How to Get Rid of a Pimple In Ear

While it happens to most of us—particularly at inopportune times—getting a pimple can be very frustrating. Even worse? When it’s in your ear. Not only can a pimple in your ear be highly uncomfortable and painful, it can also be difficult to get rid of. So, what are you supposed to do when you get a pimple in your ear? Here’s what the experts have to say. 

What Causes Pimples in Ears?

Simply put, pimples are caused by clogged pores. When excess sebum and dead skin cells get trapped, it causes bacteria to move in, resulting in a pimple. According to Sandra Lee, MD, board-certified dermatologist (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), pimples occur more frequently in areas where we have more sebaceous glands. “It turns out that the skin on the ear is quite similar to the skin on the nose, which means it also has a high concentration of oil glands,” she explains.

The presence of ear wax makes this issue worse because wax can clog the pores. “These can appear anywhere around the ear, including the earlobe, the concha (the hollow part around the hole), and even within the ear canal itself,” says Dr. Lee.

Keep in mind that your oil glands aren’t the only things that can cause buildup. Heavy hair or makeup products can also clog the pores, especially when sprayed around the ears. “Try taking a product break and see if that helps,” says Dr. Lee. 

And the last (but most common) cause of ear acne? Acne mechanica, which is the result of friction. If you wear earbuds all day long or other types of headphones or hats, Dr. Lee notes that one of them could be the culprit. 

If you have ear acne, it’s probably a good idea to stop using earbuds as frequently (at least until the pimple heals), but if you can’t Dr. Lee recommends washing and then spraying them down with a product like SLMD Salicylic Acid Body Spray before wearing them.

How to Get Rid of a Pimple in Your Ear

While that pimple in your ear might be uncomfortable and annoying, the good news is that it won’t last forever. Dr. Lee advises her patients to leave the pimple alone. “It should heal within a week or so. If you want to speed it along, you can apply some over-the-counter acne medication on there. SLMD Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment works well for blackheads and whiteheads, while BP Acne Spot Treatment will kill acne-causing bacteria in those red, inflamed pimples,” she says.

If you aren’t ready to use a product but don’t quite want to leave it alone, Hayley Goldbach, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Brown University suggests applying a warm compress with a clean washcloth. 

And while it’s tempting with any pimple, you should avoid picking your ears at all costs. “This can lead to infection or scarring,” says Dr. Goldbach. “And certainly don’t pick or try to scrub something in your ear canal. My mother was an ear nose and throat surgeon and she always taught me to put nothing in your ear canal smaller than an elbow.”

Know When to Consult a Doctor

Lastly, a good thing to note is that sometimes a pimple isn’t a pimple. According to Dr. Goldbach, it can be a cyst, inflamed hair follicle, or even something more serious like an abscess or skin cancer. “I operate on skin cancer on the ear every single day and always remind people to please see a board-certified dermatologist if you have a bump that doesn’t heal. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if something doesn’t feel right.”