Dry Ears – Causes & How to Help Dry Skin on Ears

Dry skin is a common concern and, if left uncared for, can lead to itching, flaking, and irritation from dryness. Dry skin on and around the ears is no exception. Read on to learn what causes dry ears, how to help soothe dry skin on the ears, and ways to help prevent it.

Dry skin on and around the ears can be caused by a number of different factors, both internal (intrinsic) and external (environmental and lifestyle factors).

• Genetics – some people are more prone to experiencing dry skin on their ears than others due to their genetics and the amount of oil their skin produces1.
• Aging – as we age, our skin produces less oil and skin on the ears and other areas of the body can become dry2.
• Medications – sometimes, dry ears can be caused by using certain medications1. Contact a board-certified dermatologist if you’re concerned that you may be experiencing dry skin as a side effect.
• Medical conditions – skin conditions like eczema and certain other medical conditions can contribute to dry skin on various areas of the body including the ears3. If you’re concerned that your dry ears are caused by an underlying medical condition, be sure to contact a doctor for further guidance.
• Allergies – environmental allergies and allergies to ingredients in hair care4 and skincare products can contribute to dry, itchy skin on the ears5. If you’re concerned your dry ears may be caused by an allergy, be sure to consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Dehydration – staying hydrated is important for your overall health including your skin health. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can lose moisture3.

• Taking long, hot showers or washing frequently1 – frequent and prolonged contact with hot water can compromise the skin’s moisture barrier and strip skin of its natural oils.
• Scrubbing the skin too hard – gentle exfoliation can help to remove dead skin buildup, but scrubbing skin too aggressively can lead to damaging the moisture barrier and can cause skin to become dry6.
• Sun exposure – spending time in the sun unprotected can lead to signs of sun damage including dry skin7.
• Using drying soaps, shampoos or cleansers on or around the ears – harsh soaps, detergents, and skincare products containing potential skin irritants can cause dry skin8.
• Exposure to environmental pollutants – airborne pollutants can cause damage to the skin’s moisture barrier and cause increased susceptibility to dryness9.
• Exposure to cold, dry air – spending time outdoors in the cold dry air, or even indoors with drying air conditioner can sap moisture from the skin10.
• Exposure to excessive humidity – just as skin can dry out when exposed to dry temperatures, the opposite can also cause skin do dry out. When air is hot and humid this can paradoxically also lead to dry skin11.
• Smoking – smoking has been shown to cause signs of premature aging in the skin including dryness12.

Having dry ears can cause not only physical discomfort but also self-consciousness due to how it looks. Here are some common signs to watch for if you have dry ears13:

• Itchy skin on ,around, and/or behind the ears
• Flaking skin on, around, and/or behind the ears
• Irritation from dry, itchy/flaky dry skin
• If left untreated, dry skin on the ears may lead to cracked skin which can look more irritated and feel more uncomfortable
• Dry skin on the ears may have a rough or wrinkled texture

You can help soothe dry skin on your ears as you would dry skin elsewhere on your body. Focusing on restoring moisture to the skin while helping heal any existing irritation caused by dryness will help soothe skin and allow it to return to a hydrated, healthy-looking state.

Soothe dry ears by regularly applying a moisturizing product like Aquaphor Healing Ointment® to the affected area. This helps to not only restore moisture to the skin, but protects the skin to help create an ideal healing environment so existing dry, cracked skin can heal.

Applying soothing products to dry skin on and around the ears requires some caution14.

When it comes to dry skin anywhere on the body, prevention is key. Here are some tips for helping to prevent dry ears5:

• Keep your ears covered when you’re outside in cold/dry air by wearing a hat, earmuffs, or other accessory.
• Regularly apply a skin protectant like Aquaphor Healing Ointment® to affected areas
• Keep showers brief and use lukewarm, not hot, water when bathing or showering
• Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing your ears too vigorously while bathing or showering
• Quit smoking if you smoke
• Avoid known allergenic triggers as much as possible
• Apply sunscreen to your ears when spending time outdoors during the day time, even on overcast days
• Consider using a humidifier in your home if you identify dry air as a trigger for your dry ears

Apply Aquaphor Healing Ointment® to dry skin on your ears to help facilitate healing and restore moisture in the skin. You can apply it after bathing or any time you feel your skin is getting dry.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment® is a skin protectant ointment enriched with  Panthenol and Glycerin to moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin to enhance healing. This ointment helps to relieve dry skin and helps protect skin from the drying effects of wind and cold weather, making it an ideal choice for dry ears. Preservative and fragrance free, Aquaphor Healing Ointment® soothes extremely dry skin and other dry skin irritations and is uniquely formulated to restore smooth, healthy skin.

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
   
2. Improve the appearance of the skin
   
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin