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.

[emptybottle]

^ sorry, i meant reduced 90 percent

[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!

[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

[Percyfaith]

Looking into a number of things to help as I suffer with weeping ozing ears now for 10 years...
I ran across this  'Gluten & Ear Problems ' article link below  as I suspect Food Allergy  especially Histamine Intolerance as  my ear issues seem to be worse in times of seasonal allergy or when I over eat high Histamine Foods. (spinach, eggs, shellfish, nuts etc)  
Also I've been off Gluten but may be sensitive to all Grains....
Livestrong article    Gluten & Ear Problems
https://www.livestrong.com/article/542914-gluten-ear-problems/

[Hurstfam]

I had this for about two months behind my right ear. Luckily I have a neighbor who believes, just like me, that doctors don't always know best. She gave me a little vile of geranium oil and told me that she had a rash on her shoulder and after putting geranium oil on it for several months the rash dried up and never came back. So, I tried it. I wasn't sure it was working since my crustiness kept getting bigger on my earlobe. Three days went by and I got curious, so I peeled the large layer of flaky crust off my earlobe and was amazed that the skin had almost totally dried up and heeled underneath the "scab". Before the oil, I'd peel the scab off and it would just ooze yellowish liquid and build the crust layer again and again. I kept putting the oil on three to four times a day whenever I was in the bathroom and remembered to do it and now all I have is a few flakes here and there. I assume after another month or so, it will all be totally gone. My whole ear up the crack between my ear and head and all along the side and earlobe had been covered and now it's 95% clear. I have only been using the oil a couple of weeks. I highly recommend trying the geranium oil. I used DoTerra brand. They are one of the top essential oil companies. It was about $35 for my own large bottle. I just put my finger on the bottle opening and tilt it upside down a few times, so the large bottle should last me years. The steps I took the first day was to use a very hot washcloth and heat and moisten the crustiness so I could peel as much away as possible. Even through the oozing, I put a drop of oil on my finger and rubbed it all around the area. Without the scab, it did burn that initial time since the skin was kind of open. Then, I let the scab crust up and just kept putting the oil over the crust for the following three days. Like I said, three to four times a day. I don't think you can over do it with this oil. After the third day, I peeled the dried crust away and underneath was clearer dry skin. Just keep up that pattern until it all clears up and then keep using it for about a month afterwards. Two bonuses I found. Most people that I've met really like the smell of the flowery oil and the second bonus is that I believe it has cleared up a lot of my adult acne. I noticed my face was clearer after the first few weeks of use. So even after my ear heels, I might keep putting it on around my chin, nose and forehead, where I have had adult acne for years. Oh, I forgot to mention, I'm 38. I hope this helps everyone suffering for years.

[Jayneedon]

(Hurstfam)Thanks so much for your post! I have the same issues as others on this thread and have used all methods to try and clear it up.. it would dissappear... I would feel normal again and then it would come back. I finally used some prescribed medicated lotion my husband had for a rash on his leg and it cleared behind my ears up. The moment I feel it coming back or too dry, I apply that lotion again but now I will try essential geranium oil! I have that and seldom use it...but now I'm excited to try it as needed!!!:)

[eacollie]

I had an issue with this and the dermatologist diagnosed it with a biopsy as seborrheic dermatitis.  I believe it's an allergic response.  If you can find what you're allergic to it will probably stop. In my case it's any milk product or any "non-organic" wheat product.  (Apparently wheat in the US is processed after spraying with "RoundUp" and that's what I react to, not the gluten.)  

[Intocrafting]

My condition cleared up permanently in less than 24 hrs. after applying this product with a q-tip to the affected area.  I have since found out that my problem came from a real fur hat that I bought directly from a person who makes them in Canada and therefore it did not go through border security for microbes of this type.  Here is the product that I used to clear it up.  I only used it once.  And, I used it in a particular way.  Your doctor will have to prescribe it.  Halobetasol  Propionate Ointment 0.05% strength (PERRIGO)   Put this stuff on with a q-tip over the entire affected area including any deep crevices.  Be generous with the amount but don't get it in your eyes.  Leave it on for one week without using a shower or getting soap and water near that area.  Sleep with a towel on your pillow to absorb any runoff.  Please pass this information on to other members after it works for you.  I'm too busy.  I tried many remedies under doctor supervision for several years but it kept coming back.  Even antibiotics.  I had to find a doctor with the right answer.  The lesson I learned is not to buy fabric or wearable accessories direct from countries that don't go through security checkpoints.  US companies within those countries selling to us are okay.  Just don't buy direct from a merchant, like those who sell on Amazon.com.