Psoriasis on the external ear may be aesthetically unappealing and uncomfortable. When it affects the internal ear, it may impact your hearing and potentially your balance as well.
Fortunately, hearing problems associated with psoriasis tend to be temporary and can easily be treated by your doctor or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist known as an otolaryngologist. As a part of treatment, topical and systemic drugs may be prescribed to treat or prevent acute episodes known as flares.
Symptoms
Psoriasis of the ear is usually limited to the external ear (comprised of the auricle and earlobe) and/or the ear canal (auditory canal). It doesn’t usually affect the organs of the middle or inner ear, including the eardrum (tympanic membrane) or tympanic canal. Symptoms may include:1
- Red, dry patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales (plaques)
- Itchiness, pain, or tenderness on or in the ear
- Bleeding when scratched
- Ear wax blockage
- Hearing loss
If you have not previously been diagnosed with psoriasis, these symptoms may be confusing since they can mimic other ear conditions such as swimmer’s ear. This is especially true if the plaques occur in the ear canal only.
In some cases, it may take a complete physical exam to make the connection between a spattering of plaques on one part of the body and hearing problems only in one ear.
On rare occasion, psoriasis can co-occur with an associated autoimmune disorder known as psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can affect tissues of the middle and inner ear, causing vertigo and balance problems.