In the treatment of ear dermatitis in people, the main rule is complexity. Local preparations eliminate only the signs of the disease, and without qualified timely assistance, complications may develop internal organs hearing Therefore, after the appearance of a rash on the ears, it is better to immediately visit the clinic. Once diagnosed, treating dermatitis will not be difficult. But you may have to change your lifestyle a little by giving up some habits or foods.
Types and symptoms of ear dermatitis
The disease is characterized by severe irritation and changes in the condition of the epithelium inside the ears. Dermatitis behind and inside the ears occurs in two forms:
- Spicy. Inflammation appears instantly.
- Chronic. At first, the pathology does not have clinical signs. Rashes appear later.
There are several types of the disease. The atopic form may be the result of errors in the treatment of allergic dermatitis. Additional provoking factors include:
- individual intolerance to certain substances;
- chronic diseases;
- disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- neuropsychic disorders, stress;
- changes in the functioning of the endocrine system;
- failure to keep the auricle and ear canal clean.
With atopic dermatitis, the following are noted:
- erythema;
- peeling and severe itching;
- Along the contour of the ear there are nodules with cerumen inside.
The contact form of dermatitis of the outer ear develops differently. Individual sensitivity no longer plays a role important role. The skin is exposed to pressure, constant friction or harsh chemicals. Ears can be affected by:
- an error in the selection of glasses frames, for example, when they fit too tightly;
- reactions to jewelry material;
- constant use of vacuum headphones, headsets, hearing aid;
- wearing hats, caps, hats from synthetic materials or using low-quality wigs.
Contact dermatitis is accompanied by:
- swelling of the entire ear;
- changes in skin color;
- itching on the inside of the shell and in the ear canal;
- rash;
- formation of bubbles;
- the appearance of dry crusts.
The pathology is easily diagnosed and treated. To eliminate the signs, the irritant is identified, then contact is eliminated.
Severely itchy skin inner ear people try to scratch with cotton swabs or sharper objects. This cannot be done!The seborrheic appearance most often develops in individuals with a hereditary predisposition to this disease. The causative agent is an opportunistic fungus that constantly lives on our skin. The provoking factor is excessive secretion of subcutaneous fat.
At the first stage, the scalp is affected. Later, rashes are noticed in the area of the ears and behind them. The inflammatory process is accompanied by the formation of plaques on the skin, which are covered with a yellow, greasy crust. The danger of the condition is severe itching, which forces you to scratch the affected parts of the ear. The consequence of this is the spread of lesions to the face and neck.
Reasons for appearance
Dermatitis of the external auditory canal is caused by:
- Heredity. A tendency to inflammation is formed, which is passed on to children from parents.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the digestive and endocrine system.
- Lack of vitamins and microelements.
- Neurological component. Dermatitis in the ears is diagnosed in people with increased nervous excitability. Depression and psychoemotional disorders pose a danger.
- Allergies resulting from pathological changes in the functioning of the immune system.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun or other source of ultraviolet rays.
The reasons for the appearance of unpleasant painful sensations, formations in the ears continue to be studied. Medicine is reconsidering the origin of dermatitis.
Diagnosis of ear dermatitis
Assign adequate treatment impossible without establishing the reasons. To do this, the doctor examines the patient, collects information about diseases that occur in family members, and studies the patient’s chronic pathologies.
Additionally, tissue samples are taken from the affected areas. This will help identify the causative agent of dermatitis in the ear. Only through this can adequate therapy be started that will eliminate the source of the problem. Otherwise, the fight against symptoms can continue for a very long time.
Treatment options
Treatment of the disease is complex. In the case of contact and allergic dermatitis, first get rid of the causes specific reaction immune system:
- If a rash appears after wearing glasses, you should change the frames and start using them by wiping the skin behind the ears with antiseptic compounds. They dry the surface and prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria.
- Headphones are wiped with alcohol 1-2 times a week. In-ear models accumulate a lot of wax and dead skin particles at the joints. This provokes the development of contact form of dermatitis. Therefore, it is necessary to clean them after each use.
In addition, a diet is prescribed. It helps cleanse the intestines and the entire body of dangerous substances that are formed due to the presence of toxins and infections in the body. The patient is recommended to exclude allergic foods from the diet: chocolate, citrus fruits, chicken eggs And so on. Sorbents release gastrointestinal tract from undigested food debris, which can trigger the development of dermatitis.
The seborrheic form requires nutritional adjustments. Be sure to exclude spicy and smoked, fried, fatty foods. You will also have to forget about sweets for a while. The basis of the diet is a vegetarian menu.
Pharmacy medicines
Treatment of human ear dermatitis begins with disinfection. Usually 3% hydrogen peroxide is used. It is safe and effective remedy. Solutions of picric acid are effective for blisters and weeping formations. Active components contribute to drying their surface. As an alternative, boric alcohol is used. Purpose antihistamines type Zodak, Suprastin, Loratadine is practiced in the treatment of atopic form. Broad spectrum ear drops (Otofa, Otipax) help relieve itching, reduce swelling and inflammation.
The affected areas are treated with corticosteroid ointments (Flucinar, Gioxizon). They promote the healing of wounds on the ears that have formed due to constant scratching. They have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Medicines in this class have many side effects if used for a long time. Therefore, the use of corticosteroids is regulated by a doctor.
If the ears have developed seborrheic dermatitis, then the main task is to eliminate the fungus. Therapy begins with treatment with antiseptic solutions. If there are no weeping spots, creams and tablets are used. For example, Ketoconazole, which is available in both forms. The drug slows down the proliferation of microorganisms. Applications are made from the ointment for 10-15 minutes. Then the product is removed with warm water.
If bubbles filled with liquid form on the skin around the ear and on the surface, treatment is recommended to begin with wiping with boric acid, a solution of pyoctannin (methylene blue). Homemade ointment is also suitable. Mix two parts of zinc oxide, the same amount of starch, one part each of lanolin and petroleum jelly.
Folk remedies
Natural components are easily absorbed into the skin, reducing the inflammatory process. Medicinal herbs are used in the form of infusions, ointments and extracts. After consulting with your doctor, you can try the following: traditional methods:
- For ear dermatitis of any form, use celandine juice, which is obtained by squeezing the crushed plant. Before use, it is diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1:2. Applications are made on gauze napkins and tampons. Their duration does not exceed 10-15 minutes due to the irritating effect that celandine has upon prolonged contact.
- Decoctions and infusions based on a series are effective. To prepare them, pour a tablespoon of crushed product into half a glass of hot water and leave to infuse. The finished solution takes on a dark brown color. They moisten a gauze cloth with it and leave it on the affected area until it dries completely.
- Treatment of the ear affected by dermatitis in folk medicine is carried out with Japanese Sophora. The fruits of the tree are crushed and poured with boiling water in the ratio: a glass of water per 1 tablespoon of plant material. The decoction is infused overnight and drunk throughout the day in small portions.
- The healing properties of birch tar have been known for a long time. It improves blood supply to areas of inflammation and stimulates the restoration of damaged skin. The antiseptic qualities make tar indispensable in the treatment of ear dermatitis, which is not accompanied by weeping spots and blisters with liquid. Dry rashes are treated with homemade tar soap. You will need to mix 100 g of melted baby hygiene product with 2 tablespoons of oil, tar and 100 ml of water.
But before use traditional medicines For ears, it is better to consult a doctor. This will help avoid adverse reactions and will prevent cross-interaction with medications.
Of course, dermatitis in the ears is not fatal. But if it is not treated promptly, it can manifest as severe inflammation, which significantly impairs the quality of life. In addition, in places where seborrheic dermatitis is localized, scars and eczema appear over time, which cannot be called attractive. Seborrheic dermatitis in the ears can spread to healthy areas of the skin and therefore requires immediate treatment.
Seborrheic dermatitis in the ears is manifested by peeling skin, itching and redness. Such manifestations are localized in the ear canal, auricle or behind the ears.
Symptoms of the disease:
- there is a change in the usual color of the skin behind the ears and in the auricle;
- there is slight swelling;
- small nodules appear on the skin containing a clear liquid (they are able to open on their own, forming wet spots that are a springboard for the development of microbes);
- the epidermis is characterized by a dry state and peeling;
- the ear of adults becomes covered with yellow scabs;
- pus or colorless fluid may be discharged from the ear canal, accompanied by unpleasant smell;
- If the disease is not treated in time, the skin in places where dermatitis is localized becomes rough and covered with pigment spots.
Severity skin disease depends on many factors. The more you delay treatment, the more difficult it will be to get rid of the unfortunate peeling.
Doctors, depending on skin type, There are 3 forms of dermatitis:
- Dry. White flakes (dandruff) appear. Sebum cannot come to the surface normally, so pores become clogged and signs of dry skin appear. If dandruff is eliminated mechanically, the skin will have a red tint, which indicates inflammation.
- Fatty. Increased sebum production, accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Peeling takes on a yellowish tint. Typically occurs in adolescence.
- Mixed. Characterized by the presence of several foci: for example, on the skin of the face and ears there is white rash(dry type), and the hair and eyebrows are covered with yellowish scales.
Reasons for appearance
Seborrhea in the ears may appear due to certain circumstances that are related to the health of the organs and systems of the human body. Among the causes of ear dermatitis, doctors identify:
- weakened immune system;
- improper metabolism;
- lack of vitamins, which often occurs in the spring;
- hormonal imbalances, especially during adolescence and pregnancy;
- the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver;
- frequent stress;
- genetic predisposition.
There is also contact dermatitis, which can occur due to the following factors:
- wearing jewelry, hearing aids or headphones made of metal that does not suit your skin;
- use of chemicals detergents and dyes that cause allergic reactions on the skin;
- drops for the treatment of otitis media;
- strong compression of hats made of synthetic materials towards the ears.
If ear dermatitis is not treated in time, it can develop into dermatosis.
Important point! Dermatosis is associated with the action of the fungus Malassezia furfur, which feeds on sebum secreted through the skin. The products of its vital activity are toxins that lead to the destruction of the epithelium. Seborrheic dermatosis often affects the ears.
Features of treatment
To cure dermatitis or dermatosis, complex therapy is required:
- general strengthening of the immune system due to proper nutrition and vitamin course;
- local ointments and creams;
- taking antifungal, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs (orally and by injection);
- various lotions based on decoctions from traditional medicine;
- using a special liquid that smoothes out folds on the skin (for example, Castellani).
You should not carry out self-diagnosis, because to determine the type of dermatitis you need to consult a dermatologist or otolaryngologist.
How to fight with drugs purchased at the pharmacy
To dry the skin, use zinc ointment. If there are various swellings and lesions, then they resort to applying boric or picric acid to the affected areas.
Is itching severe? Then purchase antihistamines, such as:
- zodak;
- suprastin;
- loratadine;
- cetirizine;
- Parlasin.
The last two options are also sold in the form of syrup, so they are well absorbed by the child’s body.
If you have atopic dermatitis caused by a number of factors, the following measures are taken:
- Drops are placed into the ear canal. Effective medicine Sofradex solution is considered to be. It not only relieves inflammation and swelling, but is also designed to eliminate unpleasant itching. You can buy an analogue of the medicine - Polydex, which perfectly fights fungi and bacteria.
- A thin layer of corticosteroid ointment is applied to the location of the disease (several times a day). Geocorton, which has an antimicrobial effect, is suitable for children and adults.
- When diagnosing contact dermatitis, of course, eliminate the irritant.
In addition to using various creams and ointments, you can use special shampoos that fight dandruff:
- nizoral;
- skin cap;
- sebozol;
- sulsena;
- and many others.
They include:
- ketoconazole, which blocks access nutrients for fungal cells;
- ciclopirox, which fights mycoses;
- zinc, which not only prevents the growth of fungus, but also eliminates inflammatory processes;
- selenium disulfide, which slows down the renewal of skin cells;
- tar ( folk remedy, which eliminates peeling).
Ointments and creams to combat seborrheic dermatitis in the ears:
- Sulsena paste based on selenium is good remedy for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. It dries well and eliminates inflammatory processes.
- Glucocorticosteroid creams, ointments and lotions have proven themselves on the positive side. But their use should be carried out after consultation with the doctor.
- Lotions and ointments containing salicylic acid, designed to soften the skin of the affected areas. They are used before the main drugs with intensive effects on the fungus are applied.
To relieve severe inflammation, a dermatologist may prescribe physical therapy. Exposure to UV rays, cold air and ozone can eliminate even the most severe forms of the disease.
ethnoscience
If you want to spend minimal money on the treatment of ear dermatitis, then pay attention to herbs and potions donated by nature itself. Of course, unlike highly effective synthesized drugs, you will have to tinker a lot, but traditional medicine has practically no contraindications, and is cheap or even free (if prepared independently).
For treatment, decoctions and infusions are used, as well as vegetable oils. They are applied to a tampon, cotton pad or turunda, and then applied to the localization site inflammatory process.
They can be used for acute seborrhea.
Important point! Eliminate strong manifestations Dermatitis is not enough. To eliminate all symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to carry out complex therapy within 2 months.
Folk remedies for eliminating oily seborrhea involve the use of the following gifts of nature:
- St. John's wort herbs;
- sage and chamomile flowers;
- infusion of stinging nettle;
- homemade ointments based on oak bark, burdock and honey.
You can also use tar soap, vinegar lotions and soda solution(baking soda + water).
To cure dry seborrhea, make lotions from:
- decoction of onion peels;
- infusion of dried nettle leaves;
- linseed oil in symbiosis with violet leaves and sea buckthorn;
- castor oil with the addition of egg yolk;
- a decoction based on burdock roots in combination with lard.
All these compresses and tampons are placed on the affected areas of the skin. After some time, they are removed and the auricle is thoroughly wiped with a cotton pad.
Prevention measures
Even if you eliminate all symptoms of the disease, ear dermatitis may start again. This is why it is necessary to take preventive measures.
You should:
- regularly wash your hair with a special shampoo, selected together with your dermatologist (the use of tar soap is allowed);
- eat right (exclude easily digestible carbohydrates, replacing them with fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to eat cereals, hard pasta, cheeses, meat and fish; it doesn’t hurt to season your dishes with iodized salt);
- if contact dermatitis has been recorded, then you will have to change your jewelry, headphones or hearing aids;
- do not overcool by protecting your ears from the cold with a hat (only natural fabrics);
- buy at the pharmacy vitamin complex containing zinc, selenium, magnesium (you can take prenatal vitamins Elevit);
- Remember to regularly wash your ears and use only your own personal hygiene items.
A little about diet
During treatment you need to adhere to a diet. Excludes:
- spicy;
- salty;
- smoked;
- fried food.
Stop eating large quantities of baked goods and sweets, because they contribute to the development of fungus. If you take vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins A, E, B (carrots, apples, cabbage, asparagus, etc.), you can not only strengthen your immune system, but also ensure rapid regeneration of the skin.
Drink as much as possible more water(preferably mineral without gas), because it will help improve metabolism. You need to drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day.
In the presence of bad habits, try to give them up, because smoking and alcohol are precisely the factors that, albeit indirectly, provoke the occurrence of dermatitis and dermatoses in the ears. Replace them with sports. Such compensation will only be beneficial.
Thus, seborrhea in the ears is easily eliminated with the help of ordinary drug treatment, which, in combination with cosmetic preparations and decoctions from the field of traditional medicine, can eliminate not only the symptoms, but also the causes of the disease. People actively struggling with dermatitis in the ears are advised to follow a diet, hygiene and start eating a balanced diet.
Useful videos
How to get rid of seborrhea on the head and body.
Seborrheic dermatitis. Treatment.
A huge number of factors can provoke ear dermatitis, especially for frequent patients of a dermatologist and allergist. Since this disease can lead to hearing loss, it is necessary to know the causes, symptoms, and measures to prevent this pathology.
What is ear dermatitis
Ear dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin of the external auditory canal and the pinna, resulting from a reaction to irritants of an internal and external nature.
There are 3 forms of this disease:
- Atopic.
- Contact.
- Seborrheic.
The last type is considered the most dangerous, since it can spread to nearby areas of the skin (face and neck).
Causes
The following factors can provoke the occurrence of any form of ear dermatitis:
- weakening of the body's protective function;
- genetic predisposition;
- the presence of a bacterial or viral infection;
- chronic diseases;
- stressful situations;
- purulent discharge and constant ear itching;
- intoxication of the body;
- disturbances in metabolic processes;
- disruptions in the functioning of the digestive system;
- skin diseases;
- the effect of chemicals on the ear canal;
- persistent otitis;
- mechanical damage or ear injuries, which can cause infection to get into the wound.
- incorrectly selected cosmetics or hygiene products;
- the use of hats, hairpins, headphones, hearing aids and glasses, the composition of the material of which can cause allergic reactions;
- individual sensitivity to metal jewelry.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ear dermatitis are characterized by the presence of the following signs:
- redness and swelling of the skin with the formation of swelling;
- the appearance of nodules or blisters with clear liquid, which, when spontaneously opened, form weeping lesions;
- purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor;
- unbearable itching and burning sensation of the affected areas;
- small rash in the ear area;
- the presence of gray and yellow crusts and films;
- greasy coating;
- peeling of the skin;
- pain in the affected area, covering the head from the side of the sore ear;
- formation of wax plugs in the ear canal;
- deterioration in general health;
- irritability;
- possible increase temperature indicator and dizziness.
Important: the acute form of the disease may be accompanied by the formation of boils, which provoke a narrowing of the auditory canal, which can cause hearing loss.
How does it occur in children?
There is an opinion that the causes of seborrheic dermatitis of the ears in childhood are genetic predisposition and the presence of residual maternal hormones in the child’s body.
The disease appears in the first months after the birth of the baby and usually disappears on its own. This does not mean that you should not pay attention to the symptoms that appear and refuse treatment measures.
The main sign of dermatitis will be the presence of greasy scales on the ears, which constantly flake off onto clothing. Dandruff often occurs, which indicates a seborrheic form of ear dermatitis. In the absence of careful hygiene care and preventive measures, secondary infection occurs, which leads to the need to prescribe antibiotics. Medical therapy carried out based on general condition child with external drugs or weak hormonal agent– hydrocortisone ointment.
Diagnostics
The symptoms of this pathology resemble an allergic skin disease. In order for the treating specialist to make the correct diagnosis, he needs to examine the patient, study the anamnesis from his medical card in order to find out the availability chronic pathologies and details of the appearance of disturbing symptoms.
Any treatment should begin with eliminating the causative agent of the disease, and in case of seborrheic dermatitis of the ears, these are pathogenic fungi.
Medication
Therapy for pathology is individual in nature, depends on the form of the course and includes the use of the following medications:
- The first thing that is recommended to do in such a situation for both adults and children is to treat the inflammation with hydrogen peroxide, soda solution or laundry soap high concentration.
- Will help eliminate weeping lesions zinc ointment, which has a drying effect. Also for this purpose, solutions of boric or picric acids are applied to the skin.
- To relieve unbearable itching, antihistamines are prescribed in tablets or injections - Loratadine, Claritin, Suprastin. For children, it is recommended to prescribe medications in the form of drops - Parlazin, Tavegil, Cetirizine.
- To reduce inflammation in seborrheic dermatitis, as in the atopic form, the following drops are allowed - Sofradex, Polydex or Geocorton ointment.
- To treat seborrheic dermatitis in the ears I use antifungal agents in the form of ointments - Mikospor, Naftifin, Lamisil.
- Mandatory use of shampoos with antimycotic action for seborrheic dermatitis - Nizoral, Skin-cap.
- Immunostimulants and vitamins. Increases the body's defense function to fight infection.
- Diet therapy to normalize the functioning of the digestive tract by reducing the volume of fats and carbohydrates, spicy foods. Seborrheic dermatitis involves hypoallergenic diet with the exception of citrus fruits, chocolate, coffee drinks and gluten-containing products.
- Drugs that stabilize metabolic processes in the body - Apilak, Enterofuril.
- Physiotherapy, including UHF and radiotherapy procedures.
Important: the entire parotid area and auricle should be cleaned of crusts and pus with special care so as not to damage the skin and avoid deep penetration of infection.
To obtain a highly effective result, treatment must be carried out comprehensively and prescribed only by the attending physician.
Folk
To prepare teas for the purpose of herbal medicine, medicinal plants such as elderberry, strawberry, field bark, juniper, anise, rhubarb, prickly steelhead, sorrel, celery, and beans are used. For daily dosage, take 1 tbsp. herbs and pour boiling water, as when preparing regular tea. Herbs that can be bought at a regular pharmacy, St. John's wort and oak bark, which have an antiseptic effect, are used as lotions.
Important: traditional methods are not the main method of treatment.
Are complications possible?
Seborrheic dermatitis often leads to dermatosis of the ear, which is characterized by the development of the fungus Malassezia furfur on the scalp and feeds on the secretions of the sebaceous glands. Furunculosis in the ears can also cause hearing loss in humans. Therefore, treatment should be carried out at the initial stage of the disease, since in the chronic form therapy is much more complex and dangerous.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence of primary ear dermatitis, as well as its recurrence, the following preventive measures must be observed:
- regular adherence to the principles of personal hygiene;
- balanced diet, rich in vegetable dishes, fruits, berries. Products must contain vitamins A and C and essential microelements.
- timely treatment of chronic diseases;
- avoid injury to the external and internal skin of the ears;
- immune support with special medications;
- compliance with preventive measures to prevent the development of ear inflammation;
- eliminating any allergens that can cause dermatitis;
- hats, hair clips, headphones, hearing aids must be used strictly individually.
As soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear, be sure to consult a dermatologist. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help eliminate the development of a chronic form of pathology and completely get rid of the problem that worries you.
Causes of ear dermatitis
Etiological factors in the development of the disease are broadly divided into traumatic, immunological, and infectious. In addition, the disease can cause:
Causes of itching in the ears
Symptoms of dermatitis in the ear canal, as well as on the outside, can appear under the influence of various factors.
Wearing glasses can cause this disease. In this case, the inflammation can even spread to the cheeks, nose or eyelids. Frames are often made of metal or plastic that can be an irritant.
During an ear infection, it is strictly forbidden to use cotton swabs!
There are 3 types of dermatitis in the ears: atopic, seborrheic and contact.
The reasons for its appearance, as well as treatment methods, have their own nuances. Symptoms vary more significantly, so it is difficult to make a mistake in diagnosis.
Atopic
This is the most common type of skin lesion. However, it manifests itself differently for everyone.
But most often its manifestations are visible to the naked eye. It may spread to the area behind the ear.
Atopic dermatitis behind the ears occurs in the same way as internal dermatitis, but the latter is much more dangerous and unpleasant.
People try to scratch the very itchy skin of the inner ear with cotton swabs or sharper objects.
Symptoms:
- Redness of the skin inside or behind the ear, if it is atopic or contact dermatitis behind the ears.
- Severe itching. Patients often scratch the entrance to the ear canal until it bleeds.
- Purulent blisters form; when they burst, pus flows down the skin, sometimes ending up in the ear, causing severe discomfort.
Inside the ear, inflammation and itching are relieved with antihistamines in the form of drops; treatment of dermatitis behind the ears in an adult is provided with ointments or cream.
Medical practice identifies the main causes of ear dermatitis in children and adults:
- Negative influence chemicals to the external hearing aid;
- discharge of purulent masses from the ears during long period time;
- other type of dermatitis manifested on the human body.
Types of ear skin inflammation
Despite the fact that the location of the inflammatory process, the auricle, cannot be examined by the patient independently, it is extremely important to visit a doctor literally at the first symptoms.
In the absence of proper treatment or therapy at home using traditional recipes for a long time, signs of the inflammatory process increase and the disease worsens.
It's pretty dangerous condition, about which you should know as much as possible. The etiology of its appearance is varied and even today has not been studied deeply enough, but the main complex is as follows:
In the absence of proper treatment, signs of the inflammatory process increase
Symptoms in humans
Ear dermatitis is a lesion that is inflammatory in nature and is localized on the skin of the external auditory canal. Ear dermatitis is accompanied by the following symptoms: a feeling of itching and skin changes that can occur under the influence of allergens (if we are talking about contact dermatitis) or due to spontaneous development (with ear eczematous dermatitis).
Ear dermatitis has a complex etiology and is most often chronic. Thus, with complications of seborrheic dermatitis, limited neurodermatitis develops.
It could be secondary drug dermatitis allergic in nature, which often goes unrecognized for a long period of time.
Treatment of ear dermatitis
How to cure ear dermatitis? When treating contact dermatitis, it is necessary to avoid contact with allergens, which are most often determined through trial and error.
And in order to reduce itching and inflammation, it is recommended to use glucocorticoids, for example, 1% hydrocortisone ointment, to treat ear dermatitis. If the dermatitis is eczematous, then to cure ear dermatitis, in addition to the above remedies, Burov's solution is prescribed.
Symptoms of ear dermatitis
Whatever the etiology of ear dermatitis, it is accompanied by symptoms such as redness, itching, peeling, discharge from the ear and hyperpigmentation. It is also impossible not to say that a fairly common phenomenon with dermatitis in the ear area is secondary infection.
Causes of ear dermatitis
Dermatitis of the auricle in humans can be atopic, seborrheic or contact. With atopic dermatitis, the patient experiences severe itching the skin of the entire ear, the area near it and even in the ear canal itself.
Avoid accidental injury to the skin in the ear area, which may occur during scratching. The slightest wound in the ears can become possible reason infection and further complications.
Contact dermatitis is accompanied by severe redness ears and their swelling. Severe itching and various rashes are also present on the skin of the ear.
The seborrheic type of ear dermatitis differs from others in the appearance of plaques on the skin, which are covered with a greasy, soft yellowish-gray crust. In this case, inflammation can move to the neck and cheeks.
When visiting a doctor, sick people usually complain of a certain set of symptoms of ear dermatitis of varying intensity.
Sick people when visiting a doctor complain of a certain set of symptoms
- Redness and swelling of the skin behind the ear and directly in the shell itself are visually detected.
- Skin changes appearance, nodular elements with serous transparent liquid inside appear en masse. When scratched, they open up and weeping, fused lesions form.
- The epidermis becomes dry, thins, and symptoms of peeling appear due to poor skin nutrition.
- Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by the appearance of numerous yellow, greasy crusts, scales, and plaques.
- In the absence of adequate treatment for dermatitis in the ears, active separation of pus and adhesive fluid of the serous type begins from the depths of the passage affected by ear dermatitis.
- As the processes worsen, the skin surrounding the affected area begins to thicken, they change their natural color, and hyperpigmentation is noticeable.
- If this is a child, he is nervous, capricious, and his body temperature may rise.
It is common for people to significantly worsen the situation themselves instead of taking therapeutic measures. Severe itching leads to the fact that the affected areas are scratched, extensive wounds are formed, this leads to secondary infection and a significant worsening of the disease.
Dermatitis can be treated and overcome. In this aspect, it is necessary to accurately identify the etiology and eliminate the irritant, since its presence during the treatment period entails reinfection with an even more severe course.
It is necessary to resort to professional medical care. When visiting a medical institution, an appointment with a specialist determines the type of dermatitis, the degree of development and severity of the disease, and prescribes the most effective treatment system.
Ear dermatitis in humans is rapid and sudden.
Treatment should be started immediately if the following symptoms are present:
- peeling, rashes, swelling on the lobe, behind the ears and the skin around – eczema;
- itching in the ear canal;
- sometimes there are weeping crusts of the epidermis of a yellowish tint, especially if it is a seborrheic type;
- unpleasant-smelling discharge from the ear canals;
- skin hyperthermia;
- rash with pustular papule.
If the disease has reached an advanced stage, boils are observed, which reduces the level of hearing in people suffering from this disease.
Do not scratch the skin, as this can aggravate the atopic type of the disease and introduce an infection under the skin.
Treatment
Treatment of ear dermatitis begins with wiping the affected areas with antiseptic solutions. Hydrogen peroxide and soda solution are good for this purpose.
If the skin becomes very wet, you can use zinc ointment to dry the skin. At allergic nature Treatment of ear dermatitis in humans includes oral administration of antihistamines (Zyrtec, Erius, Cetrin, Suprastin).
These remedies are aimed at reducing itching and reducing the severity of the allergic reaction. Drops with antibiotics or glucocorticoids (Sofradex, Polydexa) are also used to treat ear dermatitis.
At atopic dermatitis in children, the doctor prescribes complex treatment. To quickly eliminate itching, antihistamines are prescribed. And in order to eliminate signs of inflammation in the ear canal, doctors prescribe drops.
This disease can be treated with tampons that are placed in the ear canal. They help eliminate signs of inflammation and relieve itching. A tampon can be prepared at home. Dampen a small piece of gauze, roll it up and soak it in hydrogen peroxide.
You can also soak a tampon with Pyoctanin or Boric acid.
At home, you can prepare a folk recipe that has proven itself well. However, before using the prescription, you must consult your doctor.
To prepare you will need elecampane root and pork fat. These components must be mixed. But the doctor should tell you the proportion, which will be calculated depending on the severity of the disease.
In any case, if you notice the first signs of the disease, you should consult a doctor. After all, only a doctor can determine the type and severity of ear dermatitis, as well as prescribe the necessary treatment.
After determining the cause and making a diagnosis, the dermatologist prescribes appropriate treatment.
It is important to find out the cause of the allergic reaction and only then eliminate it. Only after this event will the treatment be effective.
Treatment of the disease is carried out on an individual basis, taking into account the characteristics of the course and type of dermatitis. There are some rules that are suitable for treating any type of rash.
Foci of inflammation can be wiped with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, soda or laundry soap.
If there is weeping, you can apply solutions of picric and boric acids to the skin. Drying ointments (Zinc) are also used.
Antihistamines are prescribed to eliminate itching. Children can take Zyrtec, Cetirizine, Parlazine drops. Adults are advised to take Zodak, Loratadine.
If atopic dermatitis is diagnosed, treatment is carried out using:
a drop of Sofradex (steroid and antibiotic);
a drop of Polydex (an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drug);
Geocorton ointment (antibiotic).
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated using the above antibacterial drugs in the presence of infection. In addition, treatment includes the use of agents aimed at eliminating crusts.
Hair washing should be done using Skin-cap shampoo. Due to the pyrithione in its composition, it fights fungus, inflammation, and also soothes the surface of the skin.
An ointment with an antifungal component can be applied to the skin. These include Bifisam, Lamisil, Mycospor.
Crusts and purulent contents must be carefully removed without damaging the skin surface.
Treatment of contact dermatitis involves completely avoiding contact with the allergen.
For any type of disease, vitamin therapy has a positive effect. The patient is prescribed vitamins A, B, E to restore the surface of the skin and strengthen the immune defense.
Antibacterial drops can be used to treat dermatitis in the ears.
If there is a lack of calcium, then injections of calcium gluconate are given. Oral medications may also be prescribed.
Restoration of the affected areas is carried out using UHF and UV procedures. Also, lotions and compresses made on the basis of medicinal herbs.
Therapy ear diseases strictly prescribed by a doctor. But the most important thing should be getting rid of the allergen or irritant. Next, the complex is something like this:
- Ointment or cream. Broad-spectrum external medications that should relieve inflammatory processes on the skin and at the same time heal wounds.
- Diet. The doctor will prescribe the optimal diet and will definitely focus on what needs to be excluded from the menu.
- Physiotherapy. A course of sessions for UHF therapy or phototherapy.
- Antibiotic drugs.
Often, treatment of problems in the ear area comes down to compresses, but not every dermatitis responds to such therapy.
Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of relapse, the doctor prescribes the above set of procedures.
At home, you can prepare an ointment based on butter with the addition of elecampane, walnut leaf and horse sorrel root, previously crushed into powder. Lubricate the affected area twice a day.
Therapy is exclusively symptomatic and consists of several main areas. Treatment of dermatitis with such localization should begin by treating the lesion with disinfectant solutions.
A special part of the therapy is a special diet, from which coffee, all types of citrus fruits, chocolate, and foods containing gluten are excluded. It is useful not to eat sweets, baked goods and cookies during the treatment period, and to saturate the body with vitamins A, E, minerals, and calcium. UHF and UV procedures and folk remedies can improve the effect.
Treatment of ear dermatitis should be carried out only after consulting a doctor. Only an experienced specialist is able to recognize the disease. The above symptoms may be symptoms of other pathologies that require different therapy. The diagnosis is established by examining the lesion. In some cases, the doctor may take a scraping to determine the pathological flora (fungal or infectious).
First priority therapeutic event in case of illness, this is the elimination of the provoking factor. Particular attention should be paid to new objects that have been in contact with the skin at the site of pathology. Because even the highest quality treatment will have little effect if the irritant continues to act.
To eliminate ear dermatitis, use:
- Local antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs. Appointed various ointments, which relieve swelling, eliminate itchy skin and restore skin condition.
- Antihistamine tablets orally. They are used if the patient complains of severe, unbearable itching of the skin in the affected area.
- Hormonal ointments are prescribed if anti-inflammatory and antihistamines do not give the desired effect.
- Affected areas should be regularly treated with hydrogen peroxide, warm water and soap, or a weak solution of soda.
If bacterial flora is present, antibacterial ointments are prescribed, and if a fungus is detected, antimycotic agents are prescribed. When the process is mild, they are used in the form of ointments. However, if there is severe purulent inflammation, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics in the form of tablets for at least 5 days.
Traditional medicine methods
Traditional medicine for ear dermatitis should be used in combination with medications prescribed by the doctor. In addition, traditional recipes should not be used without consulting a doctor, as they contain herbs that can also cause an allergic reaction.
Among the methods of traditional medicine, herbal medicine is used to eliminate ear dermatitis. Patients are recommended to take teas and infusions of herbs and infusions that have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. Among these the most popular are:
It doesn’t matter whether it is contact, atopic or seborrheic dermatitis in the ears, treatment is selected for each patient individually. It is prescribed based on the results of diagnosing the disease.
It must be said that the choice of drugs is not always successful, since they play a big role individual characteristics body.
If, when using any remedy against ear dermatitis in a person, the treatment does not bring positive result, then the drug is replaced by another.
Diagnostics and traditional therapy
The principles of the treatment program are reduced to the following areas:
- Identification and exclusion of the factor that caused the disease using a strict diet.
- Relieving symptoms with external and internal medications.
- Correction of the body's protective properties with the help of medications and psychological therapy.
As part of the ear dermatitis treatment program, the doctor selects medications and procedures.
First of all, the patient must exclude all allergic foods from the diet.
Help from traditional medicine
Treatment with folk remedies includes many medicinal herbs. But before starting to use them, it is important to exclude some factors, such as inflammation of the inner ear, the presence of advanced forms of this disease. Also, folk remedies cannot replace treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Prevention of ear dermatitis
It is important to understand that after suffering from any ear disease, the risk of consequences in the form of itching and skin irritation at the treatment site is very high.
Therefore, to prevent it, you can immediately lubricate the area where the drops are exposed with a moisturizer to reduce the risk of irritation.
If you wear glasses, initially give preference to high-quality frames that do not oxidize and do not leave marks on your face.
Shampoo and styling and coloring products also need to be selected carefully, since not only the ears, but also the hair are at risk.
You need to wipe the sink regularly; when washing your hair, you need to wash your ear with the same soap solution over its entire area.
The ears do not like moisture, so after hygiene procedures you need to soak it up with a towel.
In the prevention of inflammation of the epidermis in the hearing organs, the general prevention of diseases of this organ is of great importance.
They are afraid of hypothermia, water ingress and drafts. Therefore, in winter you need to wear a hat, in summer you need to dry it thoroughly after swimming in ponds, and not go out into the cold after washing your hair, when residual water or condensation can provoke otitis media. Take care of yourself and always be healthy! Goodbye!
Post Views: 3,143
Like other parts of the body, the ears are also located sebaceous glands, if their operation malfunctions, ear dermatitis may occur. A typical manifestation is peeling, the nature of which depends on the type of seborrheic dermatitis.
The condition itself is not dangerous, but causes discomfort. Let's look at how seborrhea in the ears is treated and whether traditional methods can be used.
What is ear dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin disease that takes various shapes, most often these are banal flaky areas of skin, but occasionally there are dysfunctions of the skin. Ear dermatitis is an inflammatory process localized on the outer part of the ear canal.
The process first occurs exclusively in the outer part of the ear. If you ignore the disease and do not start treatment on time, then the inflammation can spread to the internal part. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in one or two ears at once.
At the very beginning the situation seems harmless, in some patients it continues for many years. mild form and doesn't really bother me. However, without treatment, seborrhea of the ear canal can progress and cause a full-fledged inflammatory process that requires drug treatment for a longer time.
Causes
Seborrhea can occur due to various reasons, most often the condition is not a separate pathology. The following factors are distinguished:
- heredity - like ordinary dermatitis, ear dermatitis can also develop due to a similar mechanism of the sebaceous glands, as in one of the family members;
- failure to comply with hygiene rules;
- using headphones or hearing aids;
- cosmetical tools;
- weakened immunity due to bad habits, taking antibiotics, poor nutrition, etc.;
- dermatological diseases;
- failure of the hormonal system;
- the presence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes.
Symptoms
Signs of seborrhea may vary slightly depending on the type of disease. There are two types of seborrhea: oily seborrhea and dry seborrhea. In the first case, the condition manifests itself as follows:
- pronounced shine of the skin associated with increased work of the sebaceous glands;
- coarsening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis;
- moderate or severe itching;
- the presence of greyish-yellow scales;
- sometimes it is possible for fungal microflora to grow due to a suitable growing medium.
Dry type of seborrhea manifests itself as:
- reddish spots on the skin;
- feeling of tight skin;
- severe itching;
- fine dandruff;
- epithelial cracks.
There is also a mixed type of dermatitis, in which case the patient experiences two types of symptoms at once. In this case, the treatment will be slightly different; you will need a product that corrects the functions of the sebaceous glands in both directions.
How does it occur in children?
It is believed that the presence of seborrhea in the ears in children is caused by genetic predisposition and residual maternal hormones. Often the condition is observed in the first months after the birth of the baby and eventually goes away on its own without outside help.
The main manifestations are the presence of oily scales and dandruff. Sometimes the symptoms are difficult to notice, you should pay attention to clothing, peeling skin may remain on it.
Despite the fact that ear seborrhea in children often goes away on its own, the condition of the ears needs to be monitored. If the disease progresses noticeably, care and preventive measures. This will avoid the need for medications.
Treatment
First, you need to establish the cause that caused seborrhea by contacting a specialist. After the examination, he will prescribe the most appropriate drug, taking into account the patient’s age and course of the disease. The basis of therapy is creams or ointments for dermatitis, which are applied to the ear until the symptoms disappear.
You should not choose a drug for the treatment of seborrhea on your own; it is recommended to consult a specialist who will prescribe an effective and safe medicine.
Medication
Medicines are used depending on the type of seborrhea. For wet areas of the skin, you will need a drying agent, such as zinc ointment. In this case, boric or picric acid will be effective.
If the patient suffers from severe itching, it is permissible to use antihistamines: Claritin, Eden, Suprastin. Children are prescribed drops: Parlazine or Cetirizine.
Sometimes may be required antifungal drugs, are effective: Lamisil, Naftifin and Mikospor.
If you have seborrhea on the scalp, you need to use special pharmacy shampoos: Nizoral, Skin-cap or Sulsena.
In addition to ointments, creams and shampoos, it is extremely important to take care of taking immunostimulants and vitamins. The best option If you can get them through products, if this is not possible, then you should choose a vitamin complex.
Folk
Many people prefer to combine treatment ear drops or creams with traditional medicine. This method often has effective action and eliminates symptoms as much as possible. But it would be a good idea to consult with a specialist so as not to harm yourself or aggravate the situation.
You can try using oils: olive, sea buckthorn, calendula and chamomile. Soak a cotton pad in oil and gently lubricate the affected areas of the ear. Good action chamomile renders. Natural chamomile tea is poured with boiling water and left to brew for 20 minutes. After cooling, moisten the cotton wool in the infusion and carefully place it in the ear for 15 minutes.
Bottom line
Seborrhea in the ears can appear in both adults and young children. Most often, the condition does not cause discomfort and does not particularly bother the person, but there are advanced cases when effective treatment cannot be avoided. For this purpose, soothing and moisturizing creams are used, sometimes antifungal agents and hormonal ones if the stage of the disease is advanced.
Of course, dermatitis in the ears is not fatal. But if it is not treated promptly, it can manifest as severe inflammation, which significantly impairs the quality of life. In addition, in places where seborrheic dermatitis is localized, scars and eczema appear over time, which cannot be called attractive. Seborrheic dermatitis in the ears can spread to healthy areas of the skin and therefore requires immediate treatment.
What's happened
Seborrheic dermatitis in the ears is manifested by peeling skin, itching and redness. Such manifestations are localized in the ear canal, auricle or behind the ears.
Symptoms of the disease:
- there is a change in the usual color of the skin behind the ears and in the auricle;
- there is slight swelling;
- small nodules appear on the skin containing a clear liquid (they are able to open on their own, forming wet spots that are a springboard for the development of microbes);
- the epidermis is characterized by a dry state and peeling;
- the ear of adults becomes covered with yellow scabs;
- pus or colorless liquid may be discharged from the ear canal, accompanied by an unpleasant odor;
- If the disease is not treated in time, the skin in places where dermatitis is localized becomes rough and covered with pigment spots.
The severity of a skin disease depends on many factors. The more you delay treatment, the more difficult it will be to get rid of the unfortunate peeling.
Doctors, depending on skin type, There are 3 forms of dermatitis:
- Dry. White flakes (dandruff) appear. Sebum cannot come to the surface normally, so pores become clogged and signs of dry skin appear. If dandruff is eliminated mechanically, the skin will have a red tint, which indicates inflammation.
- Fatty. Increased sebum production, accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Peeling takes on a yellowish tint. Typically occurs in adolescence.
- Mixed. It is characterized by the presence of several foci: for example, a white rash (dry type) occurs on the skin of the face and ears, and the hair and eyebrows are covered with yellowish scales.
Reasons for appearance
Seborrhea in the ears may appear due to certain circumstances that are related to the health of the organs and systems of the human body. Among the causes of ear dermatitis, doctors identify:
- weakened immune system;
- improper metabolism;
- lack of vitamins, which often occurs in the spring;
- hormonal imbalances, especially during adolescence and pregnancy;
- the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver;
- frequent stress;
- genetic predisposition.
There is also contact dermatitis, which can occur due to the following factors:
- wearing jewelry, hearing aids or headphones made of metal that does not suit your skin;
- the use of chemical detergents and dyes that cause allergic reactions on the skin;
- drops for the treatment of otitis media;
- strong compression of hats made of synthetic materials towards the ears.
If ear dermatitis is not treated in time, it can develop into dermatosis.
Important point! Dermatosis is associated with the action of the fungus Malassezia furfur, which feeds on sebum secreted through the skin. The products of its vital activity are toxins that lead to the destruction of the epithelium. Seborrheic dermatosis often affects the ears.
Features of treatment
To cure dermatitis or dermatosis, complex therapy is required:
- general strengthening of the immune system through proper nutrition and a vitamin course;
- local ointments and creams;
- taking antifungal, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs (orally and by injection);
- various lotions based on decoctions from traditional medicine;
- using a special liquid that smoothes out folds on the skin (for example, Castellani).
You should not carry out self-diagnosis, because to determine the type of dermatitis you need to consult a dermatologist or otolaryngologist.
How to fight with drugs purchased at the pharmacy
To dry the skin, use zinc ointment. If there are various swellings and lesions, then they resort to applying boric or picric acid to the affected areas.
Is itching severe? Then purchase antihistamines, such as:
- zodak;
- suprastin;
- loratadine;
- cetirizine;
- Parlasin.
The last two options are also sold in the form of syrup, so they are well absorbed by the child’s body.
If you have atopic dermatitis caused by a number of factors, the following measures are taken:
- Drops are placed into the ear canal. Sofradex solution is considered to be an effective medicine. It not only relieves inflammation and swelling, but is also designed to eliminate unpleasant itching. You can buy an analogue of the medicine - Polydex, which perfectly fights fungi and bacteria.
- A thin layer of corticosteroid ointment is applied to the location of the disease (several times a day). Geocorton, which has an antimicrobial effect, is suitable for children and adults.
- When diagnosing contact dermatitis, of course, eliminate the irritant.
In addition to using various creams and ointments, you can use special shampoos that fight dandruff:
- nizoral;
- skin cap;
- sebozol;
- sulsena;
- and many others.
They include:
- ketoconazole, which blocks the access of nutrients to fungal cells;
- ciclopirox, which fights mycoses;
- zinc, which not only prevents the growth of fungus, but also eliminates inflammatory processes;
- selenium disulfide, which slows down the renewal of skin cells;
- tar (a folk remedy that eliminates peeling).
Ointments and creams to combat seborrheic dermatitis in the ears:
- Selena-based Sulsena paste is a good remedy for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. It dries well and eliminates inflammatory processes.
- Glucocorticosteroid creams, ointments and lotions have proven themselves on the positive side. But their use should be carried out after consultation with the doctor.
- Lotions and ointments that contain salicylic acid are designed to soften the skin of the affected areas. They are used before the main drugs with intensive effects on the fungus are applied.
To relieve severe inflammation, a dermatologist may prescribe physical therapy. Exposure to UV rays, cold air and ozone can eliminate even the most severe forms of the disease.
ethnoscience
If you want to spend minimal money on the treatment of ear dermatitis, then pay attention to herbs and potions donated by nature itself. Of course, unlike highly effective synthesized drugs, you will have to tinker a lot, but traditional medicine has practically no contraindications, and is cheap or even free (if prepared independently).
For treatment, decoctions and infusions are used, as well as vegetable oils. They are applied to a tampon, cotton pad or turunda, and then applied to the location of the inflammatory process.
They can be used for acute seborrhea.
Important point! Eliminating severe manifestations of dermatitis is not enough. To eliminate all symptoms of the disease, complex therapy must be carried out for 2 months.
Folk remedies for eliminating oily seborrhea involve the use of the following gifts of nature:
- St. John's wort herbs;
- sage and chamomile flowers;
- infusion of stinging nettle;
- homemade ointments based on oak bark, burdock and honey.
You can also use tar soap, vinegar lotions and a soda solution (baking soda + water).
To cure dry seborrhea, make lotions from:
- decoction of onion peels;
- infusion of dried nettle leaves;
- linseed oil in symbiosis with violet leaves and sea buckthorn;
- castor oil with the addition of egg yolk;
- a decoction based on burdock roots in combination with lard.
All these compresses and tampons are placed on the affected areas of the skin. After some time, they are removed and the auricle is thoroughly wiped with a cotton pad.
Prevention measures
Even if you eliminate all symptoms of the disease, ear dermatitis may start again. This is why it is necessary to take preventive measures.
You should:
- regularly wash your hair with a special shampoo, selected together with your dermatologist (the use of tar soap is allowed);
- eat right (exclude easily digestible carbohydrates, replacing them with fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to eat cereals, hard pasta, cheeses, meat and fish; it doesn’t hurt to season your dishes with iodized salt);
- if contact dermatitis has been recorded, then you will have to change your jewelry, headphones or hearing aids;
- do not overcool by protecting your ears from the cold with a hat (only natural fabrics);
- buy a vitamin complex containing zinc, selenium, magnesium at the pharmacy (you can take prenatal vitamins Elevit);
- Remember to regularly wash your ears and use only your own personal hygiene items.
A little about diet
During treatment you need to adhere to a diet. Excludes:
- spicy;
- salty;
- smoked;
- fried food.
Stop eating large quantities of baked goods and sweets, because they contribute to the development of fungus. If you take vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins A, E, B (carrots, apples, cabbage, asparagus, etc.), you can not only strengthen your immune system, but also ensure rapid regeneration of the skin.
Drink as much water as possible (preferably mineral water without gas), because it will help improve your metabolism. You need to drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day.
If you have bad habits, try to give them up, because smoking and alcohol are precisely the factors that, albeit indirectly, provoke the occurrence of dermatitis and dermatoses in the ears. Replace them with sports. Such compensation will only be beneficial.
Thus, seborrhea in the ears is easily eliminated with the help of conventional drug treatment, which, in combination with cosmetics and decoctions from the field of traditional medicine, can eliminate not only the symptoms, but also the causes of the disease. People actively struggling with dermatitis in the ears are advised to follow a diet, hygiene and start eating a balanced diet.
Useful videos
How to get rid of seborrhea on the head and body.
Seborrheic dermatitis. Treatment.
The disease develops in the ear canal and pinna, accompanied by severe itching and changes in the condition of the epidermis. Dermatitis is divided into atopic, contact and seborrheic according to the type of manifestation.
Ear dermatitis can be successfully treated. To do this, it is important for a specialist to make a correct diagnosis, depending on the symptoms and causes.
Symptoms and causes of the disease
The first sign of the development of dermatitis in the ears is severe itching. It appears in the ear canal, behind the ears, and affects the auditory concha.
In this case, the following symptoms can be noted in sick people:
Taking into account all the symptoms, the specialist determines the type of ear dermatitis, the severity of the disease and prescribes effective treatment.
The causes of the disease depend on many factors, internal state patient or external stimuli.
All types of dermatitis in the ears have common prerequisites:
With contact dermatitis of the ear, the disease develops as a reaction to an external irritant:
If a patient is diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, ear dermatosis may develop.
The disease is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia furfur on the scalp, which feeds on sebum.
The fungus infects the upper layers of the epidermis with its waste products (fungal toxins). In adult patients, seborrheic dermatosis often affects the ears.
For the development of atopic dermatitis of the ear, a combination of several unfavorable factors is possible:
Treatment is carried out comprehensively; when selecting medications, the causes of the disease, the main symptoms and the degree of damage are taken into account.
Treatment
First of all, in children and adults, treatment begins with wiping the inflammation with hydrogen peroxide, a concentrated soda solution or a solution of laundry soap.
Bubbles, areas of weeping, are wiped with a solution of picrine or boric acid, Zinc ointment is suitable for drying the skin.
To remove unpleasant symptoms in the form of itching, it is necessary to take antihistamines orally. Parlazin and Cetirizine drops are suitable for children. Adult patients can use Zodak, Suprastin, Loratadine.
For atopic dermatitis, treatment is carried out with a complex of drugs.
For treatment to be successful in the case of contact dermatitis, the irritant causing the allergic reaction must be eliminated.
If ear diseases are associated with seborrheic dermatitis, then, in addition to the use of drops and ointments, it is necessary to carry out special hygiene procedures.
If seborrheic dermatitis is treated in time, damage to the skin of the ears can be avoided.
Ear dermatitis in humans is not a single disease, but in fact, a complex of several. They can appear singly or simultaneously. Treatment is also carried out comprehensively.
The ear form of dermatitis can be of the following types:
- regional allergic (contact) dermatitis;
- systemic allergic (atopic) dermatitis;
- a consequence of autoimmune disorders (psoriasis);
- a consequence of chronic microbial infection (chronic external otitis);
- variant of eczematous lesions of the auricle.
One possible cause cannot explain the disease. As with other dermatitis, here it is a combination of internal (genetic) and external factors(purchased).
The main reasons are as follows:
- This ear infection is a syntropic disease.
– This means that it manifests itself together with other allergic inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes.
– This disease is often observed in combination with, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis.
– Syntropic diseases are caused by syntropic genes.
– These large genetic complexes can be transmitted through both parental lines. - A particular manifestation of psoriasis, which is currently classified as an autoimmune pathology.
- An infection in the outer ear or ear canal.
– The lesion can provoke, for example, Staphylococcus aureus, meningococci, group A beta hemolytic streptococcus, etc.
– An additional factor is depressed state immune system. - Hypothermia. It is often a concomitant symptom of cold otitis media.
With allergic sensitization of the body, dermatitis is provoked by:
- jewelry - earrings containing nickel;
- cosmetics - shampoos with a high concentration of lauryl sulfates.
The signs of a diseased ear affected by dermatitis are recognizable, the symptoms are characteristic and the treatment is determined.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the disease are detected when initial examination patient:
- The skin in the area of the outer ear, earlobe, and pinna is hyperemic and swollen.
– There is pronounced dry peeling of the epidermis, externally similar to hyperkeratosis. - Vesicles and papules sometimes appear behind the ears; weeping, characteristic of an eczematous lesion, is much less common.
- There is slight pigmentation behind the auricle.
- The ear canal is inflamed, there is excessive secretion of sulfur, sometimes mixed with pus and mucus (especially if there is a secondary infection).
- A feeling of itching and burning, also inside the ear canal, a feeling of ear congestion.
- With severe inflammation, systemic signs may be observed, for example, evening low-grade fever.
Ear dermatitis is a chronic disease that worsens when exposed to triggering factors or seasonally.
Diagnostics
Dermatitis in the ear is diagnosed in 95% of all cases during an initial clinical examination by an otolaryngologist or dermatologist.
Skin scrapings, blood tests, ultrasound abdominal cavity– all this is carried out only for clarification. For example, skin lesions often associated with chronic foci of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
They examine not only the external structures, but also the inside of the external auditory canal - for this they use the classic Hartmann ear specula.
Features of the etiology of auricular dermatitis in standard diagnostics do not have such of great importance. Since a secondary severe infection requiring antibacterial therapy is easily determined by the formation of pus.
Treatment methods
Before starting any therapy, it is necessary to eliminate possible triggering factors:
- aggressive cosmetics;
- jewelry and ear piercings.
Treatment of ear dermatitis is conservative and does not require hospitalization (unless there are some serious complications, such as the spread of the inflammatory process to the membranes of the brain).
Main methods of therapy:
- drug systemic and local therapy (tablets, creams, ointments, gels);
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- methods of traditional medicine.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy – boils down to various options the effects of electromagnetic radiation on the body, including directly on the affected areas.
The exact method to treat dermatitis is determined individually.
This effective treatment is based on several methods:
- Ultraviolet irradiation with different wavelengths (short, medium, long waves).
– Long-wave ultraviolet stimulates cell division in the epidermis and melanin synthesis.
– Medium wave ultraviolet leads to the release of vasoactive mediators in the dermis, which improve capillary permeability.
– Short-wave ultraviolet light has a pronounced mycocidal, antiviral and antibacterial effect. - Electrophoresis.
– All biochemical reactions in the body are reactions of ions.
– Any drugs that enter the body also turn into ionic form.
– In an electromagnetic field, charged particles begin to move. Consequently, with the help of electromagnetic radiation it is possible to accelerate and enhance the penetration of drugs deep into tissues. - Exposure to weak currents of variable frequency.
– Significantly enhances regenerative processes, stabilizes cell membranes, and in particular, the ion balance of sodium and potassium. - Inductothermy.
– With dermatitis, the most common area of influence is the adrenal glands.
– The bottom line is that a magnetic field with variable parameters enhances the production of hormones of the adrenal cortex (its own corticosteroids), which have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. - Laser therapy.
– The biochemical mechanisms of action are similar to those that occur during treatment with weak alternating current, but the zone of influence is targeted.
For cold otitis media, dry heat treatment may sometimes be indicated.
Drug therapy
Ear dermatitis can usually be resolved with basic treatment.
Such therapy includes:
- softening nourishing creams;
- analgesic gels;
- anti-inflammatory hormonal and non-hormonal ointments.
Doctors prescribe the following medications:
- Anti-inflammatory hormonal ointments:
– Triderm;
– Akriderm;
– Sinaflan;
– Hydrocortisone;
– Methylprednisolone;
– Advantan;
- Elokom. - Anti-inflammatory non-hormonal ointments:
- zinc ointment;
– Fastum-gel;
- Exoderil. - Softening, moisturizing, nourishing creams:
– Bepanten;
– Sudocrem;
– Topicrem;
– Emolium;
– Tsinocap;
- La-cree. - Pain relieving gels:
– Fenistil;
– D-Panthenol. - Antihistamines in tablet form:
– Diphenhydramine, Clemastine, Suprastin, Promethazine (first generation, many “side effects” such as drowsiness, headache, nausea);
– Loratadine, Azelastine, Cetirizine (second generation, “side effects” are minimized, efficiency has increased);
– Erius (Desloratadine, third generation, which has an additional advantage - the synthesis of histamine itself is inhibited). - In case of a very severe allergic reaction, systemic hormonal drugs may be prescribed.
If fever occurs, use NSAIDs.
Folk recipes
The achievements of traditional medicine should be used only after consultation with your doctor. Chronic dermatitis in the ears is successfully controlled by such prevention.
- mix 5 ml of whole milk and 5 ml of simple medical glycerin, add rice starch until a paste forms, apply overnight;
- Mix 50 ml of freshly squeezed cranberry juice with Vaseline (200 grams), apply overnight;
- Pour 3 tablespoons of grated St. John's wort with 250 ml of sunflower oil, leave in a dark place for 20 days, shake periodically while infusing, strain, pour into a dark glass container, smear overnight;
- Grate peeled, raw fresh potatoes on a fine grater, apply the paste to the affected area of skin, secure with a bandage, and leave for at least 2 hours.
When turning to traditional medicine, care should be taken not to cause a new allergy.
Complications during treatment
This happens when:
- untreated dermatitis;
- ignoring the disease.
The disease can provoke other ear diseases. First of all, secondary infection.
At infectious process the formation of a purulent abscess in the ear is possible. To prevent this, it is necessary to carry out antibacterial therapy, i.e. use of local and systemic antibiotics (beta-lactams, macrolides, etc.).
Diet
There is no strict diet for these pathologies. Here everything is determined exclusively individually.
If the condition worsens after eating certain foods, they are excluded from the diet.
Foods that are considered classic allergens:
- eggs;
- citrus;
- nuts;
- mushrooms;
- Red caviar;
- most berries;
- pineapples;
- tomatoes;
- peaches;
- apricots;
- seasonings
Preventive measures
The health of a person’s ears also depends on his lifestyle.
- balanced diet with vitamin complex;
- moderate physical exercise in the fresh air;
- sufficient sleep;
- living in an environmentally friendly region;
- avoiding stress;
- maintaining skin hygiene, using hypoallergenic cosmetics;
- protection from aggressive factors external environment(in winter – frost, in summer – sunlight).
Self-observation and monitoring of your own health is also important.
Conclusion
Ear dermatitis, although it is chronic and sometimes enough unpleasant illness, is completely controllable. You just need to take adequate treatment measures in a timely manner.
