Why There’s a Rash Behind Your Ear
With Suggestions for Treating Symptoms in Children
Medically reviewed by Marisa Garshick, MD
A rash behind the ears looks inflamed and often has a red or purple color and texture that may be bumpy, scaly, crusty, and/or flaky. There are many causes, including infections, skin conditions, and skin irritants. There are many treatments and at-home remedy options for adults and infants experiencing rash behind ears, listed ahead.
This article covers what causes rash behind the ears and neck, symptoms, treatment options for adults and infants, and when to see a healthcare provider. You’ll also learn when to call 911 for behind-the-ear rash.
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Causes of Rash Behind Ear
It’s not always possible to determine the exact cause of a rash. Here are some reasons why a rash behind the ear may develop.
Viral
Viral infections like rubella (German measles or three-day measles) can cause rash behind the ears and neck. It’s said the rubella rash—pink or red spots in patches behind the ears—is caused by the rubella virus and is often the first sign of rubella parents notice.
The measles virus can also cause a rash behind the ears and neck that moves downward to the rest of the body.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions, including autoimmune conditions like lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) or psoriasis, can also cause rash behind the ear. People with lupus, for example, may experience lupus rash, sores, or swelling on body areas, including behind the ear.
Other skin conditions that can cause behind the ear rash include:
Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Dry, itchy skin, and red-to-purple or gray patches, blisters, and risk of infections
Rosacea: Can look like hives
Psoriasis: Causes raised plaques on the skin
Irritants
Skin irritants can cause skin inflammation known as contact dermatitis. Some skin irritants that can lead to contact dermatitis behind the ears include wearing headphones or glasses.
There are countless skin irritants ranging from laundry detergents to jewelry to plants. The irritants most likely involved with behind-the-ear rash include those that come into direct contact with the area. Examples are:
Shampoo or conditioner
Hair dye or hair products such as hair spray, gel, or chemical straightener
Allergens on a cellphone
Earrings (particularly those made of nickel)
Perfume or cologne
Face care products including face sprays and neck cream
Heat Rash
Heat rash can also affect the area behind the ears. Heat rash or prickly rash can happen for many reasons but is particularly common in babies and infants because their sweat glands are not fully developed. Treating heat rash in young children involves cooling down the area, keeping it dry, and avoiding further irritation or friction to the area.
Related: Anti-Itch Creams and Home Remedies for Kids
How Rash Behind Ears Could Look
Generally, a rash behind the ears will look inflamed. The rash color can vary depending on skin tone. For people with darker skin pigmentation, the rash color may not be red, but instead can range in darker hues from purple to grey. The exact look of the rash behind the ears can also vary based on the cause.
Dandruff, for example, can appear as a red, inflamed rash with white crusty and flaky scales. There may also be cracks in the skin or oozing from the ear. People with eczema will experience a similar-looking rash. Psoriasis rash, on the other hand, is red and inflamed, with white or silvery scaly raised patches called plaques.
Takeaway
When in doubt, consult with a primary care provider or a dermatologist, who are medical specialists trained in detecting subtle differences between rashes to get an accurate diagnosis.
Related: Alphabetical List of Common Rashes and Their Causes
How to Treat Behind the Ear Rashes at Home
Many minor or simple rashes can be treated at home. Experts recommend following these guidelines for treating behind the ear rashes at home:
Avoid irritating the skin (i.e., avoid scratching, scrubbing, or rubbing the rash).
Expose the area to as much air as possible (i.e., if you have long hair, tie it up).
When cleaning the affected area, use warm (not hot) water and pat dry only.
Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments on the rash.
Apply calamine medicated lotion for various types of contact dermatitis.
Use hydrocortisone cream (1%) to soothe various rashes.
If necessary, a healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger hydrocortisone or steroid cream. If your rash is caused by eczema, treatment recommendations vary slightly to include applying eczema lotions to the area, using oatmeal-based bath products, and oral histamines for itch relief.
Babies and Behind the Ear Rash
Babies and infants may experience a behind-the-ear rash from cradle cap, a form of seborrheic dermatitis that also causes dandruff. With treatment, this form of rash usually resolves within six months.
Treatment starts with unmedicated baby shampoo. If that doesn’t clear the rash, a dandruff shampoo may be recommended.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
If at-home treatment is not working to resolve the ear rash, or if your symptoms are getting worse, you may want to consult with a healthcare provider.
Consulting with a healthcare provider is also recommended if you:
Are taking a new medication
Have joint pain
Have a fever or sore throat
Have signs of infection including streaks of redness, swelling, or very tender areas
When to Call 911
The following symptoms require immediate medical attention. Experts say to call 911 or your local emergency number in these cases:
You are short of breath.
Your throat is tight.
Your face is swollen.
Your child has a bruise-like purple rash.
Read Next: A Guide to Which Rashes You Should Worry About
Summary
A behind-the-ear rash looks red or purple and inflamed. Other symptoms, like the presence or absence of raised skin plaques, will help determine the rash cause. Behind-the-ear rashes may develop due to viral infection, skin conditions including autoimmune-related disorders, and skin irritants.
Treatment involves avoiding further irritation, keeping the area clean and exposed to air, and, in some cases, applying a medicated cream or lotion. If symptoms are not responding to treatment, are getting worse, or you are showing signs of shortness of breath, tight throat and swollen face, or if your child has a bruise-like purple rash, contact your local emergency department.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
