Why do behind ears smell

As a result, scratching and other behaviors that are damaging to the skin may develop, increasing risks of infection and bad odors such as a bad smell behind the ears. Mites normally feed on dead skin cells, especially those resulting from dandruff or eczema. Exfoliating and moisturizing the skin to prevent flaking, using a natural oil for a dry scalp and dandruff, or conditioner instead of shampoo when you wash you hair, switching to more appropriate hair and skin care products especially designed for treating dandruff or other scalp and skin issues, as well as washing regularly can help solve the problem and possibly also help with a bad odor behind the ears.

Although not as common as other causes, allergies can cause a smelly cheese odor behind the ears. Food allergies but also pollen allergies can cause itching which makes you scratch and cause small injuries to the skin where pathogenic bacteria populations may grow and infections may develop as a result.

A rash behind the ears is just as common a sign of allergies such as seasonal pollen allergies as it is of an infection or other types of adverse reactions.

Just like dust and dirt, toxins and pollution particles can accumulate on our skin, in our hair and behind the ears. Sweat causes us to scratch and create microscopic tears where bacteria and other pathogens may grow, causing an infection and a bad smell behind the ears. Getting rid of a bad smell or cheese-like odor behind the ears can be done successfully by approaching the cause, or causes, of the smell. Below is a list of some of the best remedies, tips and solutions for a bad cheese smell behind the ears you can try right now.

Shampoos with Zinc pyrithione are great for seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, fungal and bacterial infections and other scalp and skin conditions which can also extend to the ear area outer ear and behind the ears. You doctor can prescribe a cream, lotion, spray or another type of medicated preparation to apply behind the ears if you are experiencing a recurring bad smell behind the ears that does not respond well to plain washing with soap and water.

The cream may contain just an antibacterial or antibiotic agent, or an antifungal agent, or an anti-inflammatory agent. Or it can have antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents to cover all potential causes of the bad smell behind the ears, such as bacterial infection, fungal infection, autoimmune reaction etc.

I have used petroleum jelly with calendula extract and found it an excellent remedy and solution for my eczema, and it can also help with seborrheic dermatitis, itching and dry skin. The only rule is to wash behind the ears with soap and water and dry the area before applying the product. Clean piercings and earrings regularly, as often as needed, to prevent infections.

Chose silver earrings for an added antibacterial effect. Silver is less likely to cause irritation and predispose to infections than copper, nickel or other metals. Avoid cheaper jewelry metals, even though they may look good, and you just may save yourself lots of itching, scratching, inflammation and bad smells behind the ear. Antibacterial wet wipes are even better since they help reduce bacterial load for good hygiene. You can use a disinfectant such as an alcohol spray to keep the area behind the ears, piercings and earrings clean and get rid of the cheese smell.

Clean ear jewelry regularly and dry it well before putting it back. A lot of times, dust, dirt, allergens, bacteria and other elements gather in hair and can predispose to acne especially on the cheeks, jawline, around ear and cause a bad smell behind ears.

Wash pillow cases, hats and other head and hair accessories often, at least once or twice a week. Change them if you get hot and sweat on them or if somebody else has worn them. Reduce or discontinue the use of specific hair care products like hairspray or hair gel.

They increase scalp oil production and accumulate and trap dust, dirt etc. Some people get rid of the bad smell behind their ears with antiperspirant or stick deodorant. You can also dab just a tiny amount of essential oils on the skin area behind the ears after washing to reduce or combat the cheese smell.

I know it's not just me. Every single person I've talked to about this nods in solidarity, because it's just a fact of having piercings that nobody happens to talk about. So, since I'm now fearful that someone in my life will think my fingers smell like yeast, I have done the important job of investigating the cheesy-behind-the-ear situation.

And it all stems from oil and bacteria. Your ears are a nice, warm anatomical crevice for oil, bacteria, and the accumulation of dead skin cells. Hence why your mom always told you to wash behind your ears. It's more common in people who do not change their earrings much and who sweat a lot. Your earring backs are the perfect breeding ground for that cheesy smell, especially if you workout with your earrings on guilty , don't clean them on the reg also me , and use large, tight earring backs yep.

Patel, who points out that those big plastic backs are major culprits for gathering funky gunk. If the backs of your ears smell gross, but don't exactly smell like white cheddar popcorn like mine do, it's likely because of your body chemistry.

Most yeast infections respond well to over-the-counter antifungal remedies. If the infection is severe, if a person with a weak immune system develops the yeast infection, or if home remedies do not work, a doctor can prescribe a pill or cream to clear the infection. Sometimes, yeast or other fungi infect the inside of the ear, usually in the outermost part. Doctors call this otomycosis. This infection may become invasive, spreading deep into the ear or even into the bone.

Otomycosis can cause intense pain and itching in the ear. A doctor can prescribe medication to treat it. Infected injuries sometimes smell unpleasant. It is possible not to notice an injury behind the ear, such as a cut, scrape, or pimple , until it becomes infected. If the pain is minor, try cleaning the injury with soap and water and applying a triple antibiotic ointment. See a doctor if symptoms do not go away in 1—2 days. If there is a fever or intense pain, or if the injury is very flushed, seek immediate medical attention.

Preventing a bad smell behind the ear is typically as simple as keeping the area clean. Good hygiene may also help prevent infections and skin irritation. Noticing a bad smell behind the ears can be alarming. Finding the right treatment can help remove the smell as well as resolve the underlying cause. In many cases, treatment is a simple matter of taking the time to wash this often neglected area.

Even when an infection or other serious issue is the cause, a doctor can usually prescribe a quick-acting treatment. Discussing unusual smells in the body may feel uncomfortable, but people should not hesitate to seek help from a healthcare professional.

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