Bushra Griffith
If your earring backs smell like stinky cheese, you're not alone. This phenomenon is known as ear cheese and is caused by a buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and sweat. According to dermatologists, the dark, damp conditions of the piercing hole create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, resulting in an unpleasant odor. Certain factors, such as living in a hot and humid environment, having oily skin, or wearing certain types of earrings, can make the smell more likely to occur. Regular cleaning of both the ears and earrings is essential to prevent and address this issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common cause | Accumulation of rancid oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and sweat |
| Occurrence | More common among people who don't change their earrings often, have sweaty ears, or have oily skin |
| Prevention | Regular cleaning of earrings and ear holes with antibacterial soap and water |
| Risk factors | Tight and large earring backs, earrings with large plastic backs, plated metal jewelry |
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What You'll Learn
- Earring backs can accumulate ear cheese, a combination of oil, dead skin cells, bacteria and sweat
- People who live or work in hot, humid environments are more prone to ear cheese
- Certain earrings are more likely to smell, such as those with large backs, as they accumulate more sweat
- Jewellery made with plated metal can chip, allowing bacteria to grow underneath and cause a smell
- Regular cleaning of earrings and ear holes with gentle antibacterial soap can prevent ear cheese
Earring backs can accumulate ear cheese, a combination of oil, dead skin cells, bacteria and sweat
Earring backs can accumulate ear cheese, a combination of oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and sweat. This buildup can result in a foul odour that resembles stinky cheese. To prevent this, it is crucial to maintain good aftercare practices for your piercings and jewellery. Regular cleaning of both the earrings and the piercing sites is essential to inhibit bacterial growth.
When you clean your ears, it is advisable to remove your earrings and thoroughly cleanse the outer crevices, piercing holes, and the backs of your ears with soap and water. This practice should be incorporated into your regular ear cleaning routine. Dermatologists recommend cleaning your earrings at least once a week to prevent the accumulation of ear cheese.
The type of earrings you wear can also influence the likelihood of ear cheese development. Earrings with tight and larger earring backs tend to accumulate more sweat and sebum, making them more challenging to clean. Additionally, earrings with large plastic backs can be problematic. Jewellery made with plated metal may chip or lift, providing an ideal environment for bacterial growth, which can result in a cheesy odour.
To further reduce the risk of ear cheese and its unpleasant smell, it is recommended to use quality products specifically designed for ear care and piercing aftercare. This includes using ear stretching oil or jojoba oil for stretched ears. It is important to avoid untested oils and lotions, as these can trap dirt and moisture, creating favourable conditions for bacterial growth.
By following these hygiene practices and choosing appropriate jewellery, you can minimise the chances of ear cheese accumulation and enjoy wearing your earrings without worrying about any embarrassing odours.
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People who live or work in hot, humid environments are more prone to ear cheese
Earring holes can develop an unpleasant odour if not taken care of properly. This odour is commonly referred to as "ear cheese" and is caused by a build-up of bacteria mixing with sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells. The warm, moist, and dark conditions of the piercing hole allow bacteria to thrive, resulting in an odour that may resemble stinky cheese.
People who live or work in hot and humid environments are more prone to experiencing this issue due to increased sweating and oil secretion. The combination of sweat and sebum creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, leading to a stronger and more persistent cheesy odour. Additionally, the humidity can hinder the healing process of piercings, prolonging the period of vulnerability to infection and odour development.
To prevent and address this issue, it is crucial to maintain good aftercare practices. Regular cleaning of both the piercing site and the jewellery is essential. When cleaning the earrings, use isopropyl alcohol or antibacterial hand soap, especially on delicate pieces. For the piercing site, gently cleanse the area with a damp cloth or fragrance-free wipe, ensuring it is dry before reinserting the earrings.
It is also important to be vigilant with hair and skin products, as these can contribute to the odour. Avoid using lotions or other oily products near the piercing, as they can trap dirt and create an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish. Instead, opt for antibacterial or antifungal products recommended by a pharmacist or doctor.
Furthermore, consider the material of your earrings. Jewellery made with plated metal can chip or lift, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. Instead, choose earrings made from surgical-grade stainless steel, pure sterling silver, platinum, or 18- to 24-karat yellow gold, especially if you have sensitive skin.
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Certain earrings are more likely to smell, such as those with large backs, as they accumulate more sweat
Earrings with large backs are more likely to smell because they accumulate more sweat and sebum, which can lead to bacterial growth and an unpleasant odour. This is especially true for people who don't change their earrings often and produce a lot of sweat.
The back of the earring is a prime location for "ear cheese" to develop. This is caused by a combination of factors, including the accumulation of rancid oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, all of which are naturally present on our skin and bodies. When earrings are not cleaned regularly, these substances can build up, leading to a foul odour.
People who live or work in hot and humid environments, or those with oily skin, are more prone to experiencing smelly earrings. This is because the conditions allow for more sweat and sebum production, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
To prevent earrings from smelling, it is important to clean them regularly. Dr. Patel recommends cleaning your earrings each time you clean your ears, while Dr. Yadav and Dr. Shearling suggest that cleaning them at least once a week is sufficient to keep the stinky odour at bay. It is also important to clean your ears and earring holes thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the buildup of ear cheese.
Additionally, when choosing earrings, it is advisable to avoid those with tight and large backs, as they tend to accumulate more sweat and are harder to clean. Earrings with large plastic backs should also be avoided for the same reasons. Instead, opt for earrings that are easier to clean and made from materials that are less conducive to bacterial growth.
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Jewellery made with plated metal can chip, allowing bacteria to grow underneath and cause a smell
Poor jewellery aftercare can lead to an unpleasant smell emanating from your earring holes. This is often due to a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other substances. Jewellery made with plated metal can chip, allowing bacteria to grow underneath and cause a smell.
It is important to clean your earrings and earring holes regularly to prevent this. Dr. Patel recommends cleaning your earrings and earring holes every time you clean your ears. However, Dr. Yadav and Dr. Shearling suggest that cleaning your earrings at least once a week is sufficient to keep stinky ear cheese at bay.
To clean your earrings, use soap and water, making sure to rinse off any soap residue before reinserting them. You can also use antibacterial soap or cleanser to help kill any bacteria that may be present. In addition to cleaning your earrings, it is important to practice good aftercare techniques for your piercings. This includes regular cleaning and the use of quality products, such as ear stretching oil or jojoba oil for stretched ears.
The type of earrings you wear can also affect the likelihood of a smell developing. Earrings with tight and larger earring backs, as well as those with large plastic backs, can accumulate more sweat and sebum, making them more difficult to clean. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for earrings that are easier to clean and allow your ears to breathe.
By following these tips, you can help prevent the build-up of ear cheese and keep your earrings smelling fresh.
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Regular cleaning of earrings and ear holes with gentle antibacterial soap can prevent ear cheese
Ear "cheese" is a common issue for people with pierced ears. It is caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other substances, which can lead to an unpleasant odour. This build-up can also increase the risk of infection. To prevent this, it is important to maintain good hygiene and regularly clean your earrings and ear holes.
To keep your earrings and ear holes clean and prevent the build-up of ear cheese, it is recommended to use a gentle antibacterial soap. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be present and causing the odour. When cleaning your earrings, be sure to rinse off any soap residue thoroughly before putting them back in your ears. You can also use rubbing alcohol or an ear-piercing solution to clean your earrings and ear posts.
In addition to cleaning your earrings, it is important to keep the area around your ears clean as well. This includes your lower scalp, upper neck, and behind your ears. Wash this area regularly, especially after physical exercise or being in hot weather, as sweat can contribute to the odour. You can also try using antibacterial or antifungal shampoos to reduce the presence of bacteria and fungi.
Exfoliating the area behind the ears once or twice a week can help to prevent the build-up of dead skin cells, which contribute to ear cheese. You can use an exfoliating wash or a rough washcloth for this purpose. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is important to use gentle soaps and be cautious when exfoliating.
By following these cleaning and hygiene practices, you can help prevent the build-up of ear cheese and maintain healthy and odour-free ears and earrings.
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Frequently asked questions
The accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and sweat can cause an odour reminiscent of stinky cheese.
To prevent a build-up of "ear cheese", clean your earrings and piercing regularly with antibacterial soap or cleanser, rinsing off any soap residue before reinserting earrings.
Earrings with tight and large earring backs accumulate more sweat and sebum and are harder to clean. Earrings with large plastic backs and jewellery made with plated metal, which can chip, are also common culprits.
