever cleared up was when I was on heavy doses of steroids for another condition. It came back as soon as I went off the steroids. I came to the conclusion a long time ago that there isn't a doctor/dermatologist that knows exactly what it is. I've just accepted it. Certain hair products do cause it to be worse. Some times my ears bleed. I like to wear a ball cap in the summer exposing as much of behind my ears to the sun as possible and use hydrocortisone cream. It doesn't go away completely, but it looks much better.

[Hurstfam]

Try to stay away from steroids. I used DoTerra geranium oil and it went away about 95% in three weeks. I'm going to continue to use it for another month and I believe it will be all gone.

[Raina726]

Isn't it strange that something like this can't be treated? I wonder if it auto-immune somehow.
Do you have any other dermatologic condition? I also have developed a dermatitis around my eyes. No idea if it is related. I have been tested for allergies and they were negative.

It is WEIRD.

And, for me, it is unsightly, I'm just glad I have long hair, no way I would go around with my ears exposed. It often cracks and is very red and sometimes is bleeding or caked with strange layers of dry skin... NOT attractive.

[Truckyboy]

Yes its very annoying..I have flakes just behind both ears..and it creeps into my ears..I practically pick them off every day, and scrape what I can inside my ears. On the side of my head  when I pick the scales off..they become moist..and is quite painful when I shower..I have only ever tried shampoos like head and shoulders, and tea tree oil based shampoos..which eased the symptoms..am gonna go to a skin specialist soon and see if  they can get to the root of  my condition.

[Hurstfam]

Did you ever resolve this problem? I did. Geranium oil. I used the DoTerra brand. I've used it for three weeks and it's 95% gone. It's all dried up and all I have left are a few flakes. Hope you find relief.

[lovehawaii7]

Hurstfam - was your condition completely resolved of from geranium oil or are you still experiencing same symptoms?

[trishslp]

Hi, My ears do the exact same thing -- weep, dry up leaving a thin papery skin, itchy, - - I scratch - - weep again.  I have recently been diagnosed with an internal candida overgrowth, which my MD says is causing my rashes (my other rashes are the similar but do not weep), so I am on a candida diet, so I shall see if that helps. It is helping my other rashes.    I have also found that diaper cream helps dry it out.

[NWF222]

I am currently in same situation - rashes and oozing ears due to candida and possible other bad bacteria in gut.  How are you now?  What is anything has worked for you? Thanks

[tina2703]

how do doctors find out it is candida? i have had this problem for months and nothing is working. I have rashes on my face too. I have looked it up and I have all the systems so will be going to doc next week

[Raina726]

I found a cure. Mario Badescu Control Cream. It's a natural anti-inflammatory. WISH doctors would KNOW about it.

GONE in less than 2 weeks. Like it was never there. I've tried everything on it to no avail. This did it. Found it on Amazon. Someone else on one of these forums posted about it working for them and I decided what's one more purchase?

Doctor did patch tests and gave me anti-fungal, hydrocortizone, name it I tried it. Some Soothed some burned some did nothing.

This stuff worked and cured a patch of eczema on my face. And cured my eyelids which have been cracking and peeling.

Worth every penny. Glad I didn't give up.

[Wendi318]

Raina726, did you use drying lotion?   I'm desperate!

[JoCJo]

Mario Badescu Control Cream has been removed from the market. Anyone else know of something similar?

[judyism]

Here's what worked for me so far: I washed it with Head and Shoulders during my shower and apply Neosporin on it for several days. You may want to wash and re-apply the Neosporin one more time during the day. It's been several months since I tried that and now it's not as bad. Even thought it seems like it's gone forever, remember to wash it with Head and Shoulders and apply Neosporin at least every other day. If you don't already have Head and Shoulders, maybe you can get a trial/travel size to test. Good luck.

[iode]

Provodone iodine works quickly, keep behind ears clean and dry, per usual. it also works on athletes foot. there is a non staining kind you can buy in the drug store

[iode]

Sorry, I meant povidone iodine...it does work, on hairline too... I wouldn't get in your eyes tho, make sure to clean your eye wear so as not to reinfect

[iode]

DO NOT use this if you are allergic to Iodine or shellfish

[AUDI1966]

Hi, just wanted to thank you for sharing this information. I went on their website and bought myself a tub, it worked!!  so I recommended to my friend who has really bad eczema , guess what it worked for her too!! Another friend had inflammation on her face from a small Op, I suggested the cream, It also worked on her too!! i AM SO PLEASED I HAVE FINALLY FOUND SOMETHING THAT HELPS!! THANKS A MILLION!

[JoCJo]

Bought a tub of what? Thanks.

[redskin80]

Mario Badescu Control Cream is dangerous! They've changed the formula. There have been many bad reactions to the new formula and it has been pulled from the shelves.

[Jmmcphee]

I am desperately trying to find this control cream but its gone! Im so tired of having this rash, it is making me self conscious about putting my hair up, and now its behind both ears.  Ive had it for over 10 years, enough is enough!

[JoCJo]

Have you gotten rid of it yet? I had it as a child and now it has returned 30 years later. Have had it this time for 6-8 months. It is awful. Hot, oozy, sore, itchy crusty. I wash it with warm water several times a day just to get the crust off which is like ripping a scab off. Can't just leave it because it usually oozes right down my neck. It is disgusting!

[NickTonight]

Just been reading this thread as I have exactly the same problem. I read on the internet hat Mario Badescu Control Cream in fact contained corticosteroids that were not mentioned on the label so that might be why it worked! It has been discontionued. Has anyone found another solution to this problem without cc or other side effects

[UniKitty]

Found this review on Amazon:

UPDATE TO ORIGINAL POST (See original post below): Control Cream has been pulled from the market because it is believed that it contained undisclosed corticosteroids. And if you can find someone selling the 'old' formula (pre-March 2013), DO NOT purchase it!!! Or if you are still using the old formula, STOP!! For all of you who are new here and suffering from what you think is a 'reaction' to the 'new formula' (Mario Badescu 'reformulated' Control Cream--i.e., likely removed the working ingredients, the corticosteroids--in Feb/Mar 2013), be aware that you are likely suffering from topical corticosteroid withdrawal (TCW) as it is firmly believed that this very deceitful, unethical company had been adding undisclosed corticosteroids to both its Control Cream and Healing Cream, both of which the company is no longer selling. In short, you have been applying harmful, addictive corticosteroids to your face!!! THIS is why these products worked so very well for your ailments!! BUT corticosteroids are intended to be used for only 14 days maximum! (And some corticosteroids, the ones suspected to have been added to Control Cream and Healing Cream, should NEVER BE APPLIED TO THE FACE!) When used for long periods of time, corticosteroids can cause irreparable damage to the skin. And when corticosteroids are abruptly stopped, the skin will respond most negatively (redness, blistering, burning, stinging, itching, pustules, papules, dryness, etc.), sound familiar? Contact me: RustiRestaino at gmail ******* if you have questions. We got F'd people!! Be sure to report your experience to the FDA through Medwatch. Google FDA Medwatch and report!!

[Imagineer]

Yup. Me too. Started at 20 yrs old.  Weeping, crusting.  Not just behind the ears but beside the nose and sometimes over the eyebrows.  A nurse gave me samples of a topical steroid called Halo-G. It worked and it never came back, until a decade later.  The hydrocortisone every day helps but it makes your skin thin. The site gives names of products less strong.  One doctor thought Dawn dishwashing liquid was the way to go. Nope.  Nizerol works for a friend with the same thing, but not for me.  My doctor isn't interested in prescribing Halo-G but that might be the only thing. So what does the internet say?  http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/topical-corticosteroids-for-atopic-dermatitis
WebMD calls it Atopic Dermatitis and suggests Topical Corticosteroids (like hydrocortisone which is too strong for the face,.)  Apply the cream, and moisturize twice a day, once before bedtime. Doesn't sound like a cure, but a daily treatment.

[magijen]

Thankyou I will try this. I found this conversation because of my search to find an answer for weeping behind they ears that has been happening for the last year. I'd never heard of povidone iodine, but just discovered it as an ingredient of cold sore cream I found in the medicine cabinet.  I hope it works.

[magijen]

I have discovered that flaking and oozing behind the ears occurs when I eat gluten foods. I normally avoid gluten for many health reasons. However I recently indulged at a party I attended and the oozing and flaking behind the ears started a day or two later. Now I have stopped eating gluten for three days the scale is gradually going away. When I did a google search for oozing and flaking behind the ears and gluten, I found some interesting comments. One said it was common for people with celiac disease. In another comment a mother said her baby had it badly but it disappeared when she took gluten out of the diet. This seems to be the best long term solution I have discovered. I'm sad not to be able to eat gluten without having health problems, but so pleased I have found a solution for this very annoying problem.

[Myfouroars]

My eight year old son seems to have this problem. At first I thought he wasn't cleaning good behind his ears. It started as just crusting that seemed like dead skin behind the ears. Lately it's gotten worse bad starts to bleed and scab. Yesterday there was a yellowish fluid oozing all over the back of the ear. At first I was just applying neosporin to the open bleeding areas so it wouldn't get infected. Now I'm thinking I need to have this looked into more.