Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by an autoimmune disease. In some parts of the body, such as the ears, a thick layer of skin cells can form.
It usually affects the elbows, knees, legs, back, and scalp, although it can also affect more sensitive body parts.
Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune condition in the United States, and it comes in a variety of degrees of severity.
This article discusses the causes of psoriasis in the ears as well as treatment alternatives.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, which causes the fast development of extra skin cells. Experts aren’t sure whatcauses causing it.
It takes roughly 28 days for healthy skin cells to form. The body eliminates old skin cells during this time to make place for new ones.
In people with psoriasis, the body produces new skin cells every 3 to 4 days, leaving little time for old cells to slough.
This results in the accumulation of old and new cells on the affected areas, resulting in thick, red or silvery scales. These scales are often itchy, crack, and bleed, and they can be uncomfortable.
Researchers are still trying to figure out why psoriasis arises in certain parts of the body, including why some people get it in their ears while others don’t. They do know, however, that it cannot be passed from person to person.
According to a report published in the journal American Family Physician, psoriasis is not contagious. Scratching or touching does not cause psoriasis or transfer it to other parts of the body.
Psoriasis around the ears
People with psoriasis in their ears are extremely uncommon. However, if this occurs, an individual’s emotional and physical well-being may be jeopardised.
Psoriasis can cause the skin rough and scaly. Self-consciousness may be felt by people who have symptoms on their face and ears.
Because the skin on the face is frequently more delicate than that on the elbows, knees, and scalp, some treatments may be excessively harsh for this area. As a result, ear psoriasis might be more difficult to cure.
A blockage can occur if scales and wax build up inside the ear. Itching, pain, and hearing loss may cause from this obstruction.
Scales should be kept out of the ear canal to avoid hearing loss and discomfort.
Psoriasis might worsen over time for certain people. This can happen when something sparks a flare, but it’s often unknown why some people’s psoriasis spreads or worsens. New parts of the body, such as the ears, can be affected at any time.
There is no link between psoriasis in the ears and cleanliness, contact, or other things.
Anyone with psoriasis in their ears should see a doctor to find out which psoriasis treatments are safe to use in their ears.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for psoriasis, it is generally managed with treatments.
People who have psoriasis in their ears may need constant medical attention to keep flares under control and avoid problems like hearing loss.
Some psoriasis drugs should not be used in the ears. Certain topical lotions and ointments, for example, may irritate the fragile eardrum. People should inquire about drugs that are safe for the ear canal with their doctor.
Among the treatment options available are:
- Eardrops containing liquid steroids.
- In addition, liquid steroids may be used in conjunction with another psoriasis treatment, such as a vitamin D cream.
- Shampoos with antifungal properties to help clean the ear and kill fungus.
- Medications that help the immune system work more efficiently.
- A few drops of heated olive oil to moisturise and remove wax inside the ears and keep them clean
If psoriasis in the ear causes discomfort or interferes with hearing, a specialist can safely and effectively remove the scales and wax.
It is critical not to attempt to remove the scales by inserting things into the ears.
Pushing the debris deeper into the ear can cause in a blockage, eardrum damage, or skin injury.
A doctor may give a systemic drug if the symptoms are mild to severe. Biologics, a relatively new class of medications, can treat the underlying causes of psoriasis.
Causes
The causes of psoriasis differ from individual to person. Certain factors can briefly aggravate psoriasis before it returns to normal for some people.
Others see their scales and other symptoms get worse over time.
In any case, psoriasis people should strive to avoid triggers wherever feasible. Those who have psoriasis in their ears may notice that a flare affects their hearing, which can be extremely aggravating and frustrating.
The following are some of the most common psoriasis triggers:
- Stress: While it may not always be feasible to avoid the causes of stress, being able to manage it can help prevent flare-ups. Relaxation, exercise, deep breathing, and meditation may all be beneficial.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, mental health disorders, and malaria, might aggravate psoriasis. People with psoriasis should work with their doctors to discover treatments that do not exacerbate their condition.
- Cuts, scrapes, sunburn, and other skin injuries: Any type of skin trauma might cause in a new case of psoriasis in the affected area.
- Certain illnesses: When an infection strikes, the immune system goes into overdrive. This can also cause psoriasis flare-ups. Strep throat, ear infections, tonsillitis, and even regular colds can all cause flare-ups.
Avoiding triggers, whether on the ears, face, or other parts of the body, is an important component of controlling this condition.
Hearing loss and psoriasis
Even if psoriasis does not damage the skin in and around the ears, a person may nevertheless experience hearing loss.
People with psoriasis are more prone to acquire abrupt deafness, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.
This type of hearing loss might happen in a matter of minutes or over the course of a few days. People over the age of 50 are more likely to be affected by it.
The cause of sudden deafness in psoriasis is unknown, however it could be linked to the immune system harming part of the inner ear. Within 2–3 weeks, almost half of those who have abrupt deafness regain some or all of their hearing.
Doctors may advise that people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have regular hearing tests to ensure that any abnormalities are detected and treated early.
Living with psoriasis in the ears
Many people suffer from psoriasis, which can be emotionally and physically draining, but with the help of a doctor, they can generally manage the condition.
Finding an effective treatment, whether the flares occur in the ears or elsewhere, is critical to reducing symptoms and flares.
Hearing tests and ear examinations should be done on a regular basis for people who have psoriasis in their ears so that any difficulties can be addressed as soon as feasible.
Because everyone with psoriasis reacts to drugs differently, finding the proper treatment may take some time. Some people’s psoriasis medicine stops working over time, necessitating the use of a different treatment.
People with psoriasis should be able to live full, active lives once they find a suitable treatment.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a painful, long-term skin condition that can affect the inside and outside of the ear.
It is more difficult to treat than psoriasis elsewhere on the body when it does this. Hearing loss can occur as a result of the condition, both temporary and permanent. Although a complete treatment is not yet attainable, people can control their symptoms with condition and live a normal life.
To avoid serious flare-ups, get regular hearing tests and consultations.
Sources:
- https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4797675/
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(18)33001-9/fulltext
- https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/specific-locations/face
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/psoriasis
- http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/psoriasis/default.asp
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314768
- http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0301/p715.html
- https://www.psoriasis.org/content/statistics
- https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/sudden-deafness
- http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/psoriatic-arthritis/what-is-psoriatic-arthritis.php
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25687690
