Psoriasis In Ears
Learn about psoriasis in ears, its symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options. Get tips to manage ear psoriasis and prevent flare-ups for healthier skin.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that commonly affects both children and adults, with most cases diagnosed during early adulthood. It is an autoimmune disorder that accelerates the skin’s natural life cycle, causing dead skin cells to accumulate quickly. This leads to the formation of rough, dry, red or purple plaques or scales, which can be itchy or painful.
Symptoms often appear on the outer ear and the crease behind it, and they can also develop within the ear canal. However, the condition does not extend to deeper structures like the eardrum.
What are the symptoms of ear psoriasis?
Psoriasis affecting the ears or ear skin can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Red, dry patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales (plaques).
Itchiness, pain, or tenderness in or around the ear.
Bleeding caused by scratching the affected skin.
Scale build-up inside the ear canal, which can lead to discomfort.
Earwax blockage due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and scales.
Hearing loss as a result of scales from plaques mixing with earwax and causing partial or complete blockage of the ear canal.
Psoriasis in the ear is typically not isolated; most individuals with psoriasis in this area will have psoriatic lesions elsewhere on the body, such as: Elbows, Knees, Scalp and Back.
Factors Contributing to Ear Psoriasis
Although ear psoriasis can run in families, genetics alone do not fully explain its development. Environmental and lifestyle triggers may also play a role in causing psoriasis to appear in or around the ears. Common triggers include:
Stress: High stress levels can exacerbate or trigger psoriasis symptoms.
Skin injuries: A cut, severe sunburn, or other trauma to the skin (known as the Koebner phenomenon) can lead to the development of psoriasis.
Infections: Certain infections, such as strep throat, may trigger a flare-up.
Smoking: Tobacco use is associated with increased psoriasis severity.
Alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking can worsen psoriasis or trigger outbreaks.
Vitamin D deficiency: Low levels of vitamin D may contribute to the development or worsening of psoriasis.
Medications: Some drugs can act as triggers, including:
Beta-blockers (used for high blood pressure)
Antimalarial drugs
Lithium (used for bipolar disorder)
Common Types of Ear Psoriasis
1. Plaque Psoriasis
This is the most common type of psoriasis and is triggered by an overactive immune response to a perceived invader or foreign substance.
Dead skin cells accumulate in or around the ears, forming red or purple plaques covered with silvery-white scales.
2. Inverse Psoriasis
This type occurs in skin folds, including the folds of the ear.
Plaques are typically smooth, shiny, and may appear red or purple, often aggravated by moisture and friction.
3. Sebopsoriasis
A combination of seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
This type presents as greasy, yellowish plaques that are thicker than those seen in other types of psoriasis.
It commonly appears behind the ears and may spread to the scalp and face.
How Psoriasis in the Ears gets diagnosed?
Diagnosis of ear psoriasis is typically conducted by a healthcare provider or dermatologist. The diagnostic process includes the following steps:
1. Medical History Review
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and any family history of psoriasis, as the condition can be hereditary.
They may also inquire about potential triggers, such as stress, recent infections, or medications.
2. Physical Examination
A detailed examination of the skin in and around your ears is performed to identify typical signs of psoriasis, such as red or purple plaques, scaling, or build up.
The provider may also check other common psoriasis sites, such as the scalp, elbows, or knees, for additional signs of the condition.
3. Differential Diagnosis
Because ear psoriasis symptoms can resemble other skin conditions, such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or fungal infections, your provider may perform additional tests to rule out these possibilities.
4. Skin Biopsy (if necessary)
A small sample of affected skin may be taken for laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis of psoriasis.
If psoriasis in the ears impacts your hearing, a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may be necessary. The ENT specialist can assess and address complications such as ear canal blockage or hearing loss caused by the condition.
Treatment for Psoriasis in the Ears
While there is no cure for psoriasis, it can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment. Since the skin of the ears is thin and delicate, extra care is required when treating psoriasis in this area. The primary goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent scale build-up in the ear canal, which could lead to hearing loss.
1. Topical Treatments
Creams and Ointments:
Nonsteroidal medications like calcipotriol or betamethasone/calcipotriene combination are often used for mild cases.
These treatments help slow skin cell growth, flatten plaques, and reduce inflammation.
Steroids are included to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-itch benefits.
2. Phototherapy
Also called as Light Therapy:
Controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can be used to treat some types of psoriasis.
This therapy reduces inflammation and slows excessive skin cell production.
3. Systemic Medications
For moderate-to-severe cases, oral or injectable medications may be required to manage immune system activity and reduce flares. These include:
Disease-Modifying Drugs:
Methotrexate: it suppresses the immune response and reduces inflammation.
Acitretin: An oral retinoid that helps slow skin cell growth.
Biologics:
Injectable drugs like Humira (adalimumab), Enbrel (etanercept), Taltz (ixekizumab), Cosentyx (secukinumab), and Stelara (ustekinumab) target specific immune system pathways.
Consult Top Dermatologists For Psoriasis Treatments
How to Prevent Psoriasis in the Ears
While psoriasis cannot be fully prevented, certain steps can help minimise the risk of flare-ups in the ears and manage symptoms effectively.
1. Stick to Your Treatment Plan
Follow the treatment regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider. Regular use of medications and topical treatments can help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
2. Maintain Proper Ear Hygiene
Avoid Cotton Swabs: Using cotton swabs can push dead skin and earwax deeper into the ear canal, potentially worsening symptoms or causing blockages.
Wash Gently: Clean the outer skin of your ears daily with a mild, non-irritating cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Moisturise: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to the outside of your ears to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid placing moisturisers or soaps inside your ear canal.
3. Identify and Avoid Triggers
Pay attention to factors that seem to worsen your symptoms, such as:
Stress
Sun exposure
Cold or dry weather
Certain foods or alcohol
Once triggers are identified, take measures to avoid or minimise exposure to them.
4. Protect Your Skin
Avoid Injuries: Prevent cuts, scratches, or other injuries to the skin near your ears, as these can trigger psoriasis flares (Koebner phenomenon).
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen on exposed areas of skin but ensure it is appropriate for sensitive areas like the ears.
5. Manage Stress
Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flares. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.
6. Stay Hydrated and Healthy
Keep your skin hydrated and support overall health by drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients.
By maintaining good hygiene, avoiding triggers, and adhering to treatment, you can reduce the frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups in the ears and elsewhere on your body.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a chronic and often painful skin condition that can flare up in and around the ears, sometimes leading to complications such as temporary or permanent hearing loss. While there is no cure, effective management through medications and lifestyle adjustments allows individuals with psoriasis to lead fulfilling lives. By proactively managing the condition, monitoring for complications, and maintaining communication with healthcare providers, individuals can minimise the impact of psoriasis on their ears and overall quality of life.
Consult Top Dermatologists For Psoriasis Treatments
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(275+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Priyankar Misra
Dermatologist
10 Years • MBBS,MD(D V & L)
Kolkata
Tridermis Skin and hair clinic, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Madhab Datta
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (DVL)
Kolkata
Dr. Madhab Datta's Clinic, Kolkata
