Frederic Melton
Many people experience a build-up of ear cheese on their earrings, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria. This can result in a foul odour that may be embarrassing for some. However, it is a common issue that can be easily addressed through proper earring and ear hygiene. By understanding the causes and following some simple cleaning and maintenance tips, you can effectively prevent your earrings from smelling like cheese and maintain good ear health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of Smell | Build-up of skin secreted oil (sebum) and dead cells, creating a breeding ground for bacteria |
| Prevention | Clean earrings and ear holes regularly with antibacterial soap or cleanser, especially after showering |
| Prevention | Avoid earrings with tight and large backs, plastic backs, or plated metal that can chip |
| Prevention | Choose earrings made for sensitive ears, e.g. surgical-grade stainless steel, pure sterling silver, platinum, or 18-24 karat gold |
| Prevention | Rest earlobes by removing earrings occasionally and cleaning them separately |
| Prevention | Avoid touching and rubbing gauges to reduce bacteria and dirt introduction |
| Prevention | Moisturize the area after washing to prevent dryness and promote healing |
| Prevention | Avoid products that trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria |
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What You'll Learn
Clean earrings regularly
Regular cleaning of your earrings is essential to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils that can lead to the dreaded "ear cheese" odour. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your earrings are clean and odour-free:
Firstly, establish a routine of regularly cleaning your earrings. Ideally, clean them every time you shower, as this is when you naturally wash away the oils and dead skin cells that can contribute to the unpleasant smell. If you can't clean them that frequently, aim for at least once a week, as recommended by dermatologists.
When it's time to clean your earrings, start by removing them and setting them aside. Then, thoroughly clean your earlobes, earring holes, and the backs of your ears with warm water and a mild soap or cleanser. Avoid using harsh chemicals, opting instead for gentle, antibacterial soap or a moisturising cleanser like an oil-based facial cleanser. This will help remove any built-up residue and kill any bacteria.
Next, turn your attention to the earrings themselves. Clean them separately, paying special attention to the crevices and backs of the earrings, as these areas can accumulate sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells, making them prime breeding grounds for bacteria. Use antibacterial soap or cleanser on your earrings to ensure any remaining bacteria are eliminated. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue, and dry them completely before putting them back in your ears.
Additionally, consider giving your earlobes a break from wearing earrings from time to time. This will allow the skin to breathe and reduce the build-up of oils and dead skin cells. When you do wear earrings, try to avoid wearing them while showering, as the backs of the earrings can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
By following these steps and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you can effectively prevent the build-up of "ear cheese" and enjoy odour-free earrings.
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Avoid earrings with large backs
Earring holes can emit a foul odour due to the accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria. This combination forms a sticky greenish-brown paste known as "ear cheese". While it is a common issue, it can be quite an embarrassing problem to deal with.
To prevent this, it is important to clean your earrings and ear holes regularly. However, when it comes to the type of earrings you wear, it is best to avoid earrings with large backs. According to Dr. Patel, earrings with tight and large earring backs tend to accumulate more sweat and sebum. They also make it harder to clean the area when you shower. Earrings with large plastic backs are another common culprit for trapping odours.
Jewellery made with plated metal should also be avoided as it can chip or lift, allowing bacteria to grow underneath and cause a cheesy odour. Instead, opt for earrings made from surgical-grade stainless steel, pure sterling silver, platinum, or 18- to 24-karat yellow gold, especially if you have sensitive ears.
In addition to choosing the right type of earrings, it is important to practice proper ear hygiene. This includes regularly cleaning your earrings and ear holes with antibacterial soap or cleanser to prevent bacterial buildup. It is also recommended to clean your earrings at least once a week, or every time you clean your ears, to keep them fresh and odour-free.
By following these tips and choosing the right type of earrings, you can help reduce the risk of smelly ear holes and keep your ears healthy and happy.
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Avoid earrings made of plated metal
Earrings are prone to smelling like cheese due to a combination of sebum, dead skin cells, sweat, hair and skin products, and bacteria. This occurs especially when earrings are not cleaned regularly, and the area around the piercing has not been properly maintained. The smell is more common with piercings that are new, as the area reacts to the wound by boosting the skin cell reproduction rate, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Older piercings can also smell if the earrings are kept in for too long, allowing for the continued buildup of dead skin cells and other ingredients of "ear cheese".
To prevent your earrings from smelling like cheese, it is important to clean them regularly and promote good healing, especially for new piercings. However, it is important to note that even with proper care, earrings may still occasionally emit a funky cheese smell due to the natural bodily processes occurring in and around your piercings.
The type of material used for your earrings also plays a significant role in preventing and reducing the cheese-like smell. Avoid earrings made of plated metal, as the plating can wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath, which may not be suitable for your skin. The base metal may react with your skin, leading to irritation and a potential increase in the production of sebum and dead skin cells, providing more food for bacteria to feast on and multiply.
Instead, opt for earrings made of implant-grade titanium or 14k gold. These materials are less likely to react with your skin and are generally considered safe for most people. Additionally, look for earrings that are marked as "hypoallergenic," as these are designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and may be less likely to contribute to the cheese-like smell.
By choosing the right materials for your earrings and maintaining proper hygiene and care, you can help reduce the occurrence of the dreaded cheese smell and keep your piercings healthy and happy.
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Avoid wearing earrings in the shower
Earrings can emit a foul odour due to various factors, including sebum accumulation, dead skin cells, sweat, bacteria, and skin and hair products. This combination of substances creates a light, sticky, greenish-brown paste known as "ear cheese". While ear cheese is usually nothing to worry about, it can be unsanitary and lead to infection if not addressed.
One way to prevent ear cheese from forming is to avoid wearing earrings in the shower. When we shower, our earrings' backs cover the area of skin, creating an ideal environment for dead cells, oils, and bacteria to mix and breed, resulting in the characteristic cheesy smell. By simply removing your earrings before showering, you disrupt this process and reduce the likelihood of ear cheese buildup.
It is important to note that this issue is not limited to those with new piercings. While fresh piercings can be more susceptible due to the body's natural immune response, older piercings can also develop ear cheese if earrings are worn for extended periods without proper cleaning and ventilation. Therefore, it is recommended to give your earlobes a break from wearing earrings periodically and to clean them regularly to prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells and bacteria.
Additionally, be mindful of the type of jewellery you wear. Materials like wood or poorly sterilized jewellery can attract bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Opt for earrings made from metals like gold or silver, as these are less likely to cause severe allergic reactions and can help reduce the occurrence of ear cheese.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively reduce the chances of your earrings smelling like cheese and maintain proper ear hygiene. Remember, proper care and ventilation are key to preventing ear cheese buildup and ensuring your ears stay clean and healthy.
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Use antibacterial soap
Earring holes can emit a foul odour due to the accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria. This combination forms a greenish-brown paste, known as "ear cheese", which can cause earrings to smell like cheese. To prevent this, it is important to clean your earrings and ear holes regularly.
Using antibacterial soap is an effective way to keep your earrings from smelling like cheese. Antibacterial soap will help kill any bacteria that may be present on the surface of your earrings and in your ear holes, which could cause a bad odour if left unchecked. It is important to choose a gentle antibacterial soap, as harsh chemicals are not recommended for use around the ears.
When cleaning your earrings with antibacterial soap, it is important to follow the correct steps to ensure that your earrings and ears are thoroughly cleaned. First, remove your earrings and set them aside. Then, clean your ears and ear holes with a warm washcloth and antibacterial soap. Be sure to wash behind your ears and dry them thoroughly.
Next, create a mild solution of antibacterial soap and water, and use this to clean your earrings. Soak your earrings in the solution for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth or brush to gently scrub away any dirt or residue. Rinse your earrings thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue, and dry them with a soft cloth.
Finally, you can apply a thin layer of antibacterial soap to your earrings as a preventative measure. This will create a barrier against bacteria and help to keep your earrings smelling fresh.
By following these steps and using antibacterial soap, you can effectively prevent your earrings from smelling like cheese. Regular cleaning and hygiene are key to maintaining healthy and odour-free ears and earrings.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell is caused by a build-up of sebum (oil secreted from the skin), dead skin cells, sweat, skin/hair products, and bacteria.
Dr. Patel recommends cleaning your earrings every time you clean your ears. Dr. Yadav and Dr. Shearling suggest that cleaning them at least once a week is enough to keep the smell at bay.
You can use soap and water, or antibacterial soap or cleanser to kill any bacteria. When cleaning your earring backs, you can use isopropyl alcohol, or an antibacterial hand soap for delicate jewelry.
Earrings with tight and larger earring backs accumulate more sweat and sebum and are more difficult to clean. Earrings with large plastic backs are also a common culprit. Jewelry made with plated metal can chip or lift, allowing bacteria to grow underneath.
You should also clean your ears and earring holes regularly. You can use a warm washcloth and mild soap, or a moisturizing cleanser like an oil cleanser.
