Latest news with #RogerKapoor
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
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 – 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 – 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. – 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 – 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.
Business Mayor
24-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
Doctor reveals 'often overlooked' body part that you MUST clean everyday, or risk serious health issue
Published: 15:00 BST, 23 May 2025 | Updated: 01:01 BST, 24 May 2025 A skin doctor has warned that forgetting to wash behind the ears could lead to eczema, nasty infections and even life-threatening sepsis. According to Dr Roger Kapoor, a dermatologist at Beloit Health System in Wisconsin, this part of the body is rife for trapped dirt, oil and dead skin—yet people rarely think to clean it. Bacteria 'stuck' in the crease can migrate to open wounds, such as ear piercings or scratches inside the ear, and trigger dangerous infections, he added. '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,' he told Parade. 'It can always trap grime.' In severe cases, these infections could spread to other parts of the body and enter the bloodstream. While rare, this could lead to life-threatening sepsis—when the body attacks its own tissues, causing organs to gradually shut down. Dr Kapoor also flagged the risk of eczema, an inflammatory condition that causes sufferers to develop flaky, scaly patches which are often itchy and look red. Dirt, dry skin and oil can easily get trapped behind the ear and build up quickly and is likely to worsen in the hotter summer months with the combination of sunscreen and sweat The build up of oil, dirt and sweat can create a moist environment for bacteria and fungus to thrive, which can cause or worsen eczema as well as general skin irritation. Over time, the oil build-up can block pores, causing unsightly spots or acne breakouts. The combination of dirts trapped behind your ear is also likely to leave you with a foul smell. Dr Kapoor said while shampoo contains ingredients to help break down oil and bacteria, they are not the best option as it washes away when rinsing. This means the cleansing substances don't have contact with the skin for long. He advised using a gentle soap and scrubbing behind the ears with fingers to clean the area thoroughly. The dermatologist also recommended washing the arms of glasses regularly as they rest behind the ears and can easily transfer bacteria to the skin. It comes as a significant portion of Britons say they miss certain body parts during showers, like washing their feet (49 per cent) or toes (60 per cent), a 2020 survey by Plumbworld revealed. One survey, conducted by YouGov in 2019, found only half of people in the UK shower every day, with one in four only opting for one every two days. Nearly one in 20 Britons reported only shower once a week, and one in 100 once per month.
