Patrick Oconnell
Do you ever notice a strange, cheesy smell when you rub your fingers behind your ears or eyes? This is quite a common occurrence, and there are several reasons why this might be happening. The area behind the ears and eyes is often forgotten when washing, and the buildup of dirt, debris, oil, and product residue can cause a cheesy smell. Additionally, the presence of yeast, fungi, or bacterial infections can also be a factor, as these microorganisms thrive in warm and moist environments. In some cases, the cheesy odour could be due to excess earwax, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including increased perspiration, infections, or even foreign objects stuck in the ear. While most causes are minor issues, it is important to maintain good hygiene and address any underlying infections or medical conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Poor hygiene, seborrheic dermatitis, yeast infections, earwax buildup, skin conditions, hair products, piercings, or other infections |
| Treatment | Wash the area with soap and water, use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, apply diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, use antibacterial wet wipes, or consult a doctor |
| Prevention | Wash the area regularly, especially after exercising or when it's hot, use antiperspirant or stick deodorant, avoid hair and skin products, clean piercings and earrings regularly |
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What You'll Learn
- Poor hygiene, infections, and medical conditions can cause a cheesy smell behind the ears
- Excessive earwax can cause a blockage and lead to a cheesy odour
- Skin conditions like rosacea and dandruff can cause blepharitis, an eye condition that may result in a cheesy smell
- Foreign objects, insects, or water stuck in the ear can cause infection and smelly earwax
- Smelly eye infections can be bacterial or viral and are usually accompanied by pain and inflammation
Poor hygiene, infections, and medical conditions can cause a cheesy smell behind the ears
Poor hygiene is a common cause of a cheesy smell behind the ears. The area behind the ears is often neglected during washing because it is not easily visible and doesn't seem like a place that gets dirty quickly. However, sweat glands and sebaceous glands are located in this area, and they secrete perspiration and sebum (oil) that can mix with wax and fats to produce an unpleasant odour when they come in contact with oxygen and bacteria. This odour can be exacerbated by hair and skin products, which can accumulate and trap dirt, dust, and other residues. Long hair can also trap these substances and prevent air circulation, leading to increased perspiration. Therefore, it is important to wash the area behind the ears regularly with soap and water, especially after exercising or spending time outdoors in hot or windy weather.
In addition to poor hygiene, infections can also cause a cheesy smell behind the ears. This can be due to bacteria, yeast, or fungi that grow in warm and moist environments, leading to infections such as otitis externa or yeast infections. People with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to these types of infections. Infections can also occur in ear piercings, especially if the piercing is unclean, and can result in symptoms such as itching, pain, redness, and foul-smelling discharge. If you suspect an infection, it is important to consult a doctor, who can recommend appropriate treatments such as antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory creams.
Furthermore, certain medical conditions can contribute to the cheesy smell behind the ears. For example, sinus infections, eczema (including seborrheic dermatitis), and even ear cancer can be potential causes. Identifying the root cause of the odour is crucial to determine the appropriate treatment and maintain ear health. If the smell persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
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Excessive earwax can cause a blockage and lead to a cheesy odour
Poor hygiene is the most common cause of a cheesy odour behind the ears. The area behind the ears is often neglected during showering as it is not easy to see without a mirror. This neglect can lead to a buildup of dirt, dead skin cells, bacteria, sweat, hair products, and other residues, resulting in an unpleasant smell.
In addition to poor hygiene, excessive earwax can also be a culprit. Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the body to protect the ear canal. It is composed of a mixture of secretions from glands in the ear canal, including sebaceous glands, as well as dead skin cells and hair. While earwax typically has a faint odour, it can sometimes emit a strong, sour, or cheesy smell, indicating a possible issue.
Excessive earwax can be caused by several factors, including increased perspiration, which is often observed after intense physical activity. The warm and moist environment created by excess sweat provides an ideal condition for bacteria, yeast, and fungi to thrive, resulting in infections that can contribute to the cheesy odour.
To prevent and address excessive earwax and its associated odour, it is important to maintain good ear hygiene. This includes regularly cleaning the ears with warm water and a mild soap, being careful to dry the area thoroughly afterward. It is recommended to avoid using Q-tips or any foreign objects to clean the inside of the ears, as this can push earwax deeper, potentially causing injury or infection.
If the cheesy odour persists despite proper hygiene practices, it may indicate an underlying issue such as an ear infection, sinus infection, or eczema. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
While less common, it is worth mentioning that the presence of foreign objects or insects in the ear can also lead to smelly earwax, along with other symptoms such as pain and hearing loss. Therefore, addressing the underlying cause and maintaining good ear hygiene are crucial steps in managing and preventing cheesy-smelling earwax.
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Skin conditions like rosacea and dandruff can cause blepharitis, an eye condition that may result in a cheesy smell
While it is unusual for the eyes to smell like cheese, one eye condition that may result in a cheesy smell is blepharitis. Blepharitis is a chronic infection of the eyelashes and the meibomian glands. The meibomian glands produce oil, which can become trapped and solidify, leading to a buildup that may cause a cheese-like smell. Skin conditions like rosacea and dandruff can cause blepharitis.
In most cases, a smell emanating from the eyes is not a cause for concern and can be attributed to various factors, including skin and eye hygiene, skin conditions, or infections. For example, not washing the face properly or neglecting to clean the area around the eyes can lead to a buildup of dirt, debris, or product residue, resulting in an unpleasant odour. This is similar to the buildup of oils and wax behind the ears, which can also lead to a cheesy smell.
Additionally, skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema, can cause flaky, scaly skin that traps sweat and odours, leading to a potential cheese-like smell. Yeast infections, characterised by itching and a beer- or bread-like smell, can also develop in warm and moist areas, such as behind the ears, if proper hygiene is not maintained.
It is important to note that while most causes of eye odour are benign, some cases may indicate a more serious underlying condition. For instance, parosmia, a distorted sense of smell, can be triggered by bacterial or viral infections, head trauma, neurological conditions, or even COVID-19. If you are experiencing an unusual or persistent eye odour, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
In summary, while there can be various causes for a cheese-like smell around the eyes, one potential explanation is blepharitis, an eye condition that may be influenced by skin conditions like rosacea and dandruff. Maintaining good hygiene practices and consulting a doctor if symptoms persist are important steps in addressing this issue.
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Foreign objects, insects, or water stuck in the ear can cause infection and smelly earwax
Foreign objects in the ear are a common occurrence, especially among young children who may insert small toys, beads, or food into their ears out of curiosity. Insects can also crawl into the ear, causing discomfort and a strange odour. In addition, water can sometimes get trapped in the ear after swimming, leading to an infection known as swimmer's ear. This occurs when the outer ear remains moist, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and resulting in smelly earwax.
It is crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent further complications. If you suspect that there is a foreign object or insect in your ear, you should not attempt to remove it with cotton swabs, paper clips, or any other sharp objects, as this can cause damage to the eardrum or ear canal. Instead, try using warm olive oil, baby oil, or mineral oil to dislodge the insect. For foreign objects, if they are visible and accessible, you can carefully use tweezers to remove them. Alternatively, tilting your head down may help dislodge the object with the help of gravity.
If these methods are unsuccessful or if you experience pain, discharge, or hearing loss, it is essential to seek medical help immediately. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon can safely remove the foreign body and provide treatment for any resulting infections. They may use specialised tools such as suction or medication to address the issue and ensure your ear heals properly.
In summary, foreign objects, insects, or water in the ear can lead to infections and smelly earwax. It is important to be vigilant about these issues and seek professional help when needed to protect your hearing and maintain good ear health.
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Smelly eye infections can be bacterial or viral and are usually accompanied by pain and inflammation
A cheese-like smell behind the ears is usually due to poor hygiene, yeast infections, or seborrheic dermatitis. The area behind the ears can trap oils, sweat, and residue from skin and hair care products, leading to a buildup of dirt and bacteria that results in an unpleasant odour. This can usually be resolved by scrubbing the area with soap and water or using a damp, soapy washcloth to exfoliate and remove any buildup.
In some cases, the cheese-like smell may be related to an infection or underlying medical condition. Yeast infections, for instance, can produce a beer- or bread-like smell and are more likely to occur in individuals who sweat profusely or do not adequately clean the area behind their ears. Seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema, can also cause a cheesy odour due to the scaly, oily flakes it produces, which trap sweat and odour.
Now, regarding eye infections, these can indeed be bacterial or viral and often present with pain, inflammation, discharge, and swelling. Bacterial infections, such as bacterial keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and bacterial conjunctivitis, are typically treated with antibiotics, while viral infections, such as viral conjunctivitis or viral pink eye, cannot be treated with antibiotics and may require other approaches, such as oral antiviral medications or eye drops.
Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can cause significant swelling of the eyelids, but the type of discharge produced may differ. Bacterial conjunctivitis often results in a yellow or green sticky discharge that persists throughout the day, whereas viral conjunctivitis tends to cause watery discharge during the day and stickier discharge in the morning.
In addition to bacterial and viral infections, fungal eye infections, though rare, can be serious and typically occur after an eye injury or improper contact lens care. These infections can be challenging to eliminate, even with treatment, and may require persistent management.
It is important to note that eye infections can progress quickly and lead to vision loss if left untreated. Therefore, if you are experiencing any symptoms of an eye infection, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese-like smell behind the ears is usually caused by an infection. This can be due to bacteria, yeast, or fungi, which often grow in warm, moist places. Poor hygiene can also be a contributing factor.
To get rid of the cheese smell, wash the area with warm water and mild soap, then dry thoroughly. You can also apply diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil with a cotton ball to fight odor-causing bacteria. Keep the area clean and dry.
A possible explanation for this could be blepharitis, a chronic infection of the eyelashes and the meibomian glands. This condition can cause the eye to smell and taste like cheese.
