What should you know about impetigo around ears?

Impetigo may affect the outer ear, the skin behind it or the nearby scalp and face. It can begin as a small blister or sore before breaking and leaving a yellow-brown crust. Scratching, eczema, insect bites and moisture can damage the skin barrier around the ear. A crusted rash does not prove that the ear canal is infected, and do not put creams, cotton buds or drops into the canal unless a clinician advises it.

Read more about [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) and [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) when comparing common skin features.

Clean only the outer skin gently, pat it dry and avoid picking. Keep towels, pillowcases, headphones and hats personal; wash hands after touching the sores. Keep nails short and cover lesions when practical without sealing in moisture. Treatment may be applied to the skin or taken by mouth depending on the location and extent. See [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) and [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) for treatment context.

Arrange assessment if the rash is spreading, recurring, draining or not settling with the advised treatment. Seek prompt care for ear pain, reduced hearing, fever, marked swelling, rapidly spreading redness, severe tenderness, or redness and swelling behind the ear. These features may signal involvement beyond a superficial skin sore and should not be managed by self-treatment alone.

Is the infection limited to the outer skin, or does the ear canal need checking? Which product is safe near my ear, and how should I keep headphones, bedding and towels clean? What changes should prompt urgent review?