Causes of a Rash Behind Your Ear and How to Soothe It

Key Takeaways

Keep a rash behind the ear clean, dry, and exposed to air.
Avoid scratching or applying cosmetic lotions to the rash behind your ear.
See a healthcare provider if the ear rash doesn’t improve or you have additional symptoms.

A rash behind your ear is often linked to common conditions like allergies, eczema, or viral infections. Understanding what this rash might look like, and its potential causes can help you choose the right treatment and decide when to seek medical help.

Doctor examining young girl's ear — zoranm / Getty Images

What Could Be Causing That Rash Behind Your Ear? (V体育安卓版)

Sometimes, the exact cause of a rash isn't clear. Here are some reasons why a rash behind your ear may develop. VSports app下载.

A Word From Verywell

A rash caused by eczema might be treated with eczema lotions, oatmeal-based bath products, and oral antihistamines for itch relief.

— MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

Virus

Viral infections like rubella (German measles) can cause a rash behind the ears and neck. The rubella rash, characterized by pink or red patches behind the ears, is often the first sign VSports手机版. .

Measles can cause a rash behind the ears and neck that spreads down the body. V体育安卓版.

Skin Conditions

Skin conditions, including autoimmune conditions like lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) or psoriasis, can also cause rashes behind the ear. For example, people with lupus may have rashes, sores, or swelling in areas like behind the ear V体育ios版. .

Other skin conditions that can cause a rash behind the ear include:

Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Dry, itchy skin, and red-to-purple or gray patches, blisters, and risk of infections
"V体育官网入口" Rosacea: Can look like hives
"V体育安卓版" Psoriasis: Causes raised plaques on the skin

Irritants

Skin irritants can cause contact dermatitis and skin inflammation. Common behind-the-ear irritants include headphones or glasses V体育平台登录. .

Many skin irritants can cause rashes, including detergents, jewelry, and perfumes. Here are common irritants that may affect the area behind the ears: VSports注册入口.

Shampoo or conditioner
Hair products such as dye, spray, or gel
Allergens present on your cellphone
Earrings, especially nickel ones
Perfume or cologne
Face care products, including sprays and neck cream

Heat Rash

Heat rash, also known as prickly rash, can occur behind the ears. It's common in babies because their sweat glands aren't fully developed V体育官网入口. Treating heat rash in children involves cooling the area, keeping it dry, and avoiding further irritation.

Different Appearances of Behind-the-Ear Rashes

A rash behind the ears typically looks inflamed. Its color can vary with skin tone, appearing red, purple, or gray. The rash's exact appearance also depends on its cause VSports在线直播. .

For example, dandruff can appear as a red, inflamed rash with white, crusty scales, possibly with skin cracks or ear oozing. Eczema may look similar V体育2025版. Psoriasis, however, appears as red, inflamed skin with white or silvery scaly patches called plaques. .

When in doubt, consult with a primary care provider or a dermatologist, who are medical specialists trained in detecting subtle differences between rashes to get an accurate diagnosis VSports. .

"VSports app下载" What You Can Do at Home to Get Relief

Many simple rashes can be treated at home. Follow these guidelines:

Avoid irritating the skin: Don't scratch or rub the rash.
Expose it to air: If you have long hair, tie it up.
Clean with warm water and pat dry
Avoid cosmetic lotions or ointments.
Apply calamine medicated lotion for contact dermatitis.
Use "VSports注册入口" 1% hydrocortisone cream to soothe rashes.

If necessary, a healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger hydrocortisone or steroid cream. If eczema causes the rash, treatments may include eczema lotions, oatmeal-based bath products, and oral antihistamines for itch relief.

Babies and Behind the Ear Rash

Babies may get a behind-the-ear rash from cradle cap, a type of seborrheic dermatitis that also causes dandruff. With treatment, this rash usually clears up within six months.

Start with unmedicated baby shampoo. If the rash persists, try a dandruff shampoo.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

If home treatment doesn't resolve the rash, or your symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare provider.

See a healthcare provider if you:

Are taking a new medication
Have joint pain
Have a fever or sore throat
Have signs of infection such as red streaks or discoloration, swelling, or tenderness
Suspect a tick bite

When to Call 911 (VSports app下载)

The following symptoms require immediate medical attention. Experts say to call 911 or your local emergency number in these cases:

You are short of breath.
Your throat is tight.
Your face is swollen.
Your child has a bruise-like purple rash.

14 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Kids Health. Rubella (German measles).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Lupus and your skin: Signs and symptoms.
National Eczema Association. Eczema.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Pityriasis rosea: Signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology. Psoriasis: Signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Itchy rash could be contact dermatitis.
Penn Medicine. Rash.
American Academy of Family Physicians. Heat rash.
American Association of Dermatology Academy. "VSports手机版" What your skin can tell you about your overall health.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Seborrheic dermatitis: Signs and symptoms (VSports手机版).
American Academy of Dermatology Association. "V体育2025版" Psoriasis: signs and symptoms.
American Family Physician. Seborrhea: What it is and how to treat it.
Rady Children's Hospital San Diego. Cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis).

Woman in green blouse smiling with glasses.

"VSports app下载" By Michelle Pugle
Michelle Pugle writes health articles for award-winning websites, as seen in Healthline, Verywell, Everyday Health, and Psych Central. She has a Master's degree, undergraduate degrees in English and Sociology, a diploma in Holistic Herbal Therapy, and is trained in mental health first aid, anti-violence work, and peer support work.

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"V体育安卓版" Causes of a Rash Behind Your Ear and How to Soothe It