Psoriasis on external ear skin may be itchy, painful, and tender.
Psoriasis in ears may additionally impact your hearing.
However, on rare occasion, psoriasis can co-occur with psoriatic arthritisan associated autoimmune disorder that does.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
It can also cause sensorineural hearing loss, which results from damage to the inner ear or theauditory nerve.
Causes of Ear Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an immune system gone awry.
For reasons poorly understood, the immune system will suddenly attack its own healthy cells and tissues.
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With psoriasis specifically, skin cells called keratinocytes are the target of the assault.
These cells make up around 90% of the outer layer of skin (epidermis).
However, ear psoriasis may affect 3.6% to 37% of people with psoriasis.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
How Do You Know If You Have Psoriasis in Your Ear?
The physical exam will include an inspection of the ear canal with a lighted gear called an otoscope.
How Do I Get Rid of Psoriasis in My Ears?
Some may be prescribed to people with psoriasis regardless of where their plaques are.
Others specifically target the ear.
Professional ear wax removal may be necessary to treat hearing loss.
Some of these medications are not suitable for the delicate tissues of the auditory canal and adjacent eardrum.
This treatment involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Do not pick or scratch the lesions, which may only cause bleeding and make them worse.
Keep your ears clean and dry using only the mildest soaps and softest towels.
Even the friction sparked by cotton swabs can be enough to instigate an acute flare.
Some of these triggers may be avoidable.
For example, a medication you are taking may be able to be switched for another one.
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