Psoriasis in the Ear
Psoriasis affecting the ear is simply called "ear psoriasis" or "psoriasis of the ear"—there is no distinct medical term for this anatomical location. 1, 2
Understanding Ear Psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect any part of the ear, including the external ear canal, auricle (pinna), and surrounding periauricular skin. 3, 4
Ear psoriasis occurs in approximately 18% of all psoriasis patients at some point during their disease course. 1
Clinical Presentation
The presentation depends on the specific location and type:
- External auditory canal involvement presents with scaling, erythema, and pruritus, and in severe cases can fill the canal with granulation tissue causing hearing loss and aural fullness 2
- Auricular psoriasis typically shows the characteristic erythematous plaques with silvery scales seen in plaque psoriasis elsewhere on the body 3
- Inverse psoriasis may affect the retroauricular fold and periauricular areas, presenting as erythematous plaques with minimal scale due to the moist nature of these skin folds 3
Important Diagnostic Considerations
Psoriasis in the ear canal can mimic other conditions, particularly seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis, making accurate diagnosis essential. 3, 5
Key distinguishing features:
- Psoriasis shows well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scales and characteristic skin lesions elsewhere on the body 3
- Seborrheic dermatitis presents with greasy yellowish scales rather than the silvery scales of psoriasis 6, 5
- Contact dermatitis typically has a clear relationship to allergen exposure (hearing aids, earbuds, topical medications) 3, 5
Common Pitfall
Do not confuse ear psoriasis with acute otitis externa—psoriasis lacks the severe acute pain and purulent discharge characteristic of bacterial infection. 3, 6