The skin behind the ears smells when oil, sweat, and bacteria build up. Wash and dry it daily.
Why
Behind the ears there are sweat and oil glands. Bacteria break down sweat and sebum, creating odor.
Other causes
- Hair products.
- Earring or ear piercing infection.
- Skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
Fix
Wash with soap daily and dry well.
See a doctor
If you see redness, discharge or a persistent smell.
Prevention
Clean earrings and wash pillowcases weekly.
Skin gland secretions
The skin behind the ears has sebaceous glands that produce oil (sebum). Dead skin cells, sweat, hair products and bacteria build up in the fold, creating a cheesy-smelling residue. Bacteria on skin break down sebum into fatty acids with an odor.
Hygiene
This area is often missed during washing. Shampoo, conditioner and sweat accumulate. Earrings, glasses, masks and hats can trap oils.
Earlobe piercings
Piercings can hold a buildup of oil, and smell may come from the earring posts. Clean piercings and jewelry.
Skin conditions
- Seborrheic dermatitis, causing greasy, flaky patches behind the ears.
- Eczema.
- Fungal or bacterial infection, with redness, discharge or odor.
- Cysts, such as epidermoid cysts.
- Ear infections that drain behind the ear.
Fix
- Wash behind your ears daily with soap and water, and dry well.
- Use a cotton pad with a mild cleanser.
- Clean glasses and earphones regularly.
- Wash your pillowcase weekly.
- Rinse hair products fully.
- Clean piercings with saline.
Medicated options
For seborrheic dermatitis, use antifungal shampoo with ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione on the area.
Prevention
Shower after sweating, change hats and headbands frequently, and avoid heavy hair products near the ears.
See a doctor if
The smell persists after cleaning, with pain, swelling, a lump, discharge, redness or fever. Persistent drainage from the ear itself needs a medical exam.
Source of the smell
The skin behind the ears has sebaceous glands that produce oily sebum, which mixes with sweat, dead skin cells and bacteria to produce odor. Poor cleaning, earrings, hair products, and skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or fungal infection can worsen it. Studies on skin microbes, including Cutibacterium and Staphylococcus species, link them to body odor.
Care
Wash behind the ears daily with mild soap, dry well and clean earrings with alcohol. Avoid sharing headphones and wipe them regularly. An anti dandruff shampoo with ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione can help seborrheic dermatitis. See a doctor for persistent redness, drainage, or a cyst, since infected cysts need treatment.
Based on data from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic
