This is the one body part you don't want to forget to wash: ‘Always traps grime'
You might be rinsing and repeating — but you're probably not as clean as you think.
Dermatologists say there's one spot most people overlook in their shower routine where dirt, oil and dead skin cells can accumulate quickly.
Left unchecked, that buildup can lead to bacterial infections, painful skin problems and a foul odor that lingers long after you've toweled off.
4 Studies show roughly two-thirds of Americans shower daily.
Daria – stock.adobe.com
Doctors generally agree that your ears do a good job of cleaning themselves, so you can probably toss the Q-tips. But the area around them is a different story.
'I always recommend people wash the skin behind their ears intentionally and specifically to get into the creases of where the ear meets your skin, as it can always trap grime,' Dr. Roger Kapoor, a dermatologist and senior vice president at Beloit Memorial Hospital, told Parade.
That's especially true in summer, when sweat and sunscreen create a moist breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
For people who wear glasses, the arms resting behind the ears can also easily transfer bacteria to the skin.
Ear-itation
Oil, dirt, and dead skin cells piling up behind your ears can clog pores and cause painful pimples and acne.
It can also irritate your skin — and even trigger ear eczema.
4 Ear eczema symptoms range from hardly noticeable to extremely uncomfortable.
artem_goncharov – stock.adobe.com
This inflammatory skin condition causes red, itchy patches that can be dry, flaky or waxy, depending on the type.
'Any inflammatory condition of the skin can lead to cracks in the natural skin barrier, allowing bacteria in and causing infections,' Dr. Stacey Tull, a dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon, told Real Simple.
Even tiny cuts, piercings or scratches inside the ear can open the door to infection.
In rare but serious cases, those infections can spread beyond the ear and into the bloodstream — potentially leading to life-threatening sepsis, when the body starts attacking its own organs.
What's that smell?
Infections behind the ears can also give off a foul, cheeselike stench, often thanks to bacteria, yeast and fungi, according to Healthline.
4 Possible causes of a smell behind the ear include poor hygiene and infections.
Krakenimages.com – stock.adobe.com
Sweat gland behind the ears also secrete perspiration starts to stink once it mixes with bacteria and oxygen.
Add sebaceous glands, which secrete a waxy mix of oils and fats, and you've got a recipe for some serious funk if it builds up.
The problem can be even worse for people with overactive glands that release extra sweat and oil.
Wash up — and when to get help
If an infection is painful, you have a fever, swollen lymph nodes or home treatments like over-the-counter antifungal creams don't work, it's probably time to see a doctor, Medical News Today reports.
Some infections need stronger antibiotics to clear up and prevent serious complications. Doctors can also prescribe anti-inflammatory ointments to soothe eczema symptoms.
4 Doctors can help diagnose pain behind the ear and recommend various treatments.
bnenin – stock.adobe.com
Otherwise, the area behind your ears is simple to clean. All you need is gentle soap and warm water.
The trickiest part is probably remembering to scrub the area after hitting all the usual spots in the shower.
Kapoor says shampoo can help break down oil and bacteria behind your ears, but it rinses off quickly unless you specifically scrub the area.
If you wear glasses, he also recommends cleaning the arms regularly to keep bacteria from transferring to your skin.
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