{"id":9326,"date":"2021-09-10T14:51:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-10T21:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/househearing.fm1.dev\/?p=9326"},"modified":"2023-05-17T09:49:15","modified_gmt":"2023-05-17T16:49:15","slug":"common-causes-of-a-dry-crusty-ear-canal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/househearing.com\/common-causes-of-a-dry-crusty-ear-canal\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Causes of a Dry & Crusty Ear Canal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If your ear feels dry and crusty, there are many possible reasons that could be causing it, including skin conditions and environmental factors. We explore some of these causes below as well as review treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin Conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Close up of a doctor doing a medical exam on his patient<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Some skin conditions linked to a dry and crusty ear canal are described here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eczema<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. While eczema is most common in children, it can affect people of all ages. Eczema is a chronic condition that can flare up from time to time, especially after coming into contact with irritants. Eczema can occur in the ear canal, causing the skin to become dry and cracked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psoriasis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease wherein skin cells that grow deep in the skin rise to the surface too quickly. This condition can affect the entire body, including the ears. Since the dead skin cells cannot shed as fast as new ones are made, it can cause the skin in the ear canal to become red, crusty and scaly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seborrheic Dermatitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are not well understood, but it is likely due to a combination of oil gland activity, yeast buildup, genetics and changes in the function of the skin barrier. This condition most often affects the oiliest areas of the body, including the scalp, face, eyebrows, eyelids, nose and ears. The scales that characterize seborrheic dermatitis tend to be white or yellow and flaky or crusty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environmental Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some environmental factors that can lead to a dry, crusty ear include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n