Psoriasis in the Ears

Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Care

Living with psoriasis itself is challenging. When it shows up inside your ears, it can feel scary, confusing, and honestly, a bit isolating.

Psoriasis in the ears is not very common, but it is very real, and if you’ve ever felt itchy, blocked, or “full” inside your ears with flaky skin, you might know exactly what this feels like. It is more than just dryness or wax in your ears.

It can be uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and scary when your hearing feels different. The good news is that with proper treatment and care, ear psoriasis symptoms can be managed and complications can be prevented. We will help you find some effective ways to manage your ear psoriasis.

What is Ear Psoriasis?

Ear psoriasis is a chronic skin condition linked to autoimmune activity. While psoriasis can affect many areas of the body, involvement of the ears is relatively uncommon. When present, it may affect the ear folds, earlobes, outer ear, or the ear canal. Although uncomfortable, psoriasis does not spread to sensitive inner structures such as the eardrum and does not directly cause permanent hearing damage. The severity of ear psoriasis can vary from mild irritation to more intense inflammation.

Psoriasis in your ear can affect your: 

●    Ear folds. 
●    Ear lobe.
●    Inner ear (ear canal). 
●    Behind the ear 

How Common is Psoriasis in Ears?

From our experience, most people think that psoriasis can only affect the scalp, elbows, knees, or back. These are the areas where psoriasis is generally found.

Psoriasis in the ears is a very rare condition, but if you already have psoriasis on your earlobes, scalp, or face, it is not uncommon for you to develop psoriasis in your ears. We have noticed that people with a family history of psoriasis or long‑standing plaques elsewhere are more prone to ear psoriasis symptoms.

Types of Psoriasis That Can Affect the Ears

Several forms of psoriasis may involve the ears, including:

●    Plaque Psoriasis: Characterised by thick, red, itchy patches with silvery scales on the inner or outer ear.
●    Inverse Psoriasis: Commonly affects skin folds around the ears, causing smooth, inflamed plaques.
●    Sebopsoriasis: A combination of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, leading to yellowish scales and inflamed patches in and around the ears.

Psoriasis VS. Eczema in the ears?

Causes of Ear Psoriasis

The exact cause of ear psoriasis remains unknown. It is believed to result from an overactive immune response that accelerates the production of skin cells. While normal skin renews every 30 days, psoriatic skin regenerates within 3–4 days. Because the process of skin regeneration is very rapid, the dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin instead of shedding. Common triggers include:

●    Genetic predisposition
●    Certain medications
●    Severe infections
●    High stress levels
●    Sunburn
●    Alcohol consumption
●    Smoking
●    Poor environmental conditions
●    Existing psoriasis elsewhere on the body

What are the Common Symptoms of Psoriasis in the Ears?

●    Persistent itching and dryness in or around the ears.
●    Scaly, discoloured patches (plaques) on the ear or inside the ear opening.
●    Redness with thickened skin.
●    Burning or stinging sensation.
●    Bleeding caused by scratching or skin cracking.
●    A blocked ear canal due to plaque buildup, sometimes leading to temporary hearing loss.
●    In severe cases, symptoms may spread around the ear, such as the eyes, nose, lips, or the inside of the mouth.

Treatment Options for Psoriasis in the Ears

1.    Choose skin-supportive formulations designed with naturally derived, gentle ingredients. Try to use less-harmful, chemical-free products.

2.    Medicated Ear Drops: Salicylic acid–based drops may be prescribed to soften scales and reduce inflammation inside the ear.

3.    Emollients: The doctor may recommend topical preparations, such as creams, cleansers, or moisturisers, containing vitamin D or anti-inflammatory ingredients to help relieve dryness and irritation. You must limit your treatment to products approved for ear use, with medical guidance provided at all times.

4.    Medications: Severe cases may require oral or biologic medications prescribed by a medical professional.

5.    Phototherapy: Ultraviolet light therapy may be used for chronic or severe psoriasis, though it is recommended only under medical supervision due to the sensitivity of ear skin.

Are there any side effects for ear psoriasis treatments?

The treatments themselves are generally safe when used correctly. The greater risk often comes from everyday habits driven by discomfort or frustration. There are a few things that are consciously avoided and strongly recommended to stay away from:

●    Cotton buds or ear swabs are inserted into the ear canal.
●    Hairpins, pen caps, or any makeshift tools used to scratch or remove flakes
●    Oils or creams are applied inside the ear without medical approval.
●    Excessive cleaning can damage the skin barrier and worsen irritation.

A simple rule to keep in mind: if it involves putting anything into the ear canal, it’s best avoided. There is a higher chance of pushing flakes deeper into the ear canal.

How long will it take to calm down the psoriasis in the ears?

This is the part most of us struggle with: timing. We want instant relief. Some itching and irritation may calm down soon after starting treatment, but greater improvement typically takes weeks.

The most important factors are:

●    Sticking to your treatment routine consistently.
●    Not stopping too early just because things look “a bit better.”
●    Keeping follow‑up appointments so your doctor can adjust the plan as needed.

Psoriasis is a long‑term condition, so the approach needs to be long‑term as well.

The ways to reduce the Ear Psoriasis Flares?

While complete prevention isn’t realistic, I’ve found that certain habits make a real difference in how often and how severely flares occur. Some practical steps:

●    Stop inserting anything into your ear canal—no swabs, fingers, or tools.
●    Work on cutting down alcohol and quitting smoking if possible.
●    Build small, sustainable stress‑relief habits into your routine (walks, stretching, music, journaling)
●    Protect your skin from sunburn and extreme temperatures.
●    Maintain gentle hygiene—clean around the ears without scrubbing or over‑washing
●    Choose a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and good‑quality protein.

These aren’t overnight fixes, but they create a friendlier environment for your skin over time.

Smart Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Ear Psoriasis

To get the most from your visit, it helps to come with a few ready‑made questions, such as:

1.    How exactly should I apply my creams and ear drops?
Apply creams only to the outer ear and surrounding skin, as directed by your doctor. Ear drops should be used only if prescribed for ear use and for the recommended duration.

2.    What side effects should I watch for?
Monitor for redness, burning, pain, swelling, discharge, or changes in hearing. Report any worsening symptoms or significant irritation to your doctor.

3.    How often should the ear canal be cleaned, and by whom?
The ear canal should be cleaned only when medically necessary and preferably by a trained professional. Avoid self-cleaning or using cotton buds inside the canal.

4.    When should I expect to see noticeable improvement?
Symptom relief may begin within days to weeks, but full improvement can take several weeks. Timelines vary based on severity and treatment response.

5.    Are there any lifestyle changes that can support treatment?
Stress management, avoiding smoking and excess alcohol, gentle ear care, and a balanced anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce flare-ups.

6.    Do I need both a dermatologist and an ENT specialist?
A dermatologist typically manages psoriasis, while an ENT may be needed for canal blockage, pain, or hearing concerns. Combined care may be helpful in persistent cases.

7.    Can ear psoriasis cause hearing loss?
Temporary hearing changes may occur if scales block the ear canal and usually improve with treatment. Early medical care helps reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Ear psoriasis may be a long‑term condition, but it does not have to control your life. Small, consistent steps—getting the right diagnosis, following the right treatment plan, avoiding harsh cleaning, and choosing skin‑friendly products. Will can add up to calmer days, fewer flare‑ups, and a greater sense of confidence in how you manage your symptoms.

Reference : 

1. Blake A, Enos C, Armstrong AW, et al. Results of a Survey of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board on the Management of Ear Psoriasis. Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis®. 2019;5(1):28-31. doi:10.1177/2475530319891954

2. Borgia, F., Ciodaro, F., Guarneri, F., Bartolotta, A., Papaianni, V., Guarneri, C., … Cannavò, S. P. (2018). Auditory System Involvement in Psoriasis. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 98(7), 655–659. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2937

3. Memar, Omeed MD, PhD; Caughlin, Benjamin MD; Djalilian, Hamid R. MD. Psoriatic Involvement of the Ear. The Hearing Journal 72(1):p 44,45,47, January 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/01.HJ.0000552754.82111.04

4.GÜREL, Gülhan, Yunus KANTEKİN, and İlknur HABERAL CAN. "Do Patients with Psoriasis Suffer from Hearing Loss?." Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Dermatology 29.3 (2019). DOI:  10.5336/dermato.2019-70659