What should you know about dry skin in ears?

The outer ear and the skin behind it can dry out from cold air, sun, frequent washing, friction or fragranced hair products. Itching and scale may also be presentations of Asteatotic Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis. Psoriasis can affect the ear rim, crease behind the ear and nearby scalp, sometimes producing thicker, clearly outlined plaques. Flaking inside the canal is a separate concern because products and scratching can injure its delicate lining.

Wash the outer ear with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water, then pat it dry. Apply a plain moisturiser to the outer ear and behind the ear if the skin is intact; keep products out of the canal. Avoid picking scale, vigorous rubbing, essential oils and newly introduced hair or skin products. If symptoms continue, a clinician can select treatment for the cause and explain whether Emollient Therapy is suitable for the affected surface.

Arrange a review if dryness keeps returning, spreads to the scalp or face, cracks, bleeds or affects sleep. Seek prompt attention for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, crusting or fever. Ear discharge, dizziness, ringing or reduced hearing should be assessed rather than treated as ordinary dryness. A clinician should also examine a one-sided persistent patch or any sore that does not heal.

Is this irritation, eczema, psoriasis or an ear infection? Which products should I avoid? Can I moisturise behind the ear and on the ear rim? How can I tell whether the canal is involved? What should I do if the scaling returns?