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Original poster

Skin issues behind toddler ear - pictures included!

85 replies

pinkcow123 · 28/01/2025 20:46

My toddler has had an issue in the skin behind their ear. It is cracking, sore, crusty and weeping - along the line behind the ear.

Previously tried hydrocortisone cream.

They have reacted to Epaderm and epimax and this has caused further rash.

Another GP request has been made, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Any other creams that have worked?
Sudocreme doesn't seem to do anything other than clog it up!

Any ideas what it could be as well?

OP posts:
reelcat · 28/01/2025 21:01

I would get it checked out. When my daughter had similar but to a lesser extent we used aloe vera vaseline (small lip balm sized tub) and it cleared it up within a few days.

Original poster
pinkcow123 · 28/01/2025 21:01

skkyelark · 28/01/2025 20:56

Poor poppet, that looks sore. It does look rather like eczema, which is presumably where they were going with epaderm and hydrocortisone. Is there any moisturiser you've used on them that you know they tolerate? If so, potentially try that, applied as many times a day as you can?

It would heal faster if their skin can tolerate a stronger emollient – lanolin (either the breastfeeding nipple cream or bepanthen) works well for DD2, but not more than a couple times a week or she comes up in spots. I know some react to lanolin, though.

It's very strange, because they have been prescribed Epaderm for around 12months, used without any issue, but it was only when this ear issue came about (Nov / Dec) that the reaction to Epaderm happened!

My research suggests eczema too, I just don't know how to help her 😢

OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 28/01/2025 21:01

That looks like wet eczema, which can be made worse if it gets infected - has the GP tested her for a fundal or bacterial infection?
A quick test is to turn of the lights and shine a blacklight on it, if you have one. Many infections will glow and the colour can help narrow down what the problem is.
I get this behind one ear and when it flares up I wash with soap and water, then use hand sanitiser, but its painful. You could try Fresh Wipes, which contain Chlorhexidine.

Slinkyminky22 · 28/01/2025 20:58

Yeah that needs a swab done at the GP I think. Ouch!

Greenbottle123 · 28/01/2025 20:58

That looks so sore. My son has this to a lesser degree. I wash behind his ears and make sure to pay dry thoroughly. Yellow metanium works wonders though I know it’s not easy to get now

Needspaceforlego · 28/01/2025 20:57

I'd see a pharmacist with that. Looks sore potentially fungal to me.

skkyelark · 28/01/2025 20:56

Poor poppet, that looks sore. It does look rather like eczema, which is presumably where they were going with epaderm and hydrocortisone. Is there any moisturiser you've used on them that you know they tolerate? If so, potentially try that, applied as many times a day as you can?

It would heal faster if their skin can tolerate a stronger emollient – lanolin (either the breastfeeding nipple cream or bepanthen) works well for DD2, but not more than a couple times a week or she comes up in spots. I know some react to lanolin, though.

Sansan18 · 28/01/2025 20:55

Just to add that we had to clean the sudocrem off every morning and reapply so it didn't get clogged up.

Sansan18 · 28/01/2025 20:54

My youngest boy used to get this when he played rugby and I think he was getting his ear pulled.It's quite nasty and must be really painful, in his case sudocrem every night sorted it out.

Original poster
pinkcow123 · 28/01/2025 20:47

Picture below...

Skin issues behind toddler ear - pictures included!
OP posts: