Blackheads are troublesome and irritating, and even more so when they are in your ears. They can be very tender and cause mild pain, as well as give the false impression that your ears are dirty.
Normally, blackheads occur on the T-zone of the face, but you can also get blackheads in your ears or any part of your body that produces too much oil.
Due to too much oil secretion, dead skin cells, sebum and dirt can clog the pores. When sebum comes into contact with oxygen, it turns black, which is what creates blackheads. However, people who have a lighter skin tone can have blackheads that appear grayish or yellowish in color.
If not treated timely, blackheads can lead to painful acne. They can also get infected.
Because the skin on your ears is thinner, removing blackheads is not as easy as removing them from your nose or other areas. Improper treatment may lead to scarring and infection, making the problem even worse.
Using some simple and effective home remedies and other tips will help you easily get rid of blackheads in your ears or behind the ears.
Note: You can prevent any of the remedies from getting into your ear canal by putting a cotton ball in your ear. Also, if your blackhead has turned into acne in your ear and is aching then consult your doctor for proper treatment.
Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of blackheads in your ears.
1. Warm Compress
A warm compress is also very effective at getting rid of blackheads in your ears. It can help open up the clogged pores and dislodge the excess oil, dead skin cells and impurities, so it’s easier to clean out the blackheads.
The warmth also helps reduce any pain associated with blackheads.
- Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and squeeze out the excess water.
- Apply the warm compress on the ear for 5 minutes.
- Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse the ear.
- Use this remedy twice daily for a few days. Do it on both ears, if needed.
2. Witch Hazel
Due to its astringent and antiseptic properties, witch hazel is also good for treating blackheads in your ear. It helps unclog your pores and also prevents infections.
- Dip a cotton scab in witch hazel.
- Dab it on the affected area.
- Allow it to dry on its own. Then, clean with a clean washcloth dampened with warm water.
- Do this once or twice daily for a few days.
3. Blackhead Extractor Tool
The fastest way to get rid of blackheads from your ears is by using an extractor tool. This tool is easy to find in the market and is very easy to use.
If you can’t see the blackheads in the ears well enough, you may need help from a family member or friend.
- Open up the pores by putting a warm washcloth over the affected area.
- Disinfect the blackhead extractor using rubbing alcohol.
- Place the tip of the extractor on top of the blackhead and press down gently.
- Finally, wash the area with lukewarm water and apply some antiseptic cream to prevent infection.
If you experience any pain, try another remedy instead.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a rich source of citric acid that helps cleanse your skin by removing excess oil and dead skin cells. Being a natural astringent, lemon helps remove blackheads from your ears and tightens the pores to prevent a recurrence.
- Dilute 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with ½ teaspoon of water.
- Dip a cotton swab in this solution, then apply it directly on the blackheads in the affected ear.
- Allow it to dry before wiping it off using a cotton swab soaked with warm water.
- Do this twice daily until the blackheads are gone.
5. Baking Soda
Another effective ingredient for blackheads in the ears is baking soda. Being a gentle exfoliating agent, it helps clear the skin of impurities, such as dirt and microbes. It also helps remove excess oil and unclog pores that have developed into blackheads.
