Patrick Oconnell
The area behind the ears is a breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which can result in an unpleasant, cheese-like odour. This is due to a combination of factors, including sweat, excess sebum, and poor hygiene. Infections such as otitis externa, sinusitis, and eczema can also cause this smell, as can earwax build-up, which can have a variety of scents. While it is easy to overlook this area during showering, paying extra attention to it can help prevent and treat the issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Excessive secretions, poor hygiene, infection, or a combination of these |
| Specific infections | Yeast, bacteria, fungi, cholesteatoma, otitis externa, sinus infections, eczema, or a previous ear infection |
| Skin conditions | Seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, skin irritation, acne, or dermatitis |
| Lifestyle factors | Smoking, wearing glasses, face masks, earmuffs, or a helmet |
| Treatment | Wash the area with warm water and soap, use antifungal treatments, or consult a doctor |
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What You'll Learn
Poor hygiene can cause a cheesy odour
Poor hygiene can be a significant factor contributing to a cheesy odour behind the ears. This is because the area behind the ears is not easily visible without a mirror, so it may be neglected during personal hygiene routines. Sweat glands are present behind the ears, and when perspiration comes into contact with bacteria and oxygen, it can result in a cheesy smell.
Additionally, substances can build up along the hairline and behind the ears, leading to unpleasant odours. This includes skin and hair care products, which can leave residues that trap sweat and odours. Long hair can also make it easier for oil and other residues to accumulate in this area. Therefore, it is important to maintain good hygiene by regularly washing the area behind the ears with warm water and soap, especially after engaging in physical activity.
Furthermore, ear piercings can be a source of infection if not properly cleaned. Bacteria can enter the wound, causing an infection that may result in a lingering bad smell. It is recommended to clean both the ears and earring posts with rubbing alcohol or a special ear-piercing solution to prevent and address this issue.
In addition to poor hygiene, yeast infections, commonly known as candidiasis, can also cause a cheesy odour. Yeast tends to grow in warm and moist environments, so individuals who sweat profusely or do not adequately clean the area behind their ears may be susceptible to these infections. Yeast infections typically cause itching and produce a beer- or bread-like smell.
To summarise, maintaining good hygiene practices, including regularly cleaning the area behind the ears and properly maintaining ear piercings, can help prevent cheesy odours caused by factors such as excessive perspiration, product buildup, and yeast infections.
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Yeast infections are a common cause
Yeast infections, also known as otomycosis, can affect the outermost part of the ear and sometimes spread deeper into the ear or even the bone. Aspergillus and Candida are the most common causes of fungal ear infections, with Aspergillus causing about 90% of cases. If you suspect a yeast infection, look out for yellow or black dots and fuzzy white patches in your ear canal, which are indicative of Aspergillus, or a thick and creamy white discharge, which suggests Candida.
Fungal ear infections are more likely to occur during warmer and more humid temperatures, such as in the summer months, and are more common in people who swim or participate in watersports. They usually do not go away without treatment, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you think you have an infection. Treatment options include over-the-counter antifungal remedies, or a doctor-prescribed pill or cream if the infection is severe or does not respond to home remedies.
In addition to yeast infections, poor hygiene, infected ear piercings, and skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and contact dermatitis can also cause an unpleasant smell behind the ears.
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Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can be a factor
The skin behind the ears can become red or darker than your usual skin tone, and it can be easily infected, especially if the skin is scratched and broken. Emotional or physical stress can increase the urge to scratch, further promoting these conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes be confused with psoriasis or may lead to painful fissures or cracks in the skin.
To treat seborrheic dermatitis, antifungal treatments are usually recommended to clear symptoms. Topical treatments, such as anti-fungal shampoos, can be used to wash the skin. Creams containing mild topical steroids, such as Daktacort cream, may be applied to help reduce inflammation. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (brand names Protopic and Elidel) are sometimes prescribed for ear eczema. These treatments should be applied using a cotton bud to gently paint the affected area, without pushing the cotton bud into the ear.
If you suspect that seborrheic dermatitis is causing the cheesy smell behind your ears, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can offer reassurance and guidance on managing the condition effectively.
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Ear piercings can trap bacteria, leading to infection and odour
Ear piercings can be a fun way to express yourself, but it's important to remember that they are essentially an open wound that can take several weeks to fully heal. During the healing process, bacteria can enter the wound and lead to infection. This can happen if you touch your piercing with dirty hands, submerge the piercing in dirty water, or if unsterile instruments were used during the piercing process.
Infected ear piercings sometimes smell bad. Pus, dead skin, and other drainage from the infection can stick to earring posts and backs, causing a lingering bad smell. In addition, if you leave an earring out before the piercing has fully healed, you may be exposing the wound to harmful bacteria, which can cause an infection.
To prevent infection, it is important to maintain good hygiene and clean your piercings regularly. This includes washing your hands before touching your piercing and cleaning the piercing itself with a saltwater rinse or sterile saline solution. It is also recommended to avoid swimming or submerging your head in water before the piercing has fully healed, as this can trap moisture and bacteria in the wound.
If you do develop an infection, it is important to treat it promptly to ensure faster healing and fewer complications. In most cases, a minor infection can be treated successfully at home with a saltwater rinse or sterile saline solution. However, if the infection does not improve with home treatment within two days, or if you develop a fever or other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
While it may be tempting to remove the jewellery when an infection occurs, it is best to leave it in. Removing the earring increases the risk of bacteria entering the site and can trap the infection inside if the hole closes.
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Hair and skin products can contribute to the smell
The skin behind the ears is often neglected during showers, as it is not easily visible. This neglect can lead to a buildup of substances, such as sweat, oils, and skin care products, which can result in an unpleasant odour.
Secondly, hair products can cause a buildup of oils and residues on the scalp and hair. This buildup can occur due to the accumulation of natural oils and sweat, and the residue from hair products themselves. Over time, this buildup can lead to an unpleasant odour, especially if it is not properly washed or exfoliated away.
Additionally, certain ingredients in hair products can irritate the scalp, leading to conditions that cause a smelly scalp. For example, shampoos containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can irritate the scalp, and coal tar, while helpful for treating dandruff, can make the scalp more prone to sunburn. This irritation can create an environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, contributing to an unpleasant smell.
Furthermore, hair products themselves can have strong fragrances that may not agree with everyone's taste. Some people may find the scent of their hair products too overpowering or unpleasant. In these cases, switching to milder or fragrance-free products may be necessary.
To determine if hair and skin products are contributing to the smell behind the ears, it is recommended to stop using each product one at a time. This way, you can identify if a specific product is causing the odour. It is also important to maintain good hygiene practices, ensuring that the area behind the ears is thoroughly cleaned, as it is a prime location for bacteria and fungi to grow due to warmth and moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
The area behind the ears is hard to see and reach, so it often gets neglected during showers. This lack of hygiene can lead to a build-up of substances, such as earwax, sebum, yeast, or bacteria, resulting in an unpleasant cheese-like odour.
Poor hygiene is a significant contributor to bad-smelling earwax. In addition, medical conditions like sinus infections, eczema, and otitis externa can cause this issue. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can also worsen the smell.
Maintaining good hygiene by regularly cleaning behind your ears with warm water and soap can help prevent the build-up of odour-causing substances. It is also recommended to wash hats, scarves, and pillowcases frequently, as these items come into contact with your ears.
Yes, certain skin conditions can contribute to the odour. For example, seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema, can cause flaky, scaly skin behind the ears, trapping sweat and odour. Yeast infections, often found in warm and moist areas, can also produce a cheese-like smell.
If home remedies, such as improving hygiene and using over-the-counter antifungal treatments, do not resolve the issue within a few days, it is recommended to consult a doctor. They can prescribe medication or suggest other treatments to address the underlying cause of the smell.
