Your ears are particularly susceptible to blackheads because they often aren’t given the same preventive treatment as your face. Treatment can include exfoliation and acne treatments.
Blackheads are one form of acne, a type of inflammatory skin condition that’s caused by clogged pores. While blackheads are commonly linked to areas of the “T-zone” (chin, nose, and forehead), they can occur anywhere.
Unlike other types of acne, such as cysts, blackheads aren’t linked to bacteria. They’re caused by a combination of oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and dirt that clog your pores and create a hardened substance. The top of the pore is left open, and the plugged material oxidizes into a darkened color.