Eczema (?) in outer ear

Posted by babsellen @babsellen, Mar 13, 2023

I am 75 and have experienced eczema for the first time, starting about 2 years ago. The eczema is in both ears, in the outer ear. My dermatologist prescribed hydrocortisone cream and said I can use it as much as I want with no harm done. It went away for awhile but came back with a vengeance this winter. I started using the cream again but it only works to a point. The eczema never completely goes away, and if I stop the hydrocortisone it returns quickly. A pharmacist told me to lay off the hydrocortisone for at least a week at a time, but now I'm at a loss for what to do. I have a dermatology appointment set for June, but in the meantime I thought I'd run it by this group. It's tough to get into see doctors these days. Getting older throws some oddball conditions our way!

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imallears | @imallears | Mar 13, 2023

@babsellen

I think hydrocortisone can be very drying on skin after a while. I wear hearing aids and was prone to itchy and dry ears a few years ago. My ENT at that time told me to use mineral drops (available in drugstore) several nights a week. I continue that practice today and have never had the problem again. You can buy a bottle and transfer to a dropper bottle.

A simple thing like Vaseline which is moisturizing and soothing may help. I am partial to Cerave ointment for dry facial spots and also , occasionally, coconut oil (organic cold pressed unfiltered). My favorite for the inner ear is still mineral oil. You need to keep those ears moisturized as much as possible.

Moisturizers sink into the skin and don’t build up. You might get some relief from them . It sounds like you are on a vicious circle with the hydrocortisone.

FL Mary

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 13, 2023

Hi @babsellen, I saw a post by @gardeningjunkie in another discussion that referenced a site in New Zealand with a lot of different images, topics and treatment information for Eczema that you might find helpful:
--- DermNet: https://dermnetnz.org/search.html?q=ear%20eczema

babsellen | @babsellen | Mar 13, 2023

Thank you so much! I’m so glad I joined this group. You are all so helpful and obviously caring!

ruthless | @ruthless | Mar 13, 2023

In reply to @babsellen "Thank you so much! I’m so glad I joined this group. You are all so helpful..." + (show)

I have a problem with cracked and inflamed skin at the corners of my mouth. I have used many products and nothing cures it permanently. One day I think it is better and then the next day it's worse. I don't call it eczema but I have not seen a doctor yet. This has been going on for months. Any ideas?

babsellen | @babsellen | Mar 13, 2023

In reply to @ruthless "I have a problem with cracked and inflamed skin at the corners of my mouth. I..." + (show)

I’ve had the same thing. It comes and goes. I was told it was fungal and the doctor recommended applying a creme for athlete’s foot. It has cleared up the flare ups for me, though I don’t have a severe case. I hope it helps you.

beatricefay | @beatricefay | Mar 14, 2023

In reply to @ruthless "I have a problem with cracked and inflamed skin at the corners of my mouth. I..." + (show)

I had the same problem. One dermatologist recommended I use clotrimazole cream 1%, but it did not work. Another dermatologist recommended using desitin at night, hydrocortisone during the day (apply a few times) and cleaning with hibiclens (diluted with water) once a day. This did work. Good luck.