Andy Montoya
It's not uncommon for earrings and earring holes to smell like cheese, and this is due to a build-up of bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum (otherwise known as ear cheese). The piercing hole provides the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, as it is protected, dark, and damp. This build-up can result in infection, which may also cause a bad smell. To prevent this, it's important to practice good hygiene and clean your earrings and earring holes regularly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common causes | Accumulation of dead skin cells, bacteria, and sweat |
| Other causes | Poor hygiene, dermatitis, yeast infections, ear stretching, and nickel earrings |
| Cleaning methods | Isopropyl alcohol, antibacterial soap, special ear piercing solution, antifungal treatments |
| Prevention | Regular cleaning of ears and earrings, using earrings made from surgical-grade stainless steel, pure sterling silver, platinum, or 18-24 karat gold |
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Poor hygiene
To maintain good earring hole hygiene, it is important to regularly clean both your earrings and your earring holes. This helps prevent the build-up of bacteria, dead skin cells, sebum, and other substances that can cause the cheese-like smell. It is recommended to clean your earrings and earring holes at least once a week, especially if you wear earrings daily.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your earring holes to avoid introducing additional bacteria to the area.
- Gently remove your earrings to allow for a more thorough cleaning. Be careful when handling them to avoid irritating the earring holes.
- Soak your earrings in a solution of warm water and mild soap for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or residue.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining dirt or residue on the earrings.
- Rinse the earrings well and dry them with a clean cloth.
- Clean your earring holes and the area around them using a cotton swab dipped in a saline solution (a mixture of salt and warm water). This helps disinfect the area and remove any build-up of dead skin cells and oils.
- Choose the right earrings: opt for hypoallergenic earrings made from materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and infections.
- Be mindful of hair products: hair sprays, gels, and other styling products can build up around earring holes, so make sure to cover your ears when using them, and clean your earring holes regularly to remove any residue.
- Avoid tight earrings: tight-fitting earrings can trap bacteria and debris, leading to irritation and odour. Choose earrings that allow for air circulation and don't squeeze the earlobe.
- Take breaks from wearing earrings: give your earlobes a break from wearing jewellery occasionally to allow them to breathe and rest.
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Bacterial buildup
To prevent bacterial buildup, it is essential to practice good hygiene and regularly clean both the ears and earrings. This includes washing the outer crevices of the ears, the earring holes, and the backs of the ears with soap and water. It is recommended to clean your earrings every time you shower or, at a minimum, once a week. When cleaning your earrings, use antibacterial soap or cleanser to kill any bacteria that may be present. Additionally, avoid using lotions or oils as they can trap dirt and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Certain types of earrings are more prone to developing a smell. Earrings with tight and larger earring backs can accumulate more sweat, sebum, and dirt, making them difficult to clean. Earrings with large plastic backs can also be culprits. Plated metal jewelry should be avoided as it can chip or lift, providing a place for bacteria to grow. 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.
It is also important to give your earlobes a break from wearing jewelry occasionally. This allows the piercing to heal and reduces the risk of infection. When choosing earrings, opt for quality jewelry made from materials suitable for your skin. By following these steps, you can help prevent bacterial buildup and keep your ears healthy and odor-free.
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Skin conditions
The skin behind the ears can trap sweat, oils, and residues from hair and skin care products. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria, resulting in an unpleasant odour. In most cases, a smell behind the ears is not a sign of a serious problem and can be treated by simply washing the area with warm water and soap.
However, it is important to maintain good hygiene with ear piercings to prevent infection. An infected ear piercing may sometimes smell bad due to pus, dead skin, and other drainage from the infection sticking to the earring posts and backs. This can be treated by cleaning the ears and earring posts with rubbing alcohol or a special ear piercing solution. If the infection is painful, or if there is a fever or swollen lymph nodes, it is important to see a doctor.
Additionally, certain skin conditions can contribute to the buildup of bacteria and odour. For example, seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema, can cause flaky, scaly skin behind the ears, trapping sweat and odour. Using antifungal treatments and shampoos can help clear the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
Practicing good aftercare techniques for ear piercings is essential to prevent unpleasant odours. This includes cleaning the piercing regularly, using quality products, and choosing the right materials for your jewellery. Earrings with tight and larger earring backs, for example, can accumulate more sweat and sebum and are more difficult to clean. Jewellery made with plated metal can also chip, providing a space for bacteria to grow.
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Earring type
The type of earrings you wear can also influence whether your piercing holes develop a cheesy smell. Earrings with tight and larger earring backs are more likely to develop a smell, as they "accumulate more sweat and sebum, as well as make it more difficult to clean or wash when in the shower," explains Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist. Earrings with large plastic backs are another common culprit, and plated metal jewellery can chip or lift, allowing bacteria to grow underneath and cause a cheesy odour. Additionally, earrings made of nickel can cause an allergic reaction in some people, which could be the source of the odour.
To prevent this, it is recommended to select earrings made for sensitive ears, such as those made from surgical-grade stainless steel, pure sterling silver, platinum, or 18- to 24-karat yellow gold. It is also crucial to maintain proper hygiene and regularly clean your earrings and piercing holes, especially if you have recently changed your earrings.
Furthermore, when cleaning your earrings and piercing holes, it is advised to use antibacterial soap or cleanser to kill any bacteria that may be causing the odour. However, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals and opt for gentle soaps instead. Additionally, rinsing off any soap residue thoroughly before reinserting your earrings is essential to prevent residue buildup, which could also contribute to the cheesy smell.
In addition to proper cleaning and hygiene, giving your earlobes a break from wearing jewellery can help reduce the smell. This allows the piercing holes to heal and breathe, reducing the accumulation of bacteria, dead skin cells, and other substances that contribute to the odour.
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Allergic reaction
Earring holes can develop an unpleasant odour if not properly cared for. This is often due to a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other substances. The most common cause is bacterial build-up, which can result in infection.
If you are experiencing an allergic reaction to your earrings, it is likely due to the type of material your earrings are made of. Nickel earrings, for example, are a common cause of allergic reactions. If you suspect you are having an allergic reaction, remove the earrings immediately and opt for earrings made from different materials, such as 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.
In addition to choosing the right materials, proper care and hygiene are crucial to preventing and addressing any unpleasant odours or allergic reactions. Here are some tips to care for your ears and earrings:
- Clean your earrings regularly, especially after each time you clean your ears. Use antibacterial soap or cleanser to kill any bacteria that may be present. You can also use isopropyl alcohol, especially for delicate jewellery.
- Rinse off any soap residue thoroughly before reinserting your earrings.
- Avoid using lotions or untested oils on your ears and earrings, as these can trap dirt and create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
- Choose earrings that are easy to clean. Some types of earrings, such as those with tight and large earring backs, can accumulate more sweat and sebum and are more difficult to clean.
- Give your earlobes a break from wearing jewellery occasionally to allow the piercing to heal and reduce any odour or irritation.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your earrings and earlobes too much, as this can introduce bacteria and dirt, increasing the risk of infection.
- Moisturise the area after washing to prevent dryness or irritation and promote healing.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell is likely due to a buildup of bacteria, dead skin cells, and sweat, which can result in an unpleasant odour. This is often referred to as "ear cheese".
To prevent your earring holes from smelling, you should clean your earrings and your ears regularly. You can use isopropyl alcohol or antibacterial soap to clean your earrings. You should also clean your earlobes and the area around your earring holes with soap and water.
Earrings with tight and larger earring backs are more likely to develop a smell as they accumulate more sweat and sebum. Earrings with large plastic backs are also culprits for trapping odours.
There are several reasons why your earring holes may smell. One reason could be that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to the type of metal in your earrings. Earrings made with nickel, for example, can cause allergic reactions in some people. Another reason could be that you have an infection in your ear piercing. If you notice any signs of infection, such as pain, fever, or swollen lymph nodes, you should see a doctor.
