Hatrack River Forum: How does one treat earlobe acne?

This is topic How does one treat earlobe acne? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :

"With contempt."

Yeah, yeah. But seriously, how? I keep getting it, it's -really- painful. And the skin's so thick that ordinary acne treating products don't seem to have any effect.

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

Stop rubbing them on your nose so much? Reduce your stress and improve your diet? I don't know. When God was passing out skin disorders I took moles and my sister took the acne. So, really, I can't contribute much.

Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :

People can rub earlobes on their noses? [Eek!]

Posted by porcelain girl (Member # 1080) on :

Clindomyacin would probably take care of it. But seriously, that is really weird. [Razz]

Posted by NotMe (Member # 10470) on :

Wash behind your ears daily like your mother told you?

I can second clindamycin as an effective ingredient. If you can't get that OTC, at least try a benzoyl peroxide cream. Failing that, see a dermatologist. You shouldn't have to live with physically painful acne (especially in weird places).

Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :

It's because I clean behind my ears that I'm aware of it. [Razz]

Posted by Launchywiggin (Member # 9116) on :

I get pimples on/around my ears every month or so (I have long hair that covers my ears, I think that's what does it)

I've always found it easy to pop them after a shower with soap. Then they don't last as long, though I can relate to the pain--a weird place to get them, for sure.

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

I can't imagine clindamycin would be available without a prescription in the US or Canada.

Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :

I've gotten them there before - you're right, they're really painful. I'm in the camp of popping the really painful ones, then smothering the area with OTC acne medication to keep it from coming back. I know that this can produce more acne, or sometimes even scaring, but the pain of those big pimples can be really distracting.

If you're going to go this route then DON'T put any medication on it until after you pop it. Instead, put hot washcloths on the area and "irritate" the area with your fingers (lightly squeeze around the pimple) to bring it to a head. Then grit your teeth & pop it, 'til it bleeds freely. Then smother with acne medication.

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

Just be careful. My oldest had some bumps on her ear, and they didn't heal and eventually needed to be treated by antibiotics. The doctor said the outer ear is a slow healer, and even a minor cut, abrasion, or pimple can become problematic.

So, if it's really bothering you and not getting better fast, see a doctor. It might be more than acne.

Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :

I get them on the front of my earlobe sometimes. I find the best thing to do is tell people my piercing got infected and leave it alone. If they don't go away eventually, well, god saw fit to give you two, didn't he? Go van Gogh!

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

I've gotten them right between my earlobe and my head, always after using discount hair conditioner. It was a shame to throw the whole bottle out. Actually, I probably never did. But I should.

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

I get them inside my... I don't know what it's called. The lobe of the ear, but the part that's like a bowl below the opening of the ear. It hurts like no tomorrow. I do find it's often after I don't have time to rinse my conditioner thoroughly (like, there's a baby screaming and I have to rinse as fast as I can and get out.)

I usually treat them with a topical antibiotic my dad gives me. If that doesn't work I have to get them lanced (like if they get all cystic and stuff.) *shudders*

Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :

[Angst]

I've tried popping them...doesn't work too well. Again, the skin of the lobe is so thick, it's almost impossible to get the gunk out, and applying the ointment afterwards almost stings worse than the pressure before.

Oh, how I hate this.

Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :

I've found that a really hot, wet dishrag held to my face for an hour or so (you'll have to keep wetting it for it to stay hot), helps a lot with those really nasty, painful zits. At the very least, it seems to relax the skin a little bit and relieve some of the pain. It also makes it come to a head faster.

Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :

Oh, I don't have any problems with caring for my face. If ever stuff turns up there, St. Ives Medicated Apricot Scrub seems to to clear it up in short order.

It's just the earlobe stuff I have trouble treating.

Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :

I read the title yesterday and thought, ew. I woke up thie morning with one in my eyebrow. Antother hard place to squeeze.

Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :

The edge of the lip is worst for me. Ohh the pain! Zits and blackheads alike.

Posted by MidnightBlue (Member # 6146) on :

The edge of the lip is the only place that consistently scars for me. Those zits also tend to be my biggest and most irritated.