How Your Earbuds Are Creating a Fungal Fiesta on Your Skin

Pimples and allergies aren’t the only uninvited guests your earbuds can bring to your skin. A prominent dermatologist warns that the warm, moist environment they create is the perfect party venue for a “fungal fiesta,” leading to itchy, persistent skin conditions.
The main party animal is a yeast called Malassezia. A skin expert explains that this fungus lives naturally on the skin of most adults. It’s usually harmless, but it thrives in oily, sweaty environments. The occlusive nature of an earbud creates the ideal conditions for this yeast to overgrow and cause problems.
This overgrowth can lead to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. The dermatologist describes this as a red, flaky, and often itchy rash. It’s the same condition that causes dandruff on the scalp, but it can easily occur in and around the ears when the environment is right. It can also cause fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), which looks like small, uniform, itchy bumps.
To shut down the party, you need to change the venue’s atmosphere. The expert’s advice is to make the environment less hospitable to fungus. This means keeping the area as dry as possible by taking frequent breaks from your earbuds. Cleaning them daily also removes the oils that the fungus feeds on.
If you suspect a fungal issue, over-the-counter antifungal creams or shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole can be very effective. The dermatologist suggests washing the affected area with an anti-dandruff shampoo. If the problem persists, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger antifungal treatments to clear the infection and restore peace to your skin.