We Hear You! Let’s Talk About Ear Psoriasis!

Psoriasis in and around the ears doesn't happen to everyone, but for those who do experience it, they know, it isn't a fun place to get it! We are sharing some thoughts from the community regarding ear psoriasis.

The skin on the face is often more sensitive than some other areas of the body such as knees or elbows, so some treatments cannot be utilized on the ears.

Debunking the myths about ear psoriasis

For some having psoriasis in and around their ears and on their face may cause self-consciousness or embarrassment as it is an area that is exposed. Let's go through some common myths and facts.

Myth: Ear psoriasis is due to cleanliness.
Fact: Developing psoriasis in the ears has nothing to do with the cleanliness of the area in the ear or around the ear. Ear psoriasis is not caused by touching that area either.

Myth: Scales cannot cause ear blockages
Fact: The combination of wax and the build-up of scales inside the ear canal can cause the ear canal to become blocked. Clearing the ear canal of scales is important, not just for comfort, but for the protection of the delicate ear drum.

Myth: There is no treatment for ear psoriasis
Fact: If you are experiencing psoriasis in your ears, it is best to speak with your medical provider to determine what treatments are best for you. Close monitoring of ear psoriasis is also important to monitor for any issues such as hearing impairment or loss.¹

Ear psoriasis treatments

People with psoriasis in the ears may require ongoing medical care to keep flares under control and avoid complications, such as hearing loss.

Some psoriasis medications are not suitable for use inside the ears. For example, certain topical creams and ointments may harm the delicate eardrum. People should ask their doctor about medications that are safe for the ear canal.

Over the counter options: Some community members have found that using over-the-counter products as part of their home care routine is helpful. Community members have also used oils such as olive, coconut, and jojoba oil to moisturize the area around the ear and ease discomfort.

Manual extraction: As stated above many community members feel better when having their impacted ear canals cleared out by a medical provider. A medical provider can use a small tool to remove excess build up so it doesn't impact hearing and won't damage the ear drum.

Steroid options: There are some prescription steroid options that a medical provider can prescribe for relief. There are liquid steroid ear drops that can be used, such as Lidex to help with itching, swelling, and pain. Prescription steroids are often combined with another medication for enhanced treatment.²
-Topical medications:Topical treatment options that are nonsteroidal medications can be applied to the skin to treat ear psoriasis. Some options include Dovonex (Calcipotriene) or a combination of Calcipotriene and Betamethasone (Taclonex).²

Hear it from the community

Some community members shared that their psoriasis in the ears began after a particular flare-up and was a new place where they experienced symptoms. For others, they have experienced ear psoriasis from the beginning.

"I have them in and around my earlobes. Nothing works. Currently, I using warm salt water to remove the crusting. Afterwards, coconut oil and Vaseline. There's an improvement, just not totally healed. You have to be diligent."

"I have psoriasis in both ears, misshapen ear canals, and my one ear canal is a third of the size of what it should be. I now got to the ENT every 4 weeks to have my ears cleaned out. If I wait a day over four weeks I end up with ears that are completely plugged and then infected. It sucks. It's only become worse as I've become older."

"I use a product called Auralgan for about 5-7 days... it's an ear oil that you fill your ear canal with before you go to bed. It helps soften up the plaques and ear wax. Then I go to my doctor or a local walk-in and I get the nurse to flush my ears out with their special syringe. All of the gunk comes out and I feel much better."

It's impact on daily life

We understand that having psoriasis can be a challenge due to both the physical and emotional symptoms it can cause. Working with a medical provider can help manage flares both in and around the ears and elsewhere on the body.

Specifically with the ear, working closely with a medical provider is important to minimize the risk for developing ear-related complications such as hearing impairment or loss.