Wrinkles on the earlobe: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Earlobe creases

Wrinkles on the earlobes: all, what you need to know

The folds of the earlobe are a kind of deepening of the skin, which forms a line, crossing the earlobe. The crease usually runs the entire length of the earlobe and is usually parallel to its outer edge.. Earlobe folds are not uncommon, but still not fully understood, why do they occur. Known, that they may be related to age and lifestyle factors, such as smoking.

What is an earlobe fold

An earlobe crease is a deepening of the skin, which forms a line, crossing the earlobe. The fold usually runs the entire length of the earlobe. They are usually parallel to the outer edge of the earlobe..

Earlobe folds can occur on both ears, however, most often there is a fold on only one side of the earlobe. Some people may have multiple earlobe folds in the same earlobe, or even perpendicular folds.

Causes of wrinkles in the earlobe

The exact cause of earlobe folds is unknown.. Although they are related to age and lifestyle, such as smoking. It is not excluded, that wrinkles are formed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Research has also shown, that earlobe folds may be associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high cholesterol. However, more research is needed, to establish a compelling connection between the two phenomena.

Symptoms of creases in the earlobe

The main sign of earlobe folds is a visible diagonal line., that appears on the earlobe. In some cases, this wrinkle may be accompanied by other signs of aging., such as wrinkles and sagging skin.

When to see a doctor

Earlobe folds, usually, cause no concern. But, if you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as pain, swelling or redness in or around the earlobe, you should see a doctor.

You should also see a doctor, if the crease of the earlobe is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pain or ulcers.

Questions, questions your doctor may ask about earlobe folds

If you see a doctor about an earlobe crease, he can ask the following questions, to better understand the state:

• How long does the crease last?
• Is there a crease on both ears or just one?
• Is the crease accompanied by any other symptoms??
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have any other medical conditions or are you taking medication, which may be associated with the formation of folds?

Diagnosis of ear folds

Earlobe folds are usually diagnosed during a physical examination by a doctor.. Your doctor may ask questions, described in the previous section, to better understand the state.

During the examination, your doctor may also check for symptoms, associated with other health conditions, such as dizziness and chest pain. A more in-depth examination may also include other tests and scans., such as ultrasound or electrocardiogram (ECG).

Ear crease treatment

Earlobe folds usually do not require treatment.. Since the cause of wrinkling is unknown, no guarantee, that the treatment will be effective.

But, if your doctor determines, that the fold of the earlobe is associated with the disease, he can recommend treatment for the underlying disease, which can also help eliminate the wrinkle.

Home treatment for creases in the earlobes

Although earlobe folds usually do not require treatment, there are some home treatments, which may help reduce the appearance of the wrinkle or slow its progression. These procedures include:

• Use of sunscreen. Sunscreen can help reduce UV exposure, which over time will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the earlobes.
• We need to quit smoking. Smoking is a lifestyle factor, which is associated with the formation of folds on the earlobes, so smoking cessation measures can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Healthy diet. A balanced and healthy diet can help your skin look its best., which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Applying creams. Applying creams, containing such ingredients, like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids, may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.

Prevention of wrinkles in the earlobes

Although the appearance of wrinkles on the earlobe cannot be prevented, there are several steps, you can take, to reduce the chance of wrinkle formation or slow its progression, if you already have it. These steps include:

• Applying sunscreen. Apply sunscreen, when you are in the sun, to reduce UV exposure.
• Smoking cessation. Quitting smoking may reduce the risk of wrinkling of the earlobes.
• Healthy diet. A balanced and healthy diet will help your skin look its best and reduce the risk of wrinkling of your earlobes..
• Checking for other symptoms. Check for other symptoms, which may indicate a more serious illness, such as chest pain and dizziness.

Sources and literature

Graham JM, Sanchez-Lara PA. Principles of human biomechanics. In: Graham JM, Sanchez-Lara PA, eds. Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Deformation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 51.

Haldeman-Englert CR, Saitta SC, Zackai EH. Chromosome disorders. In: Gleason CA, Juul SE, eds. Avery’s Diseases of the Newborn. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 20.

Turnpenny PD, Elard S, Cleaver R. Patterns of inheritance. In: Turnpenny PD, Ellard S, Cleaver R, eds. Emery’s Elements of Medical Genetics. 16th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 6.