Patrick Oconnell
A cheesy smell behind the ears is often caused by poor hygiene, with many people neglecting to wash this area. This can lead to a build-up of dirt, dead skin cells, dust, bacteria, sweat, and other residues, resulting in an unpleasant odour. To get rid of the smell, simply wash the area with warm water and mild soap, then dry thoroughly. Ensure regular hygiene by keeping the area clean and dry. If the smell persists, it may be a sign of an infection or another medical condition, in which case you should consult a doctor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Excessive secretions, poor hygiene, infection, or a combination of these factors |
| Treatment | Wash the area with warm water and mild soap, then dry thoroughly |
| Additional Steps | - Apply diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil with a cotton ball to fight odor-causing bacteria |
- Use antiperspirant or stick deodorant after washing the area
- Use essential oils like tea tree oil, grapefruit seed oil, or peppermint oil to mask the smell | | Prevention | - Maintain good hygiene, especially after exercising or being outdoors in hot weather
- Avoid using hair and skin products close to the ears
- Clean earrings and piercings regularly with disinfectant |
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What You'll Learn
Wash the area with soap and water
Washing the area behind your ears with soap and water is a simple yet effective way to get rid of the cheese smell. The area behind the ears is often neglected during shower time, as it is hard to see without a mirror. However, it is important to scrub this area with soap and water daily to prevent the accumulation of dirt, dead skin cells, dust, bacteria, sweat, and other residues that can cause an unpleasant odour.
You can use a damp cloth or fragrance-free wipe to clean the area after exercising or spending time in the heat. If you don't have access to soap and water, you can also use antibacterial wet wipes or fragrance-free wipes to maintain hygiene.
It is recommended to use mild soap and warm water to wash the area. After washing, dry the area thoroughly. You can also apply diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil with a cotton ball to fight odour-causing bacteria.
If you have piercings, it is important to regularly clean your earrings and piercings to prevent infections. You can use a disinfectant, such as rubbing alcohol or an ear-piercing solution, to keep the area clean.
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Use diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil
A cheesy smell behind the ears can be caused by a variety of factors, including excessive earwax, ear infections, and skin conditions. To get rid of the smell, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause.
Diluted apple cider vinegar can be used to combat the cheese smell behind your ears. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help fight odour-causing bacteria in the area. To use this method, start by washing the area behind your ears with warm water and mild soap. Dry the area thoroughly, as bacteria thrive in moist environments. Then, apply diluted apple cider vinegar to a cotton ball and gently dab it behind your ears. Ensure that you do not get any vinegar inside your ear canal.
Alternatively, tea tree oil is another natural remedy that can be used to address the cheese smell. Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help eliminate odour-causing bacteria and fungi. To use tea tree oil, follow the same steps as for apple cider vinegar. Wash the area behind your ears with mild soap and water, and then dry it thoroughly. Dilute the tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, and apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball.
It is important to note that while these remedies can help combat the cheese smell, they may not address the underlying cause. If the smell is due to an infection or skin condition, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist for appropriate treatment. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regularly washing behind your ears and keeping the area dry, can help prevent the occurrence of the cheese smell.
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Avoid skin and hair products that may contribute to the smell
The area behind your ears can easily trap sweat, oils, and residue from hair and skin care products. This can lead to product buildup, clogged pores, and an unpleasant odour.
To prevent this, it is important to minimise the use of hair and skin products close to the ears. If you use multiple products, stop using them one at a time to identify the source of the issue. This way, you can avoid all products that may be contributing to the smell.
If you have long hair, consider keeping it pulled back from your ears or cutting it. This will reduce the amount of oil and residue that accumulates behind your ears. Additionally, be sure to wash any hats, scarves, pillowcases, and other items that come into contact with your ears regularly.
Some hair and skin products may also react with your skin, causing an odd smell. Shampoos containing zinc pyrithione can help reduce eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and infections that may be contributing to the odour. If you have dry skin, applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the affected area may provide relief.
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Consult a doctor about potential infections
In most cases, a cheesy smell behind the ears is a result of poor hygiene. The area behind the ears is often neglected during showering, allowing dirt and sweat to accumulate and cause an odour. However, if the smell is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate an infection or an underlying medical condition that requires medical attention.
Consult a doctor if you suspect an infection or an underlying medical condition. Infections in the ear region can be serious, and it is always best to seek medical advice. A doctor can examine the area, determine the cause, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Signs that you may have an infection include pain, itchiness, swelling, fever, or discharge. These symptoms could indicate an injury, yeast infection, dermatitis, or an infected piercing. If you have recently had a piercing and are experiencing pain, swelling, and discharge, it is important to see a doctor, as these could be signs of an infection.
Additionally, if you suspect that the smell is related to a previously treated ear infection or excess earwax, consult a doctor or pharmacist about using ear drops. They can advise on the proper use of ear drops and recommend suitable over-the-counter options.
It is important to note that a bad smell, even without any other symptoms, can sometimes be a warning sign of an infection. If you are concerned about any unusual odours, do not hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional. They can help identify the underlying cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
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Use antiperspirant or stick deodorant
If you are experiencing a cheese-like smell behind your ears, it is most likely due to excessive secretions, poor hygiene, or an infection. Sweat glands are found all over the body, including behind the ears, and they secrete perspiration that can begin to smell when it comes into contact with bacteria and oxygen.
To get rid of the cheese smell, it is recommended to wash behind the ears with soap and water first, dry the area, and then apply antiperspirant or stick deodorant. Antiperspirants work by blocking your pores to prevent sweating, which can help reduce the production of oil and acne. However, it is important to note that using antiperspirants on your face long-term can be damaging to your skin. As such, it is recommended to only use antiperspirants in the affected area when necessary and to opt for dry antiperspirants instead of sticks.
Additionally, you can also apply a tiny amount of essential oils to the skin behind your ears after washing to reduce or mask the cheese smell. Essential oils may also help soothe and heal the skin. Some options include tea tree oil, grapefruit seed oil, and peppermint oil, but it is important to watch out for allergic reactions and skin irritation.
If the cheese smell is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, itchiness, or discharge, it may indicate an infection or medical condition, and it is recommended to consult a doctor for further advice and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
The area behind the ears is often neglected during showers, so a quick scrub with soap and water can take care of the issue. Make sure to dry the area afterward.
If the smell persists, it may be caused by an infection or skin condition. Consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Yes, you can try using diluted essential oils, such as tea tree oil, peppermint oil, or grapefruit seed oil, to combat the smell and soothe your skin. You can also use ear drops if you suspect an ear infection.
Yes, hair and skin products can sometimes contribute to the smell. Stop using each product one at a time to identify the culprit. It is also important to avoid using products that clog pores in the area.
To prevent the cheese smell from returning, maintain good hygiene by regularly washing behind your ears, especially after exercising or being in hot weather. Keep the area dry and avoid using products that may trap sweat and odors, such as oily or pore-clogging products.
