5 Causes behind the ear smell (plus how to fix it)

Smelly ears are a condition that cannot be ignored. The reason is, this condition may be a symptom of ear disease. In fact, what causes the ear to smell bad? How to handle it? Check out the explanation below?

What are the causes of smelly ears?

It's not just body or mouth odor that can make you uncomfortable. The smell that comes from the ear too. Even though it sounds quite rare, in fact there are some people who complain about smelling a strange scent on their fingers after touching their ears.

Now, try to be more thorough, one or more of these things may be the cause behind smelly ears:

1. Lack of ear hygiene

Behind the ear is a hidden area that sometimes goes unnoticed. You may be so focused on cleaning more visible parts of your body that you forget other areas that are covered. Even if you regularly clean your ears, only the inside is usually cleaned but not the outside.

In fact, the back of the ear is very easy to get dirty and sweaty. If not cleaned, this accumulated sweat will mingle directly with the bacteria. Not infrequently, sweat production is also accompanied by fairly active oil (sebum) glands.

Actually oil is useful for keeping the skin supple and healthy. With a note, the production is within the limit and not excessive. However, some people have fairly active oil glands, so the amount of oil that is produced actually builds up.

Moreover, the back ear is composed of several folds, which make it easier for all the sweat, dirt, and oil to hide and eventually cause a bad smell.

2. Dust and pollution

Frequent outdoor activities make exposure to dust, motor vehicle fumes, and other pollution easily stick to your body. Including in the area behind the ear. All of these substances will eventually settle and clog the pores behind the ears along with oil, sweat, and other earwax.

Those of you who have long hair, often wear earplugs, hats, and hair care products that are not cleaned thoroughly can worsen the clogging of the dirt in the pores of the skin behind the ears.

This condition is very favorable for microbes to grow and reproduce. That's why you then notice a strange scent coming from your ears.

3. Earwax

Another reason behind smelly ears is due to the presence of earwax, which resembles a yellow waxy liquid and sticky texture. Although normally this earwax is only on the inside of the ear.

But not infrequently, this dirt can come out by itself and then leads to the back. Finally, there was a smell that was quite annoying.

Not only that, quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, the smell that comes from inside the ear indicates a buildup of dirt. When you experience this condition which is also called cerumen prop, you may also experience other symptoms, such as a full ear to dizziness.

4. Infection

In some cases, ear infections are a cause of smelly ears. This is due to bacteria and fungi that "hobby" live and thrive in warm and humid areas.

The habit of scratching ears with dirty hands, wearing glasses, having done ear piercings, and several other activities related to the ears can trigger the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause ear odor.

5. Ear tumor

Ear tumors or cholesteatoma usually appear after repeated ear infections. When the infection leads to a tumor, you will experience other symptoms, namely ear fluid that smells foul and contains blood.

Cholesteatoma will usually continue to grow if it is not removed surgically. If left untreated, this disease can lead to complications ranging from hearing loss to meningitis.

6. Other reasons

The presence of eczema, rashes, and dermatitis behind the ears can cause irritation and dry skin. This condition will make you scratch the area behind the ear, which can eventually cause injury. Bacteria are also more susceptible to being present and settling here.

How to get rid of smelly ears?

Don't worry just yet, if you suddenly smell bad from the ear. You can do the following ways to get rid of smelly ears:

• Routinely clean all parts of the body, including the outer and inner ears. Make sure you rinse thoroughly all the skin care products you use, so that nothing clogs your pores.
• Use antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory creams, as directed by your doctor depending on the original cause.
• Keep the back of the ear dry. Always wipe your ears whenever they feel wet to avoid damp conditions that can lead to mold and bacteria growth.
• Using ear drops can help if there is a possibility of excess earwax, or an ear infection that hasn't been treated completely. Further consult with your doctor to get the choice of ear drops according to your condition.
• Using essential oils, will help to soothe the skin as well as relieve stubborn ear odors.