The ears can be one of the most frustrating places to have psoriasis, whether it affects the skin around the ear, behind it, or inside the ear canal. It can cause a specific set of symptoms, including temporary hearing loss, and may require specialized treatment.

“I can’t believe it: in my ears,” shared one member of MyPsoriasisTeam. “I thought this was an external skin thing only. Arghh!”

If ear psoriasis is affecting your life, here’s what you need to know.

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What Are the Symptoms of Ear Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect many areas of the body, including the ears. Common symptoms include painful, itchy, discolored, dry, or scaly skin.

“Last night my ears were itching like crazy.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Symptoms of ear psoriasis include:

• Dry patches on or around the ear, often appearing red or pink on lighter skin and purple, dark brown, or grayish on darker skin
• Crusty, silvery, or gray scales called plaques
• Temporary hearing loss
• The feeling of a blockage inside the ear
• Tenderness, burning, or itchiness outside or within the ear
• Buildup of scaly skin in the ear canal

Psoriasis can increase the risk of otitis externa (inflammation of the external ear canal, also called swimmer’s ear), although it’s not a psoriasis symptom itself.

“Last night, my ears were itching like crazy,” one MyPsoriasisTeam member commented.

Another member wrote, “My psoriasis on and in my ears is causing severe discomfort.”

Possible Complications of Ear Psoriasis

Temporary hearing loss is perhaps the most concerning complication associated with ear psoriasis. Hearing loss can result from the buildup of plaques and scales that block the ear canal.

People with psoriasis may also have a higher risk of a type of hearing loss called sudden sensorineural hearing loss. This condition can affect individuals with psoriasis, even if they don’t have psoriasis in their ears. The cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss is unknown, but scientists believe it’s related to an autoimmune attack on a part of the inner ear called the cochlea.

“My psoriasis on and in my ears is causing severe discomfort.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

How Is Ear Psoriasis Treated?

There are many treatment options for ear psoriasis. Because the skin of the ear is delicate and sensitive, a gentle approach is often used first. Below are some potential options:

• Topical treatments — Over-the-counter and prescription products can help with psoriasis symptoms. This can include steroid and nonsteroid options.
• Systemic medications — Injected and oral medications can help reduce the inflammation that leads to psoriasis symptoms in the ear and elsewhere.
• Phototherapy — This treatment uses controlled ultraviolet light to relieve psoriasis symptoms and can be targeted to specific areas.
• Moisturizers — Over-the-counter products can help with dry skin and can be used along with your other treatments. Make sure to avoid products that contain irritating ingredients like fragrances.

Removing Buildup in the Ear

Having excess tissue removed from your ear can help reduce temporary hearing loss. A dermatologist or other healthcare professional should remove the buildup of skin and scales from the ear canal. If you try to do this yourself, you may accidentally push the skin into your ear, increasing your risk of eardrum damage and infection.

What Causes Ear Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition linked to an overactive immune response. Excess inflammation and immune system activity can make skin cells grow too fast, causing them to build up on the skin.

This can cause discolored patches covered with gray or silvery scales, which are common in psoriasis. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, including the ears.

Factors that can make psoriasis worse or lead to a flare-up of ear psoriasis may include:

• Cold weather
• Skin injury
• Some medications
• Excessive alcohol use
• Sunburn
• Stress
• Smoking
• Infections

Will My Ear Psoriasis Go Away?

There’s no cure for psoriasis. However, a range of treatments can help manage psoriasis and may even lead to remission. Talk with your dermatologist to get medical advice about available treatment options and recommended lifestyle changes that can help manage your psoriasis.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Has psoriasis in the ears affected your life? Let others know in the comments below.