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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Itching And Bumps Behind Ears And Towards Scalp?

I have had this problem off and on since 2005. This most recent episode started around September 2010 and continues today. I THINK, but am not positive that it began when I was using a Jabra behind-the-ear Bluetooth headset, but I have stopped using headsets altogether and the condition is not getting any better. It starts with an itching sensation behind one ear (this time it s my right ear), and within a few days, I have small rash-like, skin-colored bumps underneath my hairline behind my neck and down my neck and it works its way up to my other ear. Inside the external ear and behind the ears it becomes scaly. It is extremely itchy and seems as if the bumps are moving up my scalp. I have asked several people to look at it (doctors, friends, family), but they say they cannot see anything although they can feel the bumps and the scaly skin behind my ears. I have reduced the temperature of my showers, wash my hair every other day, and I do not use the HOT setting on my blowdryer. I don t have lice or bedbugs, I haven t changed anything as far as detergent, shampoo, conditioner, or soap. I have tried steroid creams, cortizoid creams, and antibiotic creams, but nothing seems to work. The itching gets so bad that I wake up in the middle of the night almost clawing my scalp and neck. HELP!
Tue, 29 Dec 2020
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi,

All your symptoms of a rash, bumps behind ear along hairline, scabby feeling is indicative of a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Other causes can be herpes, eczema, allergic dermatitis and so on. First of all, stop applying anything locally. Use pure cotton clothes and collar covering. Use antihistamine. Consult a dermatologist when you have some positive findings and the diagnosis may be made.

May need oral steroids for a few days to weeks in tapering doses. As per the cause found the treatment will progress. As you may know many of the skin conditions are recurrent is the causative factors cannot be traced and avoided. Stress and anxiety do add to the problems hence better be under control.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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What Causes Itching And Bumps Behind Ears And Towards Scalp?

Hi, All your symptoms of a rash, bumps behind ear along hairline, scabby feeling is indicative of a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Other causes can be herpes, eczema, allergic dermatitis and so on. First of all, stop applying anything locally. Use pure cotton clothes and collar covering. Use antihistamine. Consult a dermatologist when you have some positive findings and the diagnosis may be made. May need oral steroids for a few days to weeks in tapering doses. As per the cause found the treatment will progress. As you may know many of the skin conditions are recurrent is the causative factors cannot be traced and avoided. Stress and anxiety do add to the problems hence better be under control. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon