Treatments and Home Remedies
Instead of popping a zit, consider one or more of the following methods. But before using an over-the-counter ointment or cream on your ear, be sure to test the product on a small area of your skin to rule out a possible allergic reaction.
Use a warm compress
One of the best ways to reduce ear spot-related painful inflammation is to use a warm compress. Here are the steps to take:
- Start by wiping the spot with alcohol.
- Next, soak a washcloth in warm water.
- Squeeze out the excess water.
- Fold the cloth in half and place it over the blemish.
- Leave the compress on for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Do this three to four times a day.
Use benzoyl peroxide
Many anti-acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide in various concentrations. When using any product with this active ingredient, use the lowest dose to see how your skin reacts. This compound aims to help kill bacteria on the skin surface and help break up comedones.
Try topical antibiotics
If you decide to see a dermatologist, you may receive a prescription for a topical antibiotic. Erythromycin and clindamycin are two of the most commonly used antibiotics. However, be extra careful not to overuse these preparations because you may inadvertently create bacterial resistance.
Explore tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most researched essential oils to treat acne effectively. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is worth a try and should be part of everyone's natural medicine cabinet. Dab a drop or two of tea tree oil on the ear acne. Be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil (e.g., sweet almond oil).
Use retinoid cream
Keep this option as a last resort. Thanks to its keratolytic properties, retinoid cream, or vitamin A, helps thin the skin around the spot. But retinoid creams can have severe adverse effects, and not everyone can tolerate their use. For instance, due to their skin-thinning effect, you may become extra sensitive to sunlight, and your skin may begin to dry out and flake. If the spot is on an ear area that is exposed to the sun (earlobe for example), you will need to apply sunscreen.
If you cannot tolerate retinoid cream, you can try a salicylic acid-containing cream instead.