Bushra Griffith
The human body is a mysterious thing, and one of its many secrets is the phenomenon of ear cheese. This unpleasant odour, reminiscent of cheese, is caused by a build-up of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria in and around the ear. While it may be more common in those with piercings, especially new ones, anyone can experience this funky phenomenon. So, why does it happen, and what can be done about it?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Excessive secretions, poor hygiene, infections, or a combination of these factors. |
| Infections | Caused by bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which thrive in warm, moist places. |
| Secretions | Sebum, a natural skin moisturizer, can build up and mix with bacteria, dead skin cells, and sweat. |
| Treatment | Gently scrubbing and washing the area daily with warm water and mild soap. |
| Prevention | Maintaining regular hygiene by keeping the area clean and dry. |
| Home Remedies | Using diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil to fight bacteria. |
| Medical Treatment | Consult a doctor for recommendations on antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory creams. |
| Piercings | New piercings, never removing earrings, and stretched piercings can increase the likelihood of "ear cheese." |
| Earring Type | Earrings with tight and larger backs, as well as those with plastic backs, are more prone to developing a smell. |
| Lifestyle Factors | Living or working in hot, humid environments, having oily skin, and smoking can worsen the issue. |
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Poor hygiene
To prevent a bad smell, it is recommended to keep the area clean by washing behind the ears with soap and water during every bath or shower. People with sensitive skin or eczema should use sensitive skin soap. It is also important to wipe the area behind the ears with a warm, wet washcloth after intense physical activity to prevent sweat buildup.
If you have ear piercings, it is crucial to keep them clean to avoid bacteria buildup and infections. You should twist and rotate the piercings in a circle several times each day. Additionally, it is advised to not take new posts out until at least 6 weeks after piercing. It is also recommended to gently exfoliate the area behind the ears once or twice a week to prevent dead skin from building up.
Furthermore, if you have earrings, it is important to clean them regularly as part of your hygiene routine. Dr. Patel recommends taking off the earrings, cleaning your ears and earlobes with soap and water, and then washing your earrings. Dr. Yadav suggests using isopropyl alcohol for cleaning earring backs, or an antibacterial hand soap if the jewellery posts are more fragile.
Overall, maintaining good hygiene practices can help prevent a cheesy smell behind the ears and reduce the risk of infections.
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Infections
One type of infection that can lead to this issue is otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear. It occurs when moisture is retained in the ear after swimming, creating an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. This infection can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and foul-smelling discharge.
Another possible infection is cholesteatoma, a noncancerous skin growth behind the eardrum. Cholesteatoma is often associated with repeated ear infections and can result in smelly earwax, along with other symptoms such as pressure, earaches, and balance issues.
To address these infections and alleviate the cheese-like smell, it is important to practise good ear hygiene. This includes gently scrubbing and washing the area daily with warm water and mild soap, ensuring that the area is thoroughly dried afterward. Additionally, it is recommended to keep the lower scalp, ears, and upper neck free of pore-clogging products and to avoid covering them with hair or clothing, especially in hot and humid weather.
If the smell persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor. They can recommend or prescribe targeted treatments, such as antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory creams, to address the underlying cause effectively.
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Medical conditions
The cheese-like smell from behind the ears or earlobes is typically due to a buildup of bacteria, oil or sebum, and dead skin cells. This is often referred to as "ear cheese". While it is usually not a serious problem, it may indicate certain medical conditions.
Infections
Infections are a common cause of a cheese-like smell behind the ears. This includes piercing infections, yeast infections, and infections from cuts or injuries. Bacteria, yeast, and fungi are often to blame as they thrive in warm, moist environments. Even after an ear infection has cleared, bacteria or fungi may remain, causing a persistent odour.
Skin Conditions
Certain skin conditions can contribute to the cheesy odour. These include seborrheic dermatitis (a type of eczema), dandruff, and other skin irritations. These conditions can cause dry, flaky skin, which, when mixed with sebum, can result in a cheese-like smell.
Earwax Issues
Excessive or foul-smelling earwax can be indicative of underlying issues. For example, cholesteatoma, a noncancerous skin growth behind the eardrum, can produce smelly earwax along with other symptoms such as pressure, earaches, and balance issues. In rare cases, a cheesy odour could be a sign of ear cancer, which may present with symptoms like ear discharge, pain, hearing loss, or facial weakness.
Other Medical Conditions
In some cases, the cheesy smell may be related to other medical conditions such as sinus infections. Additionally, lifestyle factors like smoking can worsen the problem.
It is important to note that the smell behind the ears is usually due to a combination of factors, including excessive secretions, hygiene practices, and infections. If the odour persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Lifestyle factors
Hygiene Practices: Inadequate hygiene can lead to a buildup of dirt, oil, and bacteria on the earlobes, resulting in an unpleasant odor. Ensure that you regularly clean your earlobes and keep them dry, as moisture can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
Dietary Habits: Certain foods you consume can influence the scent of your earlobes. Adjust your diet to minimize sugary, processed, or fatty foods, which can contribute to increased oil production and bacterial growth. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to promote overall health and potentially mitigate odor issues.
Smoking Cessation: Tobacco smoke contains various chemicals that can linger on the skin, including the earlobes. The residue from smoking can mix with natural oils and bacteria, resulting in a cheese-like odor. Consider quitting smoking or reducing secondhand smoke exposure to alleviate this contributing factor.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can lead to excessive perspiration, providing an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Explore stress management techniques such as regular exercise, meditation, or therapeutic interventions to reduce stress-related perspiration and its impact on earlobe odor.
Choice of Personal Care Products: Pay attention to the ingredients in your personal care products, such as hair care or skincare items. Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options to minimize potential reactions that could result in unusual scents. Observe any changes in earlobe odor after making product substitutions.
Environmental Awareness: Be mindful of your surroundings and potential environmental exposures. Pollutants, industrial chemicals, or agricultural byproducts in your environment may contribute to body odors, including cheesy-smelling earlobes. Consider your proximity to potential sources of chemical exposure and take appropriate precautions.
While addressing lifestyle factors can be beneficial, it is important to remain vigilant for any persistent or unusual symptoms. If the problem persists or is accompanied by other concerning signs, consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist to rule out underlying medical conditions or skin disorders that may require specialized treatment.
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Earring type
The type of earrings worn can play a significant role in preventing or reducing the occurrence of cheesy-smelling earlobes.
Firstly, it is recommended to avoid earrings with tight and larger earring backs, as they can accumulate more sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells, making them difficult to clean. Earrings with large plastic backs should also be avoided for the same reasons. Instead, opt for earrings with smaller backs that are easier to clean and allow better airflow, reducing the chances of bacterial buildup.
Secondly, the material of the earrings is crucial. Materials like wood or poorly sterilized jewellery can attract bacteria and lead to infections. Choose earrings made from materials that are less susceptible to bacterial growth, such as certain types of metals or synthetic materials.
Additionally, it is important to consider the design of the earrings. Complex designs with intricate details or crevices can trap dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, making it challenging to clean them properly. Opt for simpler designs that are easier to maintain and keep free of odour-causing agents.
Furthermore, heavy or bulky earrings can cause friction and increase sweating, providing a favourable environment for bacterial growth. Lightweight earrings that allow the skin to breathe are preferable to prevent the accumulation of moisture and odour.
Lastly, it is recommended to change your earrings regularly, at least once a week, to prevent the buildup of ear cheese. This will allow you to clean your earlobes and the earrings themselves, reducing the chances of bacterial growth and the associated cheesy odour.
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Frequently asked questions
The likely cause is a build-up of bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. This combination is known as "ear cheese".
You can try cleaning your earlobes and earrings with a saline solution. You can also use isopropyl alcohol or antibacterial hand soap.
In some cases, the cheese smell can be due to an infection, yeast, fungi, or bacteria. It could also be due to a foreign object in the ear, swimmer's ear, cholesteatoma, or, in rare cases, ear cancer.
To prevent the cheese smell, maintain good ear hygiene by regularly cleaning your earlobes and earrings. You should also change your earrings at least once a week and avoid wearing tight-fitting or large earring backs, as these can accumulate more sweat and be difficult to clean.
