How do you handle ears with a strange and cheesy smell? Surprisingly, it’s a common occurrence. The cheesy smell behind the ears can be mild or strong, but it is always unpleasant. Most people don’t know why it happened or how to address it. This smell may go away and return, or it can persist even after you wash regularly.
The smell behind the ears generally occurs due to the accumulation of bacteria, yeast, and fungus on the skin. But skin conditions, diet, or even accessories like glasses can contribute to making it worse. Knowing the root causes can be helpful when you try to fix them. In this article, we will explain what causes the smell behind the ears and provide some practical tips to get rid of it. Let’s dive in.
What Causes Ears to Smell Like Cheese?
There are a number of things that can cause a bad smell behind the ears. Some of the most common causes include:
The buildup of Oil, Sweat, and Dead Skin
Sebum, sweat, and dead skin cells accumulate behind the ears, resulting in bacteria-friendly conditions. The accumulation often results in a noticeable ear smell, particularly when it isn’t maintained consistently.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This skin condition makes the skin flaky and appears oily behind the ears. The flakes trap sweat and oil, which makes it easier for bacteria and yeast to grow. If it’s not cleaned up, you end up with a stinky, cheese-like smell.
Infections or Piercings
Piercings or small wounds behind the ears can get infected, and they may smell a little bad because of pus and bacteria. Infections can also cause swelling if not kept clean, which can result in an intense cheesy odor.
Yeast Infections
Yeast loves warm, damp places like behind the ears. Yeast infections are often red and itchy and have a sour odor. The yeast continues to spread, and the smell becomes more pronounced and detectable if it is not treated.
Residue from Hair Products or Pollution
You can get a buildup of hair sprays, gels, or conditioners behind the ears. These residues mingle with sweat, grime, and urban pollutants. It eventually crumbles and becomes a greasy, stinky mess that adheres to the skin.
Poor Hygiene
Failure to wash behind the ears results in odor-forming residue. Oils, bacteria, sweat, and dirt build up quickly in this hidden area. These layers stink if you don’t clean them every day, usually resulting in the cheesy smell everyone else can smell.
How to Get Rid of the Cheese Smell Behind Ears?
It may be annoying to have stinky ears, but it’s a pretty common problem. So, how to remove the stinky cheese smell behind the ears? Follow these useful tips:
Regular Cleaning
The simplest way to remove the odor in the back of the ears is to always keep the area clean. Wash the area with a gentle soap and water daily to remove sweat, oil, and bacteria. Use only a soft cloth or cotton swab to avoid any irritation or damage.
Use Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial soap is great for killing bacteria that cause foul odor. Wash behind the ears regularly with antibacterial soap. This aids in keeping the odor behind the ears at bay and keeps the area smelling fresh.
Apply Antifungal Cream
If a yeast infection is the cause, an antifungal cream can help. Spread a thin layer of the cream on the area to kill the yeast and get rid of the sour smell. Follow the directions for the best results.
Keep the Area Dry
In addition, moisture promotes the growth of bacteria and yeast. After you clean, dry thoroughly behind your ears also. You can also sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch to absorb moisture and prevent the smell from returning.
Changing Hair Products
Swap in non-comedogenic hair products that don’t clog pores behind your ears. Avoid fragranced products, which can blend with sweat to create a lingering odor. Opt for lighter, cleaner products to avoid scent build-up.
Clean Piercings Regularly
Clean your ears if you have ear piercings. Wash the area of piercing with saline solution. Make sure that the piercing is clean to avoid infection and smell behind the ears.
Maintain Overall Hygiene
Regular cleanliness practices, like taking a shower every day and washing your hair, also help you avoid the smell behind the ears. Healthy, non-bacterial skin is what keeps your ears smelling fresh and clean.
What Products or Tools Can Help Remove the Smell?
You can successfully remove odor behind the ears using certain techniques and accessories. The Bebird ear cleaning tool provides thorough and safe cleaning.
Bebird’s high-definition camera enables you to watch the real-time video image inside your ear canal. This brilliant earwax cleaner tool will help you remove earwax and debris without any risks to your ears. It scoops out buildup with its soft silicone tips, so there is no need to worry about irritation.
Using the Bebird ear cleaning camera on a regular basis, combined with good hygiene, will keep your ears smelling good. If you’re concerned, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to get it checked out.
Daily Hygiene Tips to Prevent the Smell from Coming Back
Maintaining a regular hygiene schedule is very important to prevent the smell behind the ears from coming back. As long as you keep these daily practices, you will find that your little corner will stay clean and fresh.
Clean behind your ears daily with mild soap and water.
If you are prone to infection, use antibacterial or antifungal soap.
Be sure to dry the area after washing so that water does not accumulate under it.
Apply baby powder or cornstarch to absorb moisture.
Clean your ear piercings regularly with saline solution.
Don’t use any hair products that could block pores behind your ears.
Wash your hair regularly and keep it clean to avoid a buildup of residues.
Wipe away sweat and grime after exercising or other activities that make you sweat.
Why Does the Back of My Ears Smell Even After Washing?
If the odor behind the ears remains even after washing, it could be caused by trapped yeast, bacteria, or oil. Occasionally, sweat or hair products can build up, leaving a residue that is difficult to wash away.
Skin problems such as seborrheic dermatitis or fungal infections may also be responsible, in which case washing may not always help. Proper cleaning and drying, along with the correct products, can help banish the smell once and for all.
When to Seek Medical Help
When the smell behind the ears does not go away or persists, it may indicate the presence of a disease. Bacteria or yeast may become trapped in the region. If you experience pain or swelling, it’s time to call a doctor.
Medications may be needed for skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. If the smell is connected to hearing loss, seek medical attention now. A doctor can identify it and suggest appropriate treatment to prevent complications.
Conclusion
Odour behind the ears is a common problem, and unlike other areas of the body, dealing with it is easy as long as you have proper hygiene and tools. Regular cleaning, antifungal or antibacterial products, and keeping the area dry are key to avoiding odors. If the odor doesn’t go away or is accompanied by other symptoms, don’t hesitate to get professional advice.
In addition, Bebird also provides you with a variety of ear wax removal kits, You can choose the most suitable ear cleaning tool according to your own needs, such as ear wax camera, ear wax removal tools, etc., come and buy it.
Related Reading:
Ear Wax Smell: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What Is a Step in Practicing Correct Personal Hygiene?
A Guide to Gauge Sizes for Ears: What You Need to Know
