Did you hear? Psoriasis affects more than just your skin. It can also affect your ears!
Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by scaly patches, inflammation, itchiness, and other symptoms of the skin. With psoriasis of the ear, not only can you experience these symptoms on the skin of the outer ear, causing itching, pain, and redness, but psoriasis can also affect part of the inner ear inside the ear canal, and lead to temporary hearing loss!
Many people may not know about the connection between psoriasis and hearing loss. That's why it's important to understand the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures of psoriasis of the ears.
In this article, we'll do just that. So lend me your ears, and let's get started!
What Is Psoriasis, Exactly?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin. The immune system incorrectly targets skin cells. This causes new skin cells to grow too quickly. This causes thick, scaly patches on the skin's surface, which can be red, itchy, and painful. Although psoriasis can occur at any age, it usually appears in early adulthood.
Psoriasis can affect various body parts, including the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Facial psoriasis often appears near your eyebrows and around your eyes. It can also affect the skin between your nose and mouth. You might find it on your upper forehead and along your hairline as well. And, of course, as we will learn more about, psoriasis can affect the ears, also.
Symptoms of Ear Psoriasis:
Psoriasis in the ear may be hard to diagnose. It can look like other skin or ear problems. This is especially true if it affects the eardrum area, which is a part of the inner ear less visible than the outer ear. It is often confused with eczema, though they are not the same.
However, some symptoms can help determine if you have psoriasis around your ear. These symptoms include:
- Red, scaly patches on the skin in and around the ear canal.
- Buildup of skin that is dry, and flaky on the ear and behind the ear.
- Itching or burning sensations or lesions in the ear.
- Irritation accompanied by itch.
- Cracking or bleeding skin in the ear.
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
- Plaque buildup inside the ear canal can also be a sign of psoriasis in the ear.
- Hearing loss.
The National Psoriasis Foundation offers information on various psoriasis types. This includes forms that can impact the skin of your ears.
Causes of Psoriasis in the Ear:
The exact cause of psoriasis in the ears is unknown. Researchers believe that psoriasis is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to develop the condition. Environmental factors such as stress, infections, and certain medications can also trigger psoriasis ear.
Several genes are linked to psoriasis. This includes the HLA genes, important for the immune system. HLA genes help the immune system recognize foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. Specific HLA genes are more prevalent in people with psoriasis. These genes trigger the immune system to attack healthy skin cells, leading to psoriasis symptoms.
Other genes associated with psoriasis regulate inflammation, skin cell growth and differentiation, and skin barrier formation. Mutations in certain genes may cause the skin to produce too many cells. These excess cells pile up on the surface of the skin, creating flaky patches. If this condition, known as psoriasis, affects the ears, it can block the ear canal with skin cells. This blockage can result in temporary hearing difficulties.
Where Ear Psoriasis Can Occur
Psoriasis can affect various parts of the ear, including both the outer and inner ear. Understanding where psoriasis can manifest helps in identifying symptoms and seeking timely treatment. Here are the key areas:
1. Behind Ear Psoriasis
-
Psoriasis behind the ear often presents as scaly plaques, redness, and irritation. This is sometimes categorized as a type of scalp psoriasis due to its proximity.
-
Causes and Risk Factors:
-
Depression: Chronic stress and mental health issues can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis.
-
Obesity: Increases systemic inflammation, which can worsen autoimmune conditions like psoriasis.
-
Other Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can increase susceptibility to psoriasis.
-
Medication Adherence: Irregularly taking prescribed medications for psoriasis can lead to flare-ups.
-
-
Immune system overreaction leading to inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover.
-
Other contributing factors include:
2. Inner Ear Canal Psoriasis
-
Psoriasis in the ear canal can be particularly troublesome due to its potential to affect hearing.
-
Symptoms:
-
Scaly patches, itching, redness, and irritation similar to psoriasis in other areas.
-
Buildup of plaques within the canal can block sound waves, leading to temporary hearing difficulties.
-
Importance of Treatment:
-
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent further complications like prolonged hearing issues or infections.
By recognizing the specific areas where ear psoriasis can occur and understanding its symptoms, individuals can seek appropriate treatment and manage the condition effectively.
Prevention of Psoriasis in and around the Ear:
You can take several steps to prevent psoriasis on all body parts, including the ears. These steps include:
Avoiding triggers:
Identify and avoid triggers that can worsen or cause psoriasis flare-ups. There are several triggers to be aware of. Stress can set them off. So can smoking and drinking alcohol. Some medications might do it, too. Infections are another potential cause. If you injure your skin, that might trigger it. Harsh weather, especially when it's cold and dry, can also be a factor. And finally, allergens are common triggers for the flare-up of psoriasis on the skin.
Keeping the ear clean and dry:
Moisture can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. It is crucial to keep the ear clean and dry to prevent flare-ups.
Using gentle products:
Avoid using harsh soaps or shampoos that can irritate the skin. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free products instead. People with sensitive or dry skin need to pay extra attention. This also applies to those with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. Harsh soaps and shampoos can strip the skin of natural oils, causing irritation, itching, and redness. Fragrances can also be a common trigger for skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Look for products specifically designed for sensitive skin or those labeled as "gentle" or "mild." If you need help deciding which products to use, consult a dermatologist or a skincare professional for recommendations.
Protecting the ear:
Protect your ear from cold and wind by wearing a hat or earmuffs. Put on a hat or earmuffs to keep your ears warm and safe from the wind. Our ears can quickly become numb when the temperature drops, and cold wind can worsen the situation.
Monitoring for signs of psoriatic arthritis:
Arthritis can develop in people with skin conditions, so watching for joint pain or swelling is essential. Psoriatic arthritis is a specific type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis. The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that as many as 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
Don't Stick Anything in Your Ear Canal
Don't use cotton swabs to clean your ears. They can push the earwax deeper, causing blockages and infections. In fact, try not to stick anything into your ear.
Clean your ears gently. Use ear drops to treat wax buildup. Apply topical creams or ointments for itching. If you're having persistent problems, seek medical advice from a doctor.
Treatment of Psoriasis Ear:
There are various options available to ease symptoms of psoriasis of the ear. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your ear psoriasis symptoms. Some common treatments for psoriasis ear include:
Topical creams:
Topical creams or ointments that contain corticosteroids are a common course of treatment many take. These medications reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. You can buy them over-the-counter or with a prescription. However, you should not use topical steroids like hydrocortisone and cortisol for a long time.
However, topical steroids like hydrocortisone, cortisol, and similar medications are not suitable for long-term use due to some serious side effects. With prolonged use, severe skin damage can occur, such as skin thinning and wrinkling. Topical steroid withdrawal can also happen.
They are potentially dangerous, and topical steroids take a long time to work. It can be several days or even weeks of regular use before your ears may feel any relief.
Dermeleve®:
Instead of treating psoriasis using dangerous corticosteroids, Dermeleve® is a safe and effective alternative.
This topical cream contains natural ingredients that relieve the itchiness associated with psoriasis lesions. It also helps moisturize the skin, preventing it from becoming dry or cracked.
Try Dermeleve® today and experience the results yourself!
Ear drops:
If you have psoriasis in your ear that is painful or itchy, your doctor can give you ear drops. These drops may have corticosteroids or antibiotics in them. These drops can help to reduce swelling and irritation and can also help to prevent infection.
When you first use some ear drops, they might sting for a short time. This feeling usually stops after a few minutes. It is essential that you follow the instructions of your doctor carefully when using any ear drops.
Systemic medications:
In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications such as methotrexate or cyclosporine. These medications work by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation. They can work well but may cause side effects. You should use them only on the specific body part they're meant for. Also, your doctor needs to watch their effects closely.
Light therapy:
Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of light. This can help reduce inflammation and control symptoms. You can get controlled doses of ultraviolet light in different ways: at a doctor's office, using special equipment at home, or by being out in natural sunlight.
Be careful. Using this can cause skin burns. It can also lead to eye problems. Additionally, it may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Talk to your doctor about phototherapy if it is an option for you.
Other treatments:
Your doctor might suggest changes in your lifestyle to help with your ear psoriasis. This could include trying acupuncture or yoga. They may also teach you stress management techniques. Additionally, they could recommend other treatments that do not involve medication.These treatments can be beneficial for managing inflammation and other symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases. While these treatments may not cure the condition, they can help you gain better control over your symptoms.
Remember to take charge of your health. Work closely with your doctor. Together, find the treatments that work best for you.
Wrap Up
Psoriasis in the ear can be a challenging and uncomfortable condition to deal with. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be managed effectively. Knowing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and taking steps to prevent this condition are all essential.
Psoriasis symptoms in the ear can differ. They can be mild or severe. This depends on if the psoriasis affects sensitive parts of the ear.
These symptoms include itchiness, scaling, redness, and sometimes even pain. It is essential to seek medical advice if you experience any of these symptoms.
There are several treatment options available to manage Psoriasis in the ear, tough they also occur. These include topical treatments, oral medications, light therapy, and more. Your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment based on your specific needs.
In the meantime, use Dermeleve® for fast itch relief from your ear Psoriasis.
If you or someone you know has Psoriasis in the ear, get medical help. A correct diagnosis and treatment can control this condition. This way, one can live comfortably.
Want to learn more about this subject? Check out this video on our YouTube channel!