Dry skin in the ears can be caused from many different factors, including too much wax within the ears, or not enough because they are cleaned more often than they should be. Outside sources can also cause dryness to appear or become worse, such as a change in weather or humidity. There are various ways to treat this problem, some of them by using medication that can be purchased over the counter, some that can only be obtained by prescription, and then some other easier ones are home remedies that have been shown to work in some cases. No matter what the case is for the dry skin in the ears, basic steps can be taken that will usually eliminate the problem, but if not, a medical professional will need to be consulted in order to isolate the problem and obtain a working solution.

The one common cause for dry skin in the ears is due to no skin oils or wax being present. This can either be a hereditary issue or it can be because the ears are being cleaned too often. The natural oils, as well as the ear wax, keep the ears moist and prevent them from drying out. If dry skin in the ears appears because of one of these two factors either olive or vegetable oil can be squeezed into the ears with a small dropper or syringe. Rub the ear after the oil has been inserted into the canal and then wipe the excess amounts off from around the ear to prevent oil build-ups on the outer portions and the surrounding skin and hair. These two home remedies have been shown to be very effective in eliminating dry skin in the ears.

If the dry skin in the ears is being caused by an outside factor, such as the weather, common lotions can be used. Petroleum jelly rubbed into them will also help the problem. Of course, these products should not be placed into the ear canal, but used to remove the dryness along the inner and outer portions of the ear. If these basic solutions do not work, then stronger over the counter medications can be used that contain chemicals designed to relieve dryness and add moisture to the skin.

If home remedies and over the counter salves do not work, then a medical provider should be consulted. Various different medical problems can cause dry skin in the ears, and if basic remedies do not work than it is a sure sign that another problem may exist.