• Seborrheic dermatitis in the ears may cause inflammation, dry skin, cracks in the skin, fluid oozing from the ear, and other symptoms.
• Doctors can typically diagnose seborrheic dermatitis in the ears with a physical exam and account of your symptoms.
• Seborrheic dermatitis in the ears can be treated with gentle skin care practices, over-the-counter products, and prescription medications

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic form of eczema, an inflammatory skin condition that causes itching and inflammation. Although seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the scalp, face, and chest, it can develop anywhere oil-producing glands occur on the body — including on the eyelids and in and around the ears. Although seborrheic dermatitis in the ears can be uncomfortable and, for some, embarrassing, effective over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatment options are available.

What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis in the Ears?

Seborrheic dermatitis affects approximately 12.5 million adults in the United States. It can also occur in infants, children, and teenagers. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap. In adults, you may hear people refer to the condition as dandruff, seborrhea, seborrheic eczema, or seborrheic psoriasis.

Health experts don’t yet understand what causes seborrheic dermatitis, including in the ears, but an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia may be one culprit. Also called pityrosporum, Malassezia is a harmless type of yeast that occurs naturally on the skin, but too much of it can trigger the immune system to overreact, leading to inflammation. Genetics, oil gland activity, or a weakened immune system might also lead to the development of seborrheic dermatitis.

The wide range of risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis includes:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Certain medical conditions (like an HIV infection or Parkinson’s disease)
• Seasonal weather changes
• Recovery from a stressful life event (such as the death of a loved one)
• Oily skin
• Obesity
• Excessive drinking
• Some medications

Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis in the Ears

Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms vary from person to person based on where it occurs, your age and skin type, the severity of your diagnosis, and other factors. There are some common symptoms that many people experience, however. These include:

• Dandruff or flaking skin
• Greasy skin covered with flaky scales or crust
• Itchiness
• Rash

When seborrheic dermatitis occurs in the ears, it can cause additional symptoms unique to this part of the body. It can occur inside the ear canal or on parts of the outer ear, like the earlobes.

Seborrheic dermatitis in the ears can cause symptoms such as:

• Inflammation of the ear canal
• Inflammation around the hairline behind the ear
• Fissures or cracks in the skin
• Dry or itchy skin
• Fluid oozing from the ear
• Tinnitus (ringing noise in the ear)

“My ears don’t ooze, but the flakes are just so consistent,” said one MySebDermTeam member. “I have to clean them right before putting my hair up for the gym.”

Another member shared, “I don’t have any dandruff or flaking, just furious itching.”

Experiencing one or all of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have seborrheic dermatitis in your ears. Tell your doctor about any changes to your health.

How Is Seborrheic Dermatitis in the Ears Diagnosed?

A conversation with your doctor and a physical examination are usually enough to diagnose seborrheic dermatitis. Before making a diagnosis, your health care provider will likely ask you questions to rule out other skin conditions, like psoriasis or a type of eczema called atopic dermatitis. They may also look inside your ear using a lighted instrument called an otoscope.

If there is any question about the diagnosis, your health care provider may recommend a swab test or, less often, a skin biopsy (removal of a piece of tissue). These minimally invasive procedures can help them confirm the diagnosis by sending a small sample to a lab for examination.

How Is Seborrheic Dermatitis in the Ears Treated?

There is no one-size-fits-all plan for treating seborrheic dermatitis. At-home remedies and lifestyle changes may help some people with seborrheic dermatitis in the ears, but more severe cases may require prescription medication. Talk to your health care provider before trying to treat yourself at home. For best results, enlist the help of a dermatologist.

“The ears are a tricky place to treat. Just given the number of crevices and overall surface area,” said Dr. Raj Chovatiya, assistant professor of dermatology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

For this reason, products that come in a liquid or foam, or that have a dropper, may be easier to apply in and around the ears.

Ear Safety

Seborrheic dermatitis treatments that are safe for the scalp or chest may not be safe to use inside your ears. Avoid putting anything in your ear without first asking your health care provider for guidance.

For topical treatments, the National Eczema Society recommends gently painting the cream or ointment onto the affected area with a cotton swab, like a Q-tip. Do not push the cotton portion into your ear. For questions about ear safety, talk to your doctor or make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

At-Home Remedies

Depending on what’s causing seborrheic dermatitis in your ears, you may be able to ease some of your symptoms at home. Here are some home remedies to discuss with your doctor:

• Shower in lukewarm water instead of hot water.
• Keep showers to less than 15 minutes.
• Thoroughly but gently dry your ears after swimming or bathing.
• Try dandruff shampoos and gentle cleansers.
• Wear ear plugs when washing your hair.
• Support your skin barrier with creams or moisturizers.
• Wash your clothes with mild laundry soap.
• Use hair and skin care products designed for sensitive skin.
• Apply an OTC hydrocortisone cream.
• Cover your ears with a warm cap in cold weather.

“Aveeno Eczema Therapy is helping my ears,” said one MySebDermTeam member. “It comes and goes in my ears, but it’s manageable,” said another.

Medical Emollients

Your dermatologist may recommend applying a medical emollient on or around your external ear and any other affected areas of your body. Medical emollients are lotions, ointments, creams, gels, and sprays that can safely treat seborrheic dermatitis and other skin conditions. These moisturizing products may help reduce the frequency of flare-ups, as well as smooth and protect the skin.

How and when you use a medical emollient can be just as important as which type you choose. Follow your doctor’s advice and instructions for the best results.

Topical Corticosteroids

If an OTC hydrocortisone cream doesn’t help, your dermatologist may prescribe a higher-strength topical corticosteroid. These agents are often used to treat sore areas in the ear folds and behind the ear and can reduce itching, inflammation, and discoloration. Topical corticosteroids for treating seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Hydrocortisone
• Betamethasone (Diprolene, Valisone)
• Clobetasol propionate
• Desonide (Verdeso)

Your dermatology provider may prescribe a topical steroid on its own or combine it with an antifungal.

Antifungals

For seborrheic dermatitis caused by yeast, antifungals can stop or slow the growth of the fungus while decreasing inflammation. Antifungals come in a variety of forms, including medicated shampoos, creams, and oral drugs (taken by mouth). Ketoconazole is an antifungal commonly used to treat seborrheic dermatitis, but your doctor can recommend the most effective one for you based on your diagnosis.

Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors

Topical ​​phosphodiesterase (PDE4) inhibitors are a new treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. Roflumilast (Zoryve) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating seborrheic dermatitis in December 2023. It works on the immune system to decrease levels of inflammation and help symptoms like discoloration, scaling, and itching. Since this product is a foam, it may be easier for treating seborrheic dermatitis in and around the ear, but ask your dermatologist for their recommendation.

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

Topical corticosteroids, while effective, are not ideal for long-term use because they can cause thinning of the skin, changes in skin color, excessive hair growth, and other side effects. If your doctor thinks you should take a break from steroids, they may prescribe topical calcineurin inhibitors for seborrheic dermatitis in the ears.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) have anti-inflammatory properties. They can also reduce itching and prevent flares by blocking certain chemicals in the immune system. TCIs your doctor may prescribe include pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic).

If your seborrheic dermatitis persists or becomes severe, contact your doctor. Scratching or picking at the affected area can irritate the skin further and increase the risk of infection.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 7,300 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Do you have seborrheic dermatitis in your ears? How do you treat it? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.