Getting a pimple anywhere on your face

(or body, for that matter) is far from fun —

but an annoyingly gross, achy, and tough-to-treat pimple inside the

nose may just be the worst of the bunch.

Sure, it might not be as visible as a blemish that crops up on your forehead,

but its very location can make these bumps super uncomfortable and tough to treat in the way you would address zits elsewhere.

Ear pimples can have various causes, like earwax buildup, bacterial infections or irritation from sources like earbuds or jewelry, or clogged pores. Ear pimples can occur in the hard-to-access ear canal or in the outer ear.

Close-up view of nodular acne in front of the ear
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Common Causes of Ear Pimples
The most common reasons you may experience a pimple in your ear include:

Clogged pores: The pores in the skin in your ears can become blocked with a build-up of body oils (sebum), sweat, and dead skin cells. This can lead to a swollen, red pustule (pus-filled pocket) that typically heals on its own. Gentle cleaning and benzoyl peroxide may speed healing.12
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection in the pores of the skin of your ear, like Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes, can lead to the formation of pimples.3 Bacteria are typically introduced into the ear from sources like your finger, jewelry, or earbuds.
Excess earwax: The buildup of earwax (cerumen) can trap bacteria and block pores. This is especially true if you try to clean your ear with cotton swabs; doing this can force the wax into the tiny pores of the ear.4
Irritants: Earbuds/headphones, hearing aids, ear piercings, hair products, your fingers, or things that cover your ear, such as flip phones, helmets, or hats, can scratch, irritate, or cause heat buildup, resulting in pimple development.56 These items can harbor bacteria, so it’s important to keep anything that regularly comes in contact with your ears (inside or out) clean.
Hormonal fluctuations: During puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, shifting hormones cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Similar to the face and other parts of the body, the ears become more prone to pimple outbreaks.7
Ingrown hairs: Hairs that grow inward, into the skin of the outer ear or ear canal, can cause irritation and pimple-like bumps.
Close-up of a woman’s ear with blackheads
Marina Demeshko / Getty Images
How Long Do Ear Pimples Last?
If left alone, most ear pimples go away within a few days to a week. If you try to squeeze or pop it, you’re likely to extend healing time.2

How to Treat an Ear Pimple at Home
Rather than popping an ear pimple, try some simple strategies or over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams or ointments designed to get rid of acne and prevent future outbreaks. They include:

Warm compress: Placing a warm (not hot) compress on your ear can help open pores and soften the blockage. Doing so may allow pimples to drain on their own. Leave it in place for several minutes and repeat as needed.
Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient is found in many acne products. It works by killing bacteria on the skin and removing dead skin that causes blockages. Side effects include skin irritation, dryness, redness, and flaking.8 Benzoyl peroxide products are sold in strengths ranging from 2.5% and 10%. Start with lower strengths to treat pimples in the ear.
Azelaic acid: Topical acne products that contain azelaic acid may be especially helpful for those with sensitive skin or darker skin types.1
Salicylic acid: OTC creams that contain salicylic acid may offer benefits in treating acne. It’s also used in chemical peels.1
Tea tree oil: This herbal remedy is sometimes used for mild acne. For application to the skin, it is typically sold in 5% strength. Tea tree oil (particularly at higher strengths) can lead to stinging, redness, and itching.
Retinoid creams: Creams containing retinoids help thin the skin around a pimple. It is best applied 20 minutes after washing.9 Retinoid cream is typically too harsh to apply to the ear canal, but it may help treat external ear pimples. Keep in mind that side effects include sun sensitivity.
Before applying any topical ointment or cream to your ear, test some on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to ensure it does not cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

Is it okay to pop an ear pimple?
Never attempt to pop a pimple in your ear.2 Pimples in the ear are not as accessible as those elsewhere on your body; you may end up damaging your ear by reaching in with your fingers or a tool.

Popping can also push pimple contents deeper into the pore or further down into underlying tissue. And, if popped incorrectly, the pus can enter your ear canal, causing inflammation, obstruction, and possibly an ear infection.

What Else Could It Be?
Your pimple may also be due to another condition, such as cholesteatoma.10 This skin growth in the ear typically requires surgical removal and close monitoring by an otolaryngologist (a doctor specializing in ear, nose, and throat health). Other possibilities include:

Acanthoma fissuratum: Also known as granuloma fissuratum, these pimple-like spots occur due to wearing glasses or hearing aids. They are benign (harmless) and will resolve on their own if the irritation is avoided. But they also look like basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) sores, so a diagnosis is important.11
Actinic keratos