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.

[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.  

[LDSGirl]

If you have glasses that rub or just have a tendency to touch/pull on your ears a lot it creates a small fissure in the skin in the crease behind your ear that will bleed only blood plasma (no red blood cells) to create a "yellow scab", if you will. Washing well and applying neosporin works for me. The neosporin helps the skin to heal back together and also soaks into the dry skin, making it easier to peel off without irritating the new skin underneath into creating a new plasma scab.
There's definitely cases of psoriasis or ecxema which may need more extreme remedies.
Hope this helps!

[KrickAttil]

I have the same exact problem behind my ears and all over my scalp--I was almost to the point that I wanted to shave my head and just keep it drenched in creams, Tea Tree Oil, etc.  I FINALLY found NEEM OIL!!  Pure NEEM essential oil:  be sure of this because there is NEEM that is combined with some detergents--you do  not want that.  Anyway, I mixed the NEEM essential oil 1:1 with Sweet Almond Oil/Coconut Oil/Jojoba Oil (a good carrier oil). I use about 2 ounces of the mix and rub it into my scalp and ears--use plenty.  You can probably shampoo it out after an hour or two, but I leave it overnight and shampoo it out with a neem shampoo and conditioner.  It is not a cure for me, but as long as I keep my scalp and ears clean with a neem shampoo at least 3 times a week and oil once a month or so.  Like I said, it is not a cure for me, but I am very happy.  It is extremely difficult to cure fungal infections completely.  I found everything on one website.

[Angelicavv]

Everyone please listen if you have psoriasis or anything similar. Take liquid fish oil consistently until it disappears. I promise you it works! I did it consistently for about 5 months, 2-3 tablespoons a day until my psoriasis really started clearing up. I then reduced my intake until this didn't need it anymore. I now only take it if I know I'll be in the sun and possibly susceptible to sunburn or every now n then when I remember. I no longer NEED it. Please do this, it will change your life just like it changed mine. Best of luck to you all, I know how it is.

[Parvezi]

I have an oozing scalp.  It is leaking and weeping behind my ear is that it drips down the back of my neck my head as little cracks all over the scalp which hurt so much I have been to see the doctor and been prescribed a course of antibiotics hope that does the trick but it is very severe I also have spots all over my body

[Emmamosis]

I have the same thing! I actually stole some psoriasis ointment from my grandpa and used a very very slight amount of it after I showered and before I went to bed (not even enough to make the skin greasy) and after I slept it was nearly gone, did this for a week and it cleared up! Has since come back but I'm getting some more cream for it soon! I can't remember the name but I know it's either a cortizone or betamethizone, works like an absolute dream!

[JonathanE]

I have something similar, but I do not think it sounds like the same thing.  I do not experience inflammation, I experience sudden bumps that ooze and bleed, like bad acne.  Right above the ears.  I'll get them very badly after having a cell phone up to my ear, but now that I get them without any cell phone use near the ear (texting or speakerphone only), I am getting quite concerned.  I will eventually see a doctor about this, but I'm afraid I'm going to get misdiagnosed and then be back where I started with some heavy bills to pay.  I'd like to have some idea what's going on before I subject myself to a doctor.

[laateedaa19]

I was researching this issue as I was also dealing with this recently. It has happened before but not as bad and it seemed to resolve quickly on it's own. I don't have dandruff or psoriasis, eczema or any other skin condition  so this was very strange to me. When it resurfaced recently, upon researching I found this post that describes my problem to a T in the first paragraph.  I wanted to give a solution as I have found one that worked pretty much overnight for me. Yesterday in the AM while I was showering I used some Pert Plus (Dandruff) shampoo as recommended here. I rinsed well and then on top of that I washed with Desert Essence Tea Tree face wash & Rinsed well. Once out of the shower, I dried behind my ears very well and used a q-tip to put a little bit of Hydrogen Peroxide over the open wound (cut-like wound) behind my ear. Once that dried, I used coconut oil and applied liberally over the entire back of my ear. As the day went on, it continued to do it's thing and scab over as usual and if I were to pick away at it, it leaked and all of that disgusting, awful stuff (But I did notice it wasn't as bad as the day/week before). Last night, getting ready for bed, I cleaned behind my ears once again with Desert Essence Tea Tree face wash and dried the area thoroughly, cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide, let it dry and then liberally applied the coconut oil. I woke up this morning and that routine really seemed to do the trick. It is 99% gone just in the 24 hour period that I used those methods. No steroids or anything like that. Prior to this method, I had been trying to use neosporin day and night for about a week and that didn't seem to help AT ALL, only got worse and even spread to the other ear a little bit. So, I wanted to share that as this issue is a huge nuisance, it's weird and nasty and can actually be kind of painful. You can find Desert Essence facewash at Fred Meyer in the Health food section (Mine was $8.99, I love that face wash btw) & the coconut oil can be found there as well, try to buy cold-pressed, organic if possible. Hope this helps.

[Paul6363]

I experienced this with my ears last year for the first time in my life and I am 53--it started in Sept/Oct time frame.  It went away after trying many things and unfortunately I cannot recall when exactly it went away as I didn't think I would need to know.  But then this year again in November timeframe it started up again.  2 things I know of, it occurred during the colder months 2 years in a row, and, I went to Acapulco Mexico on vacation, Labor Day week last year and in early November this year went to the same resort (a timeshare that we went to the first time last year and the same this year), and it seems to have started up at the almost same time of year and after we went to Mexico for vacation.  Last year was the first time I have ever been to Acapulco.  Is it co-incidence?  Is it the cold weather?  But, I've always pretty much lived in the same climate?  Is it the resort in Mexico, but it is a very nice and clean five-star resort?  Is it something I ate in Mexico?  Has anyone else with this noticed it was after they were on vacation or in Mexico?  I do not recall exactly how it went away, to be honest, I think it went away on its own as I was tired to trying everything and even though the Dr gave me a cream to use I cannot say it was the cream that worked because I never put it on regularly as I was supposed to.

[sunrise17]

I just got back from Mexico and I am experiencing the same thing on and behind my right ear. It started out in a crease as what looked like a cut, I assumed to be caused by dryness. However it has been a week now and it has spread to different parts of my ear. It's not painful nor is it noticeable to anyone but myself. The only thing I ate in Mexico was some guacamole which I shared with friends, so I dont think it is food related. Perhaps both having noticed this after visiting Mexico is just a coincidence, but definitely something to look into. I am on acutane which does cause dry skin, but being that this is only on one ear and my ear is still producing oils, this seems like it could be caused by something else (hopefully not).

[maiestas]

I get the weepy and crusty ear from time to time on my right side. I noticed it usually (but not always) happens after I've worn earrings, but I'm not sure why it only happens to one side. Smearing betadine all over the weeping areas seems to stop the weeping and crusting immediately, but it can still recur after weeks or months. My guess is that it's some sort of vicious cycle involving nickel sensitivity, inflammation, and opportunistic microbial infections.

[Pablo_55]

I had a similar problem twice, first behind my right ear, followed several months later by my left ear. In my case the skin was practically dissolved. Both times I cured it by applying a Neem cream, day and night, with cotton pads placed to absorb the liquid. It took several weeks to heal. Bad news though, now about 2 years later it has returned.

[FaithJourney64]

I'm 52 and have had this problem off and on since I was a baby. I've had relief for years at a time, but it eventually comes back. Since reaching menopause, the weeping is sometimes severe during nights. When I wake up, the ooze has run down my neck irritating the skin on both sides of my neck and face...very noticeable. I also have other dry skin issues on my scalp/hairline that have also been there for years. I've tried many of the solutions mentioned in these posts but never anything that continues to work over time. In the past year, I've also lost a good deal of hair around my hairline due to the dry patches forming. I think this is more than one problem, but the doctors don't seems to have any answers. I'm looking at the diet/food options now... Hoping to find the triggers so that I can finally get this under control!

[Anna1o1]

Hi, I've been searching for a solution for my ears. I have crustiness behind them and when i peel the scabby eczema off it turns into wet eczema I've had for about 2 years (its like what u all have) just a little after I got my ears pierced in 2013 and then i got it in 2014 and after a year it went away and I was thinking it was the weather because it came back in summer last year. It started off as a small cut behind my right ear and tried to get rid of it but it got worse and worse and then it came onto my other ear. and sometimes it bleeds a bit it is very annoying and I'm trying to look for a "natural" remedy. I don't go to the doctors so don't tell me to check up with them cause my mum used to be a nurse so ive only ever been to them once. Btw I'm 14 years old.  

[quasibroken]

I've suffered from weeping eczema or whatever you want to call it on the face and eyelids for over two decades. Occasionally, I'd get it on my earlobes but maybe once every two years would it happen on the earlobes. I think we are genetically predisposed to suffer conditions like this but also the individual must take it upon himself to determine his own triggers. Diet plays a role. I eat a very bare diet. no dairy, no deadly nightshades (tomato, potato, pepper, eggplant) and no white grains. My face is still jacked up and probably always will be.

I'd like to give you folks some ideas. It would be worth your time to research demodex mites and a new product that Gladerma has put on the market called Soolantra. What is leaking out of your earlobes is lymphatic fluid. So basically your body is detecting a bacteria and spurting out too much lymphatic fluid to heal over the site. Many people with these type of weeping disorders have seem improvement with soolantra.

What brought me to this particular posting is because I did a few things in the past few days that made my earlobes become very hot and start weeping super bad. I do have an underlying weeping eczema type condition already, but its not common for my earlobes to react like this.

I usually wash my hair with a mild soap or a tea tree oil-type shampoo. A few days ago, I bought Head and Shoulders conditioner to try out for eczema/ seb dermatitis because some people find relief using it on their face and ears. Also, I began brewing horsetail tea which I bought right down at the Mexican super market. The tea is very high in silica content. You will see a lot of silica products are sold/marketing with their improvement of hair, skin and nails. These two things- the horsetail tea and the head and shoulders- are the only odd things that are outside of my normal routine. Maybe it has nothing to do with it, but its not common for me to have my ears just turn hot and start weeping like crazy like this.

I wish you luck in finding your triggers and trying to solve the riddle for yourself. Google search oozing yellow crusts forum and you will find there is a forum specifically for people with these type of chronic weeping nasty disorders.

[maitrilibellule]

I wanted to add an addendum. Several years ago I had psoriasis all over my hands. It nearly drove me crazy. It was just before my daughter's wedding. Tried all kinds of treatments to no avail. An elderly woman who only uses old timey remedies told me to bathe my hands in milk, just cold milk from the fridge. In 3 days it looked and felt so much better I was stunned and it cleared up completely and never came back. Last night it was suggested that I try it again behind my ears and I am starting last night. It really feels good and I don't know yet what the outcome will be but it is safe, something most of us already have in the house so not spending a lot of money, and can't hurt. I just really felt like I should share this, for whatever it's worth... Good luck to all.

[JoCJo]

Did it work?

[maitrilibellule]

I recently developed a terrible rash all over my body, especially under my breasts and in groin area. After a couple of months of every kind of natural, self treatment, I went to the doctor who put me on fluconazole by mouth for 14 days with a refill. Everything on my body cleared up amazingly well BUT I developed this oozing and crustiness behind both ears, worse behind right ear. I am 61 years old and NEVER had this in my life. I have tried many of the things people have written about here and can't get it to clear up. I have very short hair and it is unsightly leaving red areas below ear on neck on the worse side. It seems to tighten up and look better after using a dandruff shampoo, but doesn't go away. Am calling doctor again tomorrow, I don't like to use chemical medicines but do use the OTC remedies for fungal like Lotrimin with great success for mild problems in the groin area. Thanks for all of your help. Here's to a cure!

[wow_q]

Very common.  I've had this for years as well. Weeping behind the ears gets crusty, same on either side of my nose.  Drs like to think they know and give various suggestions.  The only thing that ever worked was an ointment a nurse gave me on the way out after I saw a dr for something else.  Halo G  turns out to be a topical steroid.

[pakasa]

And to all on here. The problem is from "leaky gut" it is a form of psoriasis. I do know, from experience, that what you eat does affect it-- because of tiny food particles, during digestion, getting thru the intestinal walls.  You have to heal the gut and the sooner you start the better you will be.  Antibiotics are very damaging and will set you back months or years.   Before you eat anything if you take L glutimine powder mixed in water ( and I mean every time you eat), and a digestive enzyme before you eat it helps very much.  Avoid night shade family( tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers) and wheat.  Sugar is antagonistic as well.  There are great books out there that help to guide you along.

[BillyB4]

I agree. I get the leaking behind my right ear, sometimes irritation and flaking in around my eyelid or eyebrows. I switch to tea tree oil shampoo not as a cure but because other shampoos increase the irritation. The only way I have been able to get it to completely go away is a full court press on my diet. Low Sugar, No refined sugar. low wheat, low nightshade, and no caffeine, which means no chocolate or coffee products at all. No caffeinated sodas. Also I get out in the sun or a tanning bed seems to help a lot. In about a week it's completely gone until months later when I say look, my favorite drink Mountain dew. Or Christmas or Halloween or easter candy comes out.

[MommaTren]

What kind of conditioner do you use?

[Kreiha]

I've had this same problem over and over and it started up while I was in high school and has continued now even after I've graduated.  I've tried the cortisone treatments, I've tried different kinds of shampoos, even just using things like neosporin and such-- but nothing seems to really keep it at bay for a period longer than a few days.  
This isn't at all a cure, but the thing that's kept it at bay the longest and has procured the best results is -believe it or not- an acne cream.  I'm not sure what it is in this that helps with this condition, or even what this "condition" is-- however the item I've used is "Clean and Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser".  
I've used it behind my ears when I shower for a day or two, and gradually it'll clear up and go away for a substantial amount of time.  It's always popped up when my hair has been longer, and I have this issue currently, and I haven't been using the product-- instead I've opted to try other things but have gotten zero results.  So, personally, I'm going to go back to using Clean and Clear and see how it goes-- but I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one with this issue.  

[akhilarae]

I have this skin condition. I have posted the remedy on my blog. It gave me positive results. I hope it helps many that suffer from this skin condition.

Here's the link: http://makeasylife.blogspot.in/2015/04/how-i-deal-with-seborrheic-dermatitis.html

[ReynardLomax]

I have had a head scalp fungal condition for a few years which is being treated with Nizoral shampoo.  I also developed weeping and dry flakes behind the ear (right ear) and I was trying to treat that with Nizoral cream, but that was not working.  What I would recommend to my fellow sufferers is to apply a steroid cream behind the ear  until the infection clears and the skin is restored, then apply 'Lamasil Once' (1% Terbinofine Hydrochloride) to get rid of the behind ear fungus for good.  I know it's an athletes foot treatment, in fact it cleared up my athletes foot infection also some years earlier!

[Intocrafting]

I've read your post and all the others.  I've recently developed this condition about six months ago.  Flaking behind the ears the builds upon itself.  I notice it building day two after a shower.  If I let it go and do nothing it gets worse and worse.  I first noticed that if I showered and washed behind my ears every day I do not have this condition at all.  I hate taking a shower every day so instead I've been lathering behind my ears with regular old Pure Petroleum Jelly on the second day after a shower.  That keeps it in check until my next shower day.  I hate having this condition and don't know what's causing it.  It's very much what I've been reading here.  I'll bring the subject up the next time I am scheduled to see my primary care physician but from what I've been reading here I don't hope for much.  I do know what has been working for me and I guess that I will either continue with the Pure Petroleum Jelly routine or go back to a shower every day or every second day.  Looking forward to reading more posts in the future to know how you-all are dealing with this really annoying dilemma.