Torn earlobe

introduction

Torn earlobes are a symptom that can occur in the context of various diseases and conditions. Those affected usually find this very uncomfortable, as the earlobe is a very sensitive part of the body.

There can be very different causes for cracks in the earlobe, which can usually be differentiated by their accompanying symptoms. However, cracks in the earlobe are usually not a cause for concern. They occur more frequently in the cold winter months and are usually easy to get under control with good care. Diseases such as neurodermatitis, which can also lead to cracked earlobes, usually require holistic therapy, which also relieves cracks in the earlobes. Depending on the cause, itching, pain or dry, cracked areas can also occur in other skin regions.
In the following article, the most important causes of torn earlobes and therapy options as well as other interesting aspects are explained.

In the case of a torn ear cartilage, we recommend our website: Ear cartilage

causes

Cracked earlobes can have very different causes. It doesn't always have to be illness or one Deficiency symptom be responsible for a tear in the earlobe. Also Injuries or small Scratches are quite typical at this point. The most common causes include:

1. Wounds and injuries: Of course, wounds and injuries are possible causes of cracks in the earlobe. For example, improper piercing of ears can lead to cracks. Wearing earrings during sporting activities also carries a risk of injury, which can cause larger cracks in the earlobe or it can be torn through completely. The absence of accompanying symptoms such as itching or dry and chapped skin suggests a cause related to the injury.
2. Allergic contact eczema: An allergic contact dermatitis comes about through skin contact with a certain substance to which the skin is allergic. Such a common allergen is nickel, which was often contained in earrings, especially in the past. Today most jewelry is nickel free. Itching, small blisters and nodules, and reddening of the earlobe are typical. By scratching the itchy skin, those affected encourage the formation of cracks. Chronic eczema that arises from constant contact with the allergy substance often shows dry, cracked skin on the earlobe. The appearance of a rash after contact with certain substances such as jewelry, creams or a new shampoo is suspicious. See below Eczema.
   
3. Atopic eczema: is also under the term Neurodermatitis known. Neurodermatitis is a disease that leads to very dry skin, which can be accompanied by itching. The scratching causes cracks in the skin. Typically, the flexors of the arms and legs are also affected.
4. Fungal disease: A fungal disease of the skin, which is known in technical terms as Tinea corporis can cause the skin on the earlobes to crack. Disc-shaped, reddened skin symptoms with a dark border are also typically found on other parts of the body. Flakes and cracks in the skin are typical, as is severe itching.
5. Hypovitaminoses: Cracked and dry skin can also indicate a vitamin deficiency. Deficiency symptoms can occur, especially in a malnourished condition or with a strict and spartan diet. more on the subject Vitamins.

diagnosis

If your earlobes are cracked, your Family doctor as the first point of contact to help. He can assess whether there is one behind the cracked earlobe Skin disease like atopic eczema or just a small one injury, for example through earrings or the like. So he can refer you to one of the suspected illnesses that require treatment Refer a specialist. To do this, he looks at the skin on the earlobe and asks you more questions about your symptoms. If a deficiency is suspected, a Blood test provide more information.

Concomitant symptoms

Cracked earlobes can result from among others Pain be accompanied. Straight Injuriesdealing with germs infect, are extremely painful, reddened and swollen. Concomitant fever may occur.

Allergic eczema or neurodermatitis also show a more or less severe one itching. At a Neurodermatitis Other areas of the skin are usually also affected and are characterized by a dry appearance. Allergic contact eczema is restricted to the area that came into contact with the substance causing the allergy. Fungal diseases usually occur on other parts of the body and are also from one itching accompanied.

inflammation

Signs of inflammation include reddening of the skin, swelling, warmth, and pain. Furthermore, the skin can shine and the accompanying occurrence of fever is possible. The latter suggests an infection with bacteria.

Read more here: Inflammation of the earlobe

Pain

Pain can accompany tears in the earlobe. A possible cause of pain is bacterial infection. The bacteria enter the body through the crack in the skin and cause inflammation there.
Furthermore, some injuries are accompanied by pain. Larger cracks in particular can burn and hurt. Cooling the affected earlobe and mild pain relievers such as ibuprofen provide relief.
The stretching of ear holes leads to tears in the ear lobes, especially if done incorrectly, which also heal painfully and often with scarring. Therefore, you should inform yourself well in advance before you stretch your earlobes too quickly or improperly.

You might also be interested in: Pain in the earlobe

What to do with torn earlobes

Cracks in the earlobe are common for many sufferers not just a cosmetic problem. The cracks can be accompanied by pain, uncomfortably dry skin or even itching. The symptoms depend on the cause of the cracks and their severity. Treatment is based on these criteria.

• Small wounds and injuries are often cooled and treated with pain relievers such as ibuprofen if necessary. Soiled wounds must first be cleaned. In infected wounds and cracks, antibiotics are used to fight the germs.
• Larger tears, which can arise, for example, when the ear holes are stretched too quickly or with sports injuries (earring torn out), sometimes have to be sewn with a few stitches.
• Skin diseasesn such as neurodermatitis, allergic contact eczema or a fungal disease are treated with different methods. Atopic dermatitis is treated with different creams and ointments, depending on the degree of severity, which, among other things, have a greasy effect and counteract dry skin. Cortisone ointments and other drugs are also used.
• In the case of allergic contact eczema, which occurs when the earlobe repeatedly comes into contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction, it is particularly important to avoid this substance. The eczema is then treated with cortisone ointments and ointments that lubricate the skin.
• Fungal diseases can be treated with creams and ointments that contain a so-called antifungal agent. This drug kills the fungus.

surgery

Surgery is for a tear in the earlobe not mandatory. Usually heal small cracks in the skin by itself and do not require any operational measures.
Larger and deeper cracks in the earlobe, which can occur, for example, in an accident or if the ear holes are overstretched sewn. However, with local anesthesia this is done on an outpatient basis or at the family doctor or another specialist.

Only rare cases such as large injuries, which then also affect the rest of the ear or other parts of the head, as well extensive infections and abscesses may require surgery. However, these are clinical pictures in which the crack in the earlobe is no longer the main problem.

costs

The cost of treating cracks in the earlobe depends on the cause and type of the crack.

For necessary treatments, such as one Hospital wound care after an accident, however, the health insurance company bears the costs of the treatment. The treatment of neurodermatitis or allergic eczema is also covered by the health insurance. If you have a private insurance company, you must inquire about the cost of treatment.

When a torn earlobe is out cosmetic reasons is to be sewn, this usually has to be done paid myself become. The attending physician determines the amount of the costs.

Torn earlobes in babies & children

Babies and children can also have cracks in their earlobes. It's basically same causes conceivable, which also lead to cracks in the earlobes of adults.

In babies, a common cause of dry and cracked skin is what is known as Cradle cap. This must not be confused with the head gneiss and only occurs after the 3rd month of life. It is the early childhood form of neurodermatitis, which leads to cracked and dry skin. Itching is typical. Because of its appearance, it is also called cradle cap.

Furthermore you can Fungal diseases or allergic reactions (allergic contact eczema) of the skin can lead to small tears on the earlobes.

Small injuries, for example from that Scratching of the earlobe, are also often the reason for fine cracks. It is recommended for babies and children in case of uncertainty one Pediatrician to seek out who can then determine a corresponding cause.

Cracks from stretching the ear holes ("tunnels")

The stretching of the pierced ears is a so-called "Bodymodification" measure. This means that desired changes have been made to a part of the body.
You should realize that you are like that permanent the Shape of the earlobes changed. However, stretching the ear holes too quickly or incorrectly can lead to painful tears in the earlobe, which then usually also heal scarred or in the worst case become infected with germs. Therefore, before you stretch your ears, you should inform yourself exactly about the process of stretching or get involved professional piercing studio turn.