Is it possible that behind the ears there is a smell? Write it down as another one of those body oddities, or actually add it to the list of body parts that can smell. If you notice a stench back there, we'll explain the cause.
It's not uncommon for you to notice an unpleasant odor behind your ears. This is a region that tends to trap sweat and moisture, which can be a stage for unpleasant odors.
5 causes of bad odor behind the ears
Oil and fat accumulate back there
You know that the T-zone of the face is usually an oil stain, but behind the ears as well.
The region is relatively rich in sebaceous glands , which secrete oil and other fatty substances. The mixture can build up due to lack of cleaning. The tallow has a cheesy smell. The amount of sebum that you secrete is purely individual.
The solution is to shower daily with a mild soap.
They are normal skin bacteria
Along with excess oil, bacteria on the skin play a role in the odd smell. Hair products and pollution can also accumulate there and contribute to the smell.
The solution is also to shower daily. But even if you don't wash your hair daily, be sure to put soap on your ears.
You can have a skin disease
Because the area behind the ear is rich in sebaceous glands, it is also prone to seborrheic dermatitis (SD).
Marked by itching, scaling, and inflammation of the skin, as well as areas of scabs and drainage, seborrheic dermatitis usually appears on the scalp, but can also affect other sebum-saturated areas, such as behind the ears, upper chest and the face.
In babies, seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle cap , but it affects up to 3 percent of the adult population, and a certain type of yeast is believed to be the cause.
This generally does not smell on its own, although it can produce greasy yellow flakes that can trap sweat and other materials, thus causing a musty or bad smell.
Ask your dermatologist so they can suggest prescription creams or shampoos or antifungals to clear up scabs.
Your mask (or glasses) is to blame
When you wear something around your ears, like glasses, face masks, ear muffs, or a helmet, they trap sebum, pollution, and bacteria. When these don't have a place to escape, the buildup can cause acne, an unpleasant odor, and various other skin conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.
The solution is, in addition to lathering the ear area, wash the items that touch your ears regularly. Mix earmuffs and headbands in the washing machine and always wash the mask after each use.
Your ear piercings are causing problems
If, along with the smell, you also notice pain, swelling, and oozing, and you've just had an earring, it could be an infection. Infections can arise if the piercing was not done in a sterile environment, where bacteria or other organisms have become embedded in the skin. Other skin problems associated with the piercing include irritation and allergy.
The solution is to consult your doctor or dermatologist. Treatment for an infection includes antibiotics , and the piercing may need to be removed.
How to clean behind your ears?
Make a special effort to wash this area. It's easy to assume that the lather from your shampoo will do the job, but there's a reason our mothers always reminded us to rub behind our ears.
Every day is better, because consistency is key. The same mild cleanser that you use for your face can also be used to lather in the ear area as it is strong enough to remove dead skin, dirt, sebum, wax, and bacteria.
Using overly strong scrubs is not recommended as the ears are also prone to irritation and eczema.
