Randy Chandler
Ear cheese is a common issue for people with piercings, especially new ones. It is caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other substances, which can lead to an unpleasant odour. The odour can also be caused by excessive earwax, which can lead to blockage and infection, or by an ear infection. To prevent ear cheese, it is important to maintain good hygiene by regularly cleaning jewellery and piercing holes with mild soap and warm water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of smell | Build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other substances |
| Prevention | Regular cleaning of earrings and ears with antibacterial soap or cleanser |
| Treatment | Wash with warm water and mild soap, apply diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, maintain regular hygiene |
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What You'll Learn
- Ear cheese is caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria
- Regular cleaning of earrings and the area around piercings can prevent the smell
- Infections, excessive earwax, and poor hygiene can also cause ear cheese
- The smell can be combatted with antibacterial soap, apple cider vinegar, or tea tree oil
- Smelly ear cheese is more common with new piercings and stretched earrings
Ear cheese is caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria
Ear cheese, or the accumulation of gunk on earring posts and backs, is a common issue for people with piercings. It is especially prevalent for those who have recently gotten their ears pierced, never take out their earrings, or have stretched piercings. Ear cheese is caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Sebum is a natural oil produced by the skin that helps protect it from environmental pollutants, tears, and dryness. It acts as the skin's built-in lotion. When sebum mixes with dead skin cells, it creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth. This bacteria contributes to the distinctively cheese-like scent of ear cheese.
Dead skin cells are a result of the skin's natural renewal process, where old cells are shed to make way for new ones. This occurs almost constantly, with the skin shedding every hour. These dead skin cells can accumulate on the skin's surface, particularly in areas that are challenging to keep clean, such as behind the ears.
Bacteria naturally occurs on the skin and body. When it accumulates in an ear-piercing hole that has not been properly cleaned or maintained, it can lead to an unpleasant odor. This bacterial buildup can also result in infection.
To prevent the formation of ear cheese, it is important to practice good hygiene and regularly clean both your ears and your earrings. When cleaning your ears, use warm water and a mild soap or cleanser, being sure to wash behind the ears as well. For earrings, antibacterial soap or cleanser can help kill any bacteria present. It is also recommended to rinse off any soap residue thoroughly before reinserting earrings. Additionally, consider opting for earrings with hinge backs, as these are easier to remove and clean.
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Regular cleaning of earrings and the area around piercings can prevent the smell
"Ear cheese" is a common issue for those with piercings, especially new piercings, and is caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other substances. Regular cleaning of earrings and the area around piercings can prevent and reduce this smell.
Firstly, it is important to clean your earrings regularly. This will prevent the build-up of bacteria on the surface of earrings, plugs, and tunnels, which can cause a bad odour. Use antibacterial soap or cleanser to kill any bacteria that may be present. Be sure to thoroughly rinse off any soap residue before reinserting earrings. Avoid lotions, as these can trap dirt particles and create an ideal environment for bacteria growth.
Secondly, establish a routine of regularly changing and cleaning your earrings. This will benefit your ears and keep your jewellery sparkling and looking its best. Remove your earrings and set them aside to clean separately. Then, clean your ears with a warm washcloth and mild soap. A moisturising cleanser, such as an oil cleanser for your face, can be used to gently clean the exterior of your ear, including behind your ears.
Thirdly, consider using a cleanser specifically designed for stretched ears, such as Ear Butter with activated charcoal, or a piercing aftercare product. During the healing process of stretched ears, dead skin cells, blood, and other bodily fluids can accumulate around the jewellery, leading to a build-up of bacteria and an unpleasant odour. Regular cleaning will help to keep bacteria at bay and promote the healing of new piercings.
Finally, to combat a cheese smell behind the ears, wash the area with warm water and mild soap, then dry thoroughly. Apply diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil with a cotton ball to fight odour-causing bacteria. Regular hygiene is essential to keeping the area clean and preventing infection.
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Infections, excessive earwax, and poor hygiene can also cause ear cheese
Ear cheese, or the accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the ear, can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, excessive earwax, and poor hygiene.
Infections in the middle ear, such as bacterial or viral infections, can cause pain, drainage, and a noticeable odour. Otitis externa, sinus infections, and eczema are examples of infections that can contribute to foul-smelling ear cheese. Additionally, lifestyle factors like smoking can worsen the problem.
Excessive earwax, or earwax impaction, can lead to blockage and a foul odour. Symptoms may include earache, hearing difficulties, and drainage. The odour of earwax can vary, with a faint odour being normal due to its composition, which includes dead skin cells, hair, and secretions from glands in the ear canal. However, a strong or sour fragrance may indicate increased perspiration, often observed after vigorous physical activity.
Poor hygiene can also be a factor in the development of ear cheese. Not cleaning earrings and piercings regularly can lead to bacterial buildup, resulting in an unpleasant odour. This is especially true for stretched ear piercings, which can accumulate dead skin cells, blood, and other bodily fluids, leading to crustiness and a cheesy odour.
To prevent and address ear cheese caused by these factors, proper hygiene practices are essential. This includes regularly cleaning earrings and jewellery with antibacterial soap or cleanser and rinsing off any soap residue before reinserting them into the ears. Additionally, cleaning the ears themselves with a warm washcloth and mild soap can help remove any buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. In cases of suspected infection or excessive earwax, consulting a doctor is recommended for appropriate medical treatment.
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The smell can be combatted with antibacterial soap, apple cider vinegar, or tea tree oil
Ear cheese, or the foul odour that emanates from stretched ear piercings, is caused by a variety of factors, including sebum accumulation, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other substances that build up on the skin's surface. The most common cause, however, is bacterial buildup, which can result in infection. To combat this, it is recommended to use antibacterial soap, apple cider vinegar, or tea tree oil.
When it comes to combating the smell of ear cheese, antibacterial soap is a great option. It is important to maintain good hygiene and keep your ear piercings clean. Regularly cleaning your earrings or piercings can help prevent bacterial buildup, which is a common cause of the unpleasant odour. Choose a gentle, mild, or sensitive skin antibacterial soap, especially if you have sensitive skin. Be sure to rinse off any soap residue thoroughly before reinserting your earrings.
Apple cider vinegar is another effective way to combat the smell of ear cheese. Its antibacterial properties can help fight odour-causing bacteria. Dilute the apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball. Ensure that you keep the area clean and dry to prevent further odour issues.
Tea tree oil is also a great natural remedy to combat the smell of ear cheese. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can help eliminate odour-causing bacteria. Dilute the tea tree oil and apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball. Regular hygiene and keeping the area clean and dry are essential to preventing and combating unpleasant odours.
In addition to these remedies, it is important to practice proper aftercare for stretched ears or ear piercings. This includes regularly cleaning your jewellery or ear plugs with antibacterial soap or a cleanser specifically designed for stretched ears, such as Ear Butter with activated charcoal. By maintaining good hygiene and taking proper care of your piercings, you can effectively combat the smell of ear cheese and promote the healing of any new piercings.
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Smelly ear cheese is more common with new piercings and stretched earrings
"Ear cheese" is a common issue with piercings, especially new ones. It is caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, oils, sweat, and bacteria. As your skin is constantly shedding and renewing, these substances can accumulate and cause an unpleasant odour. This build-up is more likely to occur with new piercings as the body is still healing the puncture wound. Additionally, stretched earrings can also be more prone to ear cheese due to the increased surface area for bacteria and other substances to accumulate.
The odour associated with ear cheese is often described as a funky cheese smell. While it is a natural occurrence, especially with new piercings, it can be minimised through proper aftercare. Regular cleaning of both the piercing site and the jewellery is essential to prevent the build-up of bacteria and other substances. When cleaning your earrings, use antibacterial soap or a cleanser specifically designed for stretched ears, such as Ear Butter with activated charcoal. Rinse off any soap residue thoroughly before reinserting your earrings.
To clean your piercing site, use a warm washcloth and mild soap or a moisturising cleanser like an oil-based facial cleanser. Make sure to wash behind your ears as well. You can also use diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil with a cotton ball to combat odour-causing bacteria. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent the growth of bacteria.
In addition to regular cleaning, there are other factors to consider when caring for new piercings or stretched earrings. Avoid using lotions as they can trap dirt and create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Opt for earrings with hinge backs, as they are easier to remove and clean. Also, be mindful of the quality of your jewellery, as low-quality materials may contribute to the unpleasant odour.
By following these aftercare tips, you can help minimise the occurrence of "ear cheese" and maintain healthy, odour-free piercings.
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Frequently asked questions
Ear cheese is caused by a build-up of oil, dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria.
To prevent ear cheese, it is important to clean your earrings and ears regularly. You can use antibacterial soap or cleanser to clean your earrings and a warm washcloth and mild soap to clean your ears.
There are many cleansers specifically designed for stretched ears, such as Ear Butter with activated charcoal. You can also use a face wash like Cetaphil or a body art cleanser like PurSan.
Ear cheese is common when your body is still healing from a new piercing. It is also more likely to occur if you never take out your earrings or if your piercings have been stretched.
If home treatments don't resolve the issue, it may be time to consult a doctor. Some signs that you should seek medical attention include earache, hearing difficulties, and drainage.
