What causes sweaty and smelly ears behind the ears?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Foul-smelling sweat behind the ear may be caused by factors such as a ruptured boil or poor hygiene. If the skin behind the ear is damaged due to excessive scratching or external physical impact and is not promptly and effectively disinfected, the wound may become infected with viruses or bacteria, leading to inflammation. This could subsequently trigger pus formation and ulceration, resulting in foul-smelling perspiration.
Sweating and foul odor behind the ears may be caused by inflammatory infections, ruptured boils, or poor hygiene.
1. Inflammatory infection
If the skin behind the ear becomes damaged due to excessive scratching or external physical impact and is not promptly and effectively disinfected, it may become infected with viruses or bacteria, leading to inflammation. This could potentially trigger pus formation and ulceration, resulting in sweating with a foul smell.
2. Ruptured boil (furuncle)
If sebaceous secretions or bacteria block hair follicles behind the ear and form a boil, and if this condition is left unattended, the boil may rupture. The discharge from the boil can lead to the aforementioned symptoms, including malodorous sweating.
3. Poor hygiene
If a person naturally sweats heavily and does not maintain proper skin cleanliness, large amounts of dirt and secretions may accumulate on the skin surface. Proteins within these accumulations may decompose and putrefy, causing foul-smelling sweat behind the ears. However, this condition usually improves with proper hygiene practices, such as regular bathing.
