Blackheads are a form of acne and they look like small yellowish or black bumps or plug in the pores and caused by abundant oil in the skin. Blackheads usually occur in the nose or the chin area but they can also occur in other areas such as the ear. By enrolling in a first aid class, you can readily manage the condition.
The skin on the ear is thin and stiff unlike with other parts of the body, so acne that develops there is very painful. An incorrect treatment of blackheads in the ears can cause scaring and difficulty in removing the blackhead.
Blackheads develops when there is excessive oil production in the oil glands of the skin, but they can develop anywhere on the skin and usually common on face because of the oil glands in this areas. Excess oil, accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells can get trapped in the pores, thus making the blackheads visible.
Causes of blackheads in the ear
- Poor ear hygiene. The accumulation of dirt, dead skin cells and excess production of oil will lead to the blockage of the skin pores and will cause the formation of blackheads.
- Blackheads in the ears are common among people with hyperthyroidism which is an over activity of the thyroid gland.
- Blackheads can develop among those who are suffering from constipation.
Treatment and home remedies for blackheads in the ears
- Wash hands and the ear using mild soap and water.
- Use an exfoliating agent such as salicylic acid gently on the affected area by placing a small amount on a swab and apply it to the blackhead in order to help open pores that are blocked. Rinse the skin and pat it dry.
- Apply a warm compress against the skin where the blackheads are to be removed. Another remedy is to create a steam using hot water from the sink. Use these remedies for at least 5 minutes in order to open up the pores. This will allow easy removal of the blackheads with less pain and scarring.
- Squeeze the blackheads very gently and if it still remains after the exfoliation and steaming, avoid using the nails in exfoliating the blackheads since they will damage the skin. If light squeezing does not remove the blackheads, avoid squeezing harder and allow the blackhead to stay inside the pore. Another remedy is buy a blackhead removal tool which can pluck out each blackhead through a small round hole found at the bottom. If this tool is used in removing the blackhead, it is important to be careful since it will cause scarring.
- Blackheads can be removed by placing a thin piece of cloth immersed in warm water and placed in the ear for a few minutes. This will help open clogged pores and makes removal of blackheads in the ear easier.
- After the removal of the blackheads, you have to rinse the skin thoroughly and pat it dry.