Is It Normal to Have Dry Ears? Exploring Causes and Treatments

August 01 2024, by Angelina Zoldos, 8 min reading time

Ever had those annoying crusty ears that just won't quit? Crusty ears can be an irritating and perplexing issue that many individuals find themselves grappling with. Taking care of your ears isn't just about keeping them clean; it's about figuring out what they're trying to tell you. Ignoring those signs can lead to more problems, and nobody wants that. Crusty ears are often a signal that something's up, and we're here to help you decode that message.

What causes crusty ears?

Ear scabs are crusty, dried formations that can develop on the skin of the outer ear or within the ear canal. These scabs are typically a result of various factors, and their presence may indicate an underlying issue with the ear's health:

Earwax buildup:

Sometimes, our ears decide to produce more wax than usual. This surplus can dry up and harden, resulting in those telltale crusty patches. It's essentially an internal wax management challenge.

Dry skin:

Just like the skin on the rest of your body, the skin inside your ears can get dry. When this happens, it opens the door to flakiness and crustiness. It's a simple case of the ear skin needing a bit more moisture.

Eczema and dermatitis:

Skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis don't limit themselves to external areas. They can extend into the ears, resulting in redness, scaling, and the development of scabs.

Allergies:

Allergies go beyond the typical symptoms like sneezing; they can also impact your ears. Certain metals used in jewellery, such as nickel or cobalt, can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Allergic reactions can induce inflammation, leading to crustiness.

Infections:

Whether bacterial or fungal, ear infections create a battleground within your ears. The aftermath? Crusty ears. It's a consequence of the healing process post a microbial skirmish.

Poor hygiene habits:

Let's be honest, sometimes we fall short on ear hygiene. Infrequent cleaning or using improper tools can result in a buildup of debris, setting the stage for crustiness. It's a gentle reminder from your ears to step up your hygiene game

What are some of the common parts of the ears that are affected?

Behind the ears - The skin behind the ears, where the ear connects to the head, can sometimes experience itching and flakiness. This area is prone to irritation from hair products, sweat, or even friction from eyeglasses.

Upper ear rim - The upper part of the ear, often referred to as the "upper ear," can be susceptible to dryness and flakiness. This area may be affected by exposure to harsh weather conditions or irritants.

Inner ear rim - The inner part of the ear, close to the head, can also experience dryness and flakiness. This area might be affected by skin conditions or allergic reactions to certain products.

Earlobe - The fleshy part at the bottom of the ear, commonly pierced for earrings. It may be prone to itchiness and flakiness, especially if there's irritation from jewelry or other substances.

Front of the ear canal - The area just inside the ear opening, where the ear canal begins.

Tragus area - The small, cartilaginous protrusion in front of the ear canal. It may become dry and itchy, particularly if there's friction or irritation from headphones, earbuds, or other external factors.

Inner ear fold - The fold or crease on the inside of the ear where it attaches to the head. This area can sometimes be prone to itching and flakiness due to moisture or skin sensitivity.
Concave bowl area - The bowl-shaped depression in the center of the ear. This area might experience dryness, especially if exposed to harsh weather conditions.

How often should you clean your ears?

A clean ear not only helps maintain optimal hearing but also prevents issues like wax buildup, infections, and the main topic of this article - crusty ear. It's all about finding that sweet spot between neglect and overzealous cleaning.

So, how often should you break out the ear-cleaning toolkit? The general rule of thumb is that ears are pretty good at self-cleaning. For most folks, a simple wipe with a washcloth during your regular shower routine is sufficient, however, if you're prone to excess earwax or have specific concerns, a more proactive approach might be needed.

For those who need a bit more attention, consider a gentle earwax softener or drops to facilitate natural expulsion. If you're using cotton swabs, proceed with caution. The golden rule: don't insert anything smaller than your elbow into your ear. Swabs can often push wax further in, leading to more problems than solutions.

Avoid aggressive cleaning methods:

The temptation to dig deep into your ears with cotton swabs or other probing tools can be strong, but resist the urge. Aggressive cleaning can disrupt the delicate balance within your ears, potentially causing irritation, injury, and yes, you guessed it again—more crustiness. It's a classic case of less is more when it comes to ear care.

Remember, the goal is to keep your ears clean without disturbing their natural processes.

Dry ears treatment

Dealing with flaky ears, an itchy ear canal, or those pesky ear scabs can be an annoying experience, and for some, it may be a cause of low self-esteem when the flaky ears are visible to the eyes of many.

So, how do you get rid of crusty ears? It's true - and often, doctors prescribe steroid creams to alleviate the symptoms. Yes, they do provide relief, but here's the catch – when used for the long term, steroid-based creams come with their own set of side effects. If you're on the lookout for a natural alternative that offers the same soothing benefits without the potential drawbacks, then Allay Organics Calm Cream is your answer.

This isn't your typical skin cream; it's a targeted response to the redness, itching, and irritation that often accompany eczema and dermatitis. It’s your natural alternative to steroid creams, offering a gentle yet powerful solution to soothe those stubborn skin conditions.

Why Allay Organics Calm Cream?

Unlike conventional steroid creams, the Allay Organics Calm Cream relies on the power of natural ingredients to provide relief. No harsh chemicals, just a thoughtfully curated blend designed to work gently with your skin.

Active ingredients in the Calm Cream that helps:

Licorice Extract:

Historically renowned for treating and soothing mild skin eruptions, licorice extract in the Calm Cream contains glycyrrhizin, an acid that assists in increasing natural steroid hormones in the skin. This inhibits cortisol breakdown, potentially restoring normal levels and offering relief from the irritation of flaky ears.

Aloe vera extract:

Dry ears meet their match with the inclusion of aloe vera extract. A natural moisturiser, aloe vera soothes irritated skin and promotes healing. It's the cool, refreshing drink your ears have been waiting for to combat the itchiness of flaky, itchy ears.

Willow Bark Extract:

An essential player in the Calm Cream, Willow Bark Extract brings its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and conditioning properties to the forefront. Rich in antioxidants, it tackles redness and irritation, helping remove excess oil and gently eliminating the appearance of flaking skin. It's the answer to how to get rid of crusty ears effectively.

While home remedies can offer various treatments for dry ears, there's something to be said about the simplicity and effectiveness of an all-in-one solution like the Allay Organics Calm Cream. Home remedies, ranging from olive oil to warm compresses, may provide relief, but they often require a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Addressing dryness, itching, and flakiness in the ears often involves simple measures like applying topical creams or maintaining good ear hygiene practices. These steps can go a long way in providing relief and preventing further discomfort.

If, despite your efforts, the symptoms persist or worsen, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider. Persistent symptoms may be indicative of underlying issues that require professional assessment, so, it’s best to be on the safe side.