Randy Chandler
Earring backs and posts can accumulate ear cheese, a combination of dead skin cells, sweat, bacteria, and sebum, resulting in a funky odour reminiscent of cheese. While it may not always smell like cheese, people with new piercings may find that their ears are the perfect breeding ground for ear cheese since the area is reacting to the fresh wound by boosting the skin cell reproduction rate. Additionally, certain types of earrings, such as those with tight and larger earring backs, are more likely to develop a smell as they accumulate more sweat and sebum and are harder to clean.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for the cheesy smell | Accumulation of exposed air, dead skin cells, bacteria, sweat, and sebum |
| People prone to it | People who don't change their earrings often, have oily skin, or sweat a lot |
| Types of earrings prone to smell | Earrings with tight and larger earring backs, earrings with large plastic backs |
| Types of earrings less prone to smell | Earrings made from surgical-grade stainless steel, pure sterling silver, platinum, or 18- to 24-karat yellow gold |
| Prevention | Clean earrings daily or at least once a week, remove earrings before exercising, clean ears before putting earrings back in |
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Sweat and sebum build-up
The conditions that promote sweat and sebum build-up include wearing earrings with tight and large backs, living or working in hot and humid environments, and having oily skin. These factors create an ideal environment for bacterial growth, leading to the distinctive cheese-like smell.
Individuals with oily skin tend to have higher sebum production, which can contribute to the issue. Sebum production is influenced by factors such as age-related hormone fluctuations, certain medications, and lifestyle choices. For example, females tend to produce more sebum in the week before their menstrual period due to higher progesterone levels. Additionally, testosterone plays a significant role in regulating sebaceous gland activity, with production peaking shortly after birth and during puberty.
To mitigate sweat and sebum build-up, it is recommended to change earrings regularly, at least once a week, and to clean them frequently. Proper hygiene practices, such as cleaning the piercing two to three times daily with a sterile saline solution, can help prevent the accumulation of sweat, sebum, and bacteria, reducing the chances of a foul earring smell.
While the cheesy odour is usually not a cause for concern, it is important to pay attention to any additional skin problems near the piercing holes. Inflammation or signs of infection may indicate the need for further examination by a dermatologist.
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Dead skin cells
The human body is in a constant state of renewal, with new cells forming and old cells dying off. This process occurs in the ear lobe, just as it does in other parts of the body. Dead skin cells, which are primarily composed of the protein keratin, can accumulate in and around earrings. These cells, when shed, become food for a particular type of bacteria, called Propionibacterium acnes, which naturally reside on our skin. This bacteria breaks down the keratin in a process that releases volatile sulfur compounds, including hydrogen sulfide, which has a distinctive odor often likened to rotten eggs or, in this case, Parmesan cheese.
The presence of these bacteria is normal and usually does not cause any issues. However, in the confined space around an earring, they can become trapped and proliferate, leading to a buildup of these odorous compounds. Over time, the oils and dead skin cells accumulate, providing a rich source of food for the bacteria, resulting in an even stronger and more noticeable smell. While this may be an unwelcome surprise for earring wearers, it is typically harmless and not a cause for concern.
The human body sheds an enormous quantity of skin cells on a daily basis, with estimates ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 cells per hour for each square inch of skin. This means that, on average, a person sheds their entire outer layer of skin cells, known as the stratum corneum, about once every month. While most of these dead cells are inconspicuously shed and removed through normal activities like bathing and changing clothes, some can become trapped in the small crevices around earrings, providing an ample food source for the bacteria to produce the distinctive cheese-like odor.
Good hygiene practices can help mitigate the buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria. Regular cleaning of both the earrings and the earlobes is essential. When inserting or removing earrings, wash your hands first to avoid transferring bacteria. Additionally, ensure your earrings are made from suitable materials, as certain metals can react with skin oils and perspiration, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Choosing earrings made from surgical steel, gold, or titanium can reduce the likelihood of this reaction. Finally, allow your earlobes to "breathe" by occasionally removing your earrings and giving the piercing site some air and time to regenerate.
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Piercing aftercare
A cheesy odour emanating from earrings could indicate inflammation, according to dermatologist Dr. Amy Huang. This is caused by an accumulation of oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and sweat. To prevent this, it is important to diligently care for your piercings, especially during the healing process.
After getting a piercing, it is important to take proper care of it to ensure optimal healing. Here are some aftercare tips to consider:
- Keep your hands clean: Before touching or cleaning your piercing, always wash your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring germs.
- Cleanse regularly: Use a sterile saline solution to clean your piercing two to three times a day. You can spray the solution directly onto the piercing or use a clean, non-woven gauze saturated with the solution. Make sure to clean both the front and back of the piercing.
- Avoid harsh products: Do not use antibacterial soap, as it may over-dry and irritate your piercing. If you do use soap, choose a gentle, fragrance-free, and dye-free option, and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Avoid additives like moisturisers and antibacterials, as well as products like contact lens saline, nasal spray, or eye drops.
- Rinse regularly: If sterile saline solution is not available, focus on keeping your piercing clean by rinsing it well during your regular shower.
- Keep your piercing moist: A moist wound heals faster. You can use petroleum jelly to keep your piercing moist and promote healing.
- Be mindful of jewellery changes: Avoid changing your jewellery too early, especially during the initial healing period. For earlobe piercings, it is generally recommended to wait at least two to three months before considering a change.
- Look out for signs of infection: Keep an eye on your piercing. If the skin around it becomes red, sore, or puffy, or if there is any discharge of yellowish liquid, you may have an infection. In this case, consult a dermatologist.
- Be patient with healing: Healing times can vary depending on factors such as overall health, sleep, and stress levels. Typically, earlobe piercings can take around four to six months to heal, while upper or inner ear piercings can take six to twelve months or more.
- Consult professionals: For specific aftercare needs, it is best to discuss your concerns with a local body piercer or a dermatologist. They can provide guidance tailored to your region and individual needs.
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Metal type
Earrings are made from a variety of metals, including gold, silver, platinum, titanium, and nickel. While earrings made of metals such as gold and silver are unlikely to cause severe allergic reactions, earrings made of nickel can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Dr. Yadav notes that plated metal earrings can chip or lift, allowing bacteria to grow underneath and leading to a cheesy odour.
Nickel-based earrings are more likely to cause infections and severe allergic reactions. If you are allergic to nickel, it is recommended to select earrings made from surgical-grade stainless steel, pure sterling silver, platinum, or 18- to 24-karat yellow gold. These materials are less likely to cause an allergic reaction and will help prevent infections.
Additionally, the type of metal used in earrings can impact their tendency to accumulate ear cheese and develop a foul odour. Earrings with tight and larger earring backs, as well as those with large plastic backs, are more prone to developing a smell due to the accumulation of sweat, sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The protected, dark, and damp conditions created by the piercing hole further contribute to bacterial growth.
To prevent earrings from smelling like cheese, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and regularly clean both the piercings and the earrings themselves. This includes cleaning the piercing two to three times per day using a sterile saline solution and cleaning the earrings daily or at least once a week. Additionally, allowing your ears to breathe by removing the earrings regularly and only wearing them when going out can help prevent the build-up of sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells.
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Bacteria
The cheesy odour emanating from earrings is caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria, sebum, sweat, dead skin cells, and skin/hair products. This mixture forms a sticky greenish-brown substance known as "ear cheese". The dark, damp, and protected environment created by the piercing hole provides ideal conditions for bacterial growth, resulting in a pungent aroma.
The type of jewellery worn can also influence the presence of bacteria. Jewellery made with plated metal, for instance, can chip or lift, providing spaces for bacteria to thrive underneath. Additionally, certain earring types, such as those with tight and larger earring backs, accumulate more sweat and sebum, making cleaning more challenging. As a result, these earrings become more susceptible to bacterial growth and the development of the cheesy odour.
Furthermore, individuals with oily skin or those living or working in hot and humid environments are more prone to experiencing a foul earring smell. The increased sebum and sweat production create favourable conditions for bacterial growth. Additionally, newly pierced ears or older piercings that have been left in place for extended periods can also contribute to the accumulation of dead skin cells and bacteria, exacerbating the odour.
To mitigate the bacterial growth and resulting odour, proper earring and piercing hygiene are essential. Regular cleaning of both the earrings and the piercing site is recommended. Additionally, changing earrings frequently, especially after physical activity or exercise, can help prevent the accumulation of sweat, sebum, and bacteria. Ensuring proper hygiene and ventilation can help minimise the occurrence of the cheesy odour associated with earrings.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell is caused by a buildup of bacteria, sweat, sebum, dead skin cells, and skin/hair products. This combination creates a substance called "ear cheese".
To prevent your earrings from smelling, you should clean them regularly. You should also consider taking them out when exercising or showering to allow the piercing hole to breathe and prevent the buildup of substances.
A cheesy odor may indicate inflammation or infection, especially if the piercing is new. If you are experiencing additional skin problems near your piercing holes, it is important to pay attention to earring odor and consult a dermatologist if necessary.
