Many are faced with such a problem as a crust in the ear. It indicates that there are certain disorders in the body. Such symptoms should not be ignored, since it is he althy skin that indicates the absence of pathology.
It is very important to determine the cause of the crust in the ear, as well as how to properly treat it in order to prevent more serious problems.
Feature of violation
Crusts in the ears of a person can appear for a variety of reasons, ranging from microtrauma to dangerous inflammatory processes. Often they appear in infectious diseases, psoriasis, dermatitis, and many other problems.
In addition to diseases, mechanical damage can provoke such a violation. These include microtrauma that can occur with improper hygiene, as well as more serious injuries resulting from direct or indirect impact on the ears.
In any case, damage to the skin is observed, as a result of which the blood plasma seeps through the cells, dries up, and formscrusts. Their peculiarity largely depends on the ongoing pathology. It is very important to determine in a timely manner why crusts form in the ear, and also to try to cope with the existing problem as quickly as possible.
Main species
The crust in the ear may vary depending on the type of pathogen and localization. It can be provoked by diseases such as:
- ear candidiasis;
- maringitis;
- psoriasis;
- seborrheic dermatitis;
- neurodermatitis;
- eczema.
Ear candidiasis occurs due to yeast infection. As a result of this, not only crusts appear in the ear canal, but also a characteristic smell. A similar lesion is localized on the middle and outer ear, as well as behind the auricle.
Maringitis or eardrum infection is a fungal process that can occur with mechanical damage.
If crusts appear in the ears (photo below), then this may be due to many skin diseases, each of which requires a special treatment method. One such disease is psoriasis. It is characterized by damage to the surface of the skin. Red nodules are formed on it, which are covered with white scales. Initially, the nodules are small, and then become large, forming plaques.
Neurodermatitis is a skin disease that is manifested by a rash and severe itching. Redness appears on the affected area and peeling begins. In the advanced stage, the skin darkens, it formsbubbles, after which a dried crust remains.
Causes of occurrence
There are many reasons why a crust may appear inside the ear. These should include such as:
- diabetes;
- fungus;
- staph;
- poor hygiene;
- allergy;
- excessive accumulation of sulfur;
- mechanical damage;
- hereditary factor.
Fungal infection is characterized by itching, discharge from the ear canal. With staphylococcus, not only does a crust form in the ear, but a boil also forms or the patient suffers from otitis media. There is also purulent discharge from the ear canal. Excessive cleanliness or poor hygiene can cause peeling of the ears due to the use of cotton swabs. In this case, painful crusts may form in the ear canal. Such a violation may be complicated by infectious eczema.
May also have dandruff in the ears. This disease manifests itself in the form of dry peeling of the skin, the formation of whitish scales, which are very difficult to separate from the epidermis. Sometimes it manifests itself in the form of yellow crusts on the ears of an untidy appearance. The disease provokes a very strong itch.
Scaling can occur on the auricle, inside the ear canal, and also on the head behind the ear. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause burns. This can provoke the formation of crusts in the ear and peeling. Also, such a violation can cause exposure to chemicals on the skin.
Oftenpeeling is associated with malnutrition, stress, infection of the ear canal with infections. When a white crust appears in the ears, a doctor's consultation and complex treatment are required.
Main symptoms
Yellow and white crusts in the ears are not considered a disease, but only signal an existing pathology. To accurately diagnose, you need to conduct a thorough examination and determine what other symptoms of the disorder are. The most common signs that are observed in the presence of a crust in the ears are considered to be:
- severe itching - with fungal infections;
- redness - always present in the presence of a crust;
- discharge from the ear is typical for otitis media, eczema, prickly heat;
- pain - accompanies the course of the inflammatory process;
- fever - occurs with purulent otitis media.
Symptomatology largely depends on the characteristics of the pathology and the severity of its course. Almost all otitis media are accompanied by headache and soreness inside the ear, fever. Fungal infections are characterized by the presence of itching, which is constantly present. All attempts to scratch inside the ear lead to microtrauma and exacerbation of the course of the pathological process, which is also expressed in the formation of crusts.
Dermatitis and eczema have the ability to affect large areas. Therefore, not only the ear canal, but the entire auricle becomes a zone of crusting and peeling.
When otitis occurs, provoking the formation of a crust in the earsa person may experience symptoms such as:
- persistent or intermittent itching in the ear;
- headache;
- sulfur plug formation;
- irritation or sensitization of the auricle.
In addition, there may be hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ears. This symptom is especially pronounced in mycotic otitis media. If the disease is localized in the outer ear, then plugs and crusts form in it, and liquid discharge also appears. There may be itching behind the ear.
Diagnostics
Before treatment, it is important to determine exactly why crusts form in the ears, and for this you need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. Diagnostic methods largely depend on the symptoms present, as well as the severity of the pathological process.
First of all, the doctor conducts a visual examination of the auricle and ear canal, on the basis of which he makes a preliminary conclusion. If the doctor can immediately make a diagnosis, then an additional examination is not required. Seborrhea, eczema, dermatitis should be attributed to quickly diagnosed diseases. Basically, during their course, dry crusts form in the ears, the photos of which accurately show the peculiarity of the course of the pathology.
In all other cases, especially if you suspect otitis media or a fungus, you need to conduct a series of laboratory and instrumental studies to make an accurate diagnosis. To determine the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, a urine test is prescribed andblood. To determine the nature of the origin and composition of the crusts, a scraping is performed. Bacterial culture helps to determine the nature of the bacteria. In the presence of inflammation of the inner ear, an x-ray is prescribed. If a malignant tumor is suspected, a CT scan is required.
Features of treatment
If a crust forms in the ear, then this may be due to a general violation of the state of the body. Therefore, an integrated approach to the treatment of the disease is required. The usual rules of a he althy lifestyle will help to cope with any disease much faster. A good night's sleep and rest, daily walks in the fresh air, moderate physical activity are recommended.
It is recommended to include whole grain cereals, fruits and vegetables in the habitual diet. It is important to consume enough clean water. It is important to provide the body with the required vitamins and minerals by taking special multivitamin complexes.
It is recommended to avoid stressful situations. If this is very difficult to do, then you need to use sedatives. You need to drink them in courses according to the instructions. Every day, 3-5 times a day, you need to wipe the ears with a cotton swab dipped in an oil solution.
Medications
If there are crusts in the ears, how to treat them depends largely on the provoking factor. Therapy of otitis should begin with the elimination of the infection. To do this, rinse the auricles with a solution of glycerin. You also need to stop taking antibacterial and hormonal agents. It will helpincrease the susceptibility of the pathogen to drugs, accelerate the antifungal effect. The composition of drug therapy includes the use of ointments, instillation of solutions.
Doctors prescribe antifungal ear drops, compresses, lotions and washes. They are used when it is necessary to eliminate pain, inflammation and destroy pathogenic microflora. For this, Cefazolin, Candibiotic, Clotrimazole are prescribed.
Duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. Drops can only be used if the inside of the ear is not damaged. Otherwise, you need to use lotions.
A painful type of fungus is ear candidiasis, the symptoms of which require solutions with the appropriate composition. The fungus can be eliminated with the help of such means as Econazole, Fluconazole, Natamycin. They can be given as ointments and solutions, as directed by a doctor.
If you follow all the doctor's recommendations, candidiasis can be completely eliminated, but only if it occurs at an early stage. For an advanced form of infection, systematic treatment with medications in tablet form will be required.
If the fungus is localized outside the ear, then external antifungal drugs are used. These include such as Exoderil, Lamisil, Nitrofungin, Clotrimazole. If the fungus is in the ears, then the ointment is applied after their preliminary cleaning.
Folk remedies
When dry crusts form in the ears, only a doctor can determine how to treat. Enhancethe action of medications can folk remedies. They help to relieve pain and itching. Folk methods involve the use of therapeutic baths, decoctions and tinctures.
Against the fungus, you can instill a solution of vinegar into your ear. Mix 1:1 table vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Bury daily in the ear 3 drops of the finished product. The course of treatment is 10 days. This remedy is contraindicated if the fungus is combined with an ear injury.
From garlic you can prepare a healing ointment. This remedy is used if the fungus is accompanied by a bacterial infection of the ear. It has strong antiseptic properties. Take 3 medium-sized cloves of garlic, grind to a pulp, add 3 drops of olive oil and mix thoroughly. Apply the finished product to a cotton swab, insert into the ear and hold for 30 minutes. After the procedure, clean the ear canal.
Geranium ointment has a good result. Initially, prepare a decoction, select inflorescences, add 3 drops of onion juice and 5 drops of tea tree oil. Apply as a compress. Aloe ointment is prepared in the same way. Both of these agents have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Corps in baby's ear
A small amount of secretion is produced daily in the child's ear canal. An excess of sulfur must be removed. Many parents are interested in how to properly care for their child's ears in order to avoid various problems and crusting.
There are many different symptoms that indicatethe course of diseases of the baby's ears, namely: pain, unpleasant odor, peeling or redness of the skin. It is important to clean not only the ear, but also behind the ears, as the accumulation of dirt can lead to the development of many problems.
If yellow crusts have formed, then this may be a sign of a disease such as scrofula. It refers to one of the manifestations of dermatitis. Among the main symptoms, it is necessary to highlight the appearance of yellow crusts, peeling of the ears and itching. Under the crusts, the skin is smooth and moist. After a while, the rash may spread to the head and body. In addition, yellower crusts may appear for reasons such as:
- poor hygiene;
- allergy;
- staph infection.
It is very important to take your child to a dermatologist or allergist right away, who will prescribe the right treatment.
Crusts in the ears can form due to otitis externa. This is a common disease in which an infection enters the external auditory canal. In this case, the ear swells, turns red, and translucent discharge appears. Over time, a crust forms on the surface. If the disease is mild, then the treatment is carried out with the help of drops, lotions, ointments.
Prophylaxis
Since the formation of crusts in the ear is just a symptom, all preventive measures should be aimed at preventing the development of possible diseases. That is why prevention means:
- timely appeal to the doctor forhelp;
- immunity boost;
- proper nutrition;
- exclusion of stress;
- prevent hypothermia;
- proper ear hygiene;
- general hygiene.
Most people do not pay attention to the formation of crusts, believing that they do not carry anything serious. However, this is wrong, as they signal the onset of the disease. At the first sign, you should immediately consult a doctor.
