Pimples are a nuisance anywhere they appear, but some places are more uncomfortable or more difficult to get rid of than others. One that falls into both of these categories is a pimple in your ear. While not uncommon, pimples in your ears are tough to deal with—and they can hurt a lot. That’s why we asked dermatologists for everything we need to know, including how to get a pimple out of your ear.

Like zits in other locations, ear pimples come in all shapes and sizes. You may be dealing with tiny blackheads, whiteheads, or red and tender bumps. However they appear, a pimple inside your ear is usually not a sign of improper cleanliness or anything dangerous, explained Susan Bard, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology Specialists. “It usually starts with a clogged pore and it’s not uncommon to have that in the bowl of the ear,” she said. This is known as the conchal bowl, or the round and hollow part that leads to your ear canal.

Again, just as is the case with pimples elsewhere, something as basic as oily skin can lead to a pimple in your ear. “The accumulation of oil, dead skin, and residue from the hair and hair products that build up and are not properly cleaned can contribute to clogged pores and blackheads,” said Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. If you’re predisposed to certain conditions like dandruff—which can also occur behind the bowl of the ear in addition to your scalp—it can cause flaking and lead to clogged pores, Dr. Bard said.

Unlike pimples in all other locations, those in your ears tend to be particularly painful. “[Ear pimples] are very painful because the skin is more taut there, and more importantly there’s cartilage there,” Dr. Bard said. “Any time there’s inflammation around cartilage, such as around the nose or the ear, it’s always very painful.” Still, they’re rarely dangerous when allowed to heal properly. The pimple is not likely to cause an ear infection and the pus is not going to sneakily make its way down into your eardrum.

Read on to find how to safely get rid of a pimple in your ear, plus what to do if it’s really deep in there and when you should give your doctor a call.

The best thing you can do is take a hands-off approach. Just leave it alone, said Dr. Bard. However, she also admitted that nine out of 10 of her patients don’t follow that recommendation. So, if you’re looking for ways to get rid of the pimple in your ear faster, here are some dermatologist-approved tips from Dr. Garshick:

• Acne spot treatments: Topical acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids “can be used to address breakouts in the ears,” Dr. Garshick said, but cautioned patients against overdoing it. “It’s important to know that the skin around the ears is delicate and may be more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity.”
• Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties that can “help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria on the skin,” Dr. Garshick explained.
• Warm compress: Warmth can help open pores and allow the pimple to drain for faster healing. Try heating a slightly damp cloth until warm (not hot!) and apply to the affected area for 10-15 minutes.
• Keep the area clean: Ensuring the area around the pimple stays sanitary can help speed up healing time, according to Dr. Garshick. Be sure to avoid any harsh scrubbing and use a mild cleanser so as not to cause further irritation.
• Avoid picking: While tempting, picking at your pimple increases the risk of infection and inflammation which will delay the healing process, as well as increase the likelihood of scarring.

The bad news is that despite the relief it may offer (and the satisfaction Dr. Pimple Popper fans may get), Navin S. Arora, D.O., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Borealis Dermatology in New York, said it is generally just not a good idea to pop a pimple in the ear. “The skin inside the ear is delicate, and popping a pimple can lead to infection or damage,” he said, echoing some of Dr. Bard’s advice. “Additionally, the ear canal is a sensitive area, and interfering with it can potentially cause pain or injury.”

While we don’t normally think of the aesthetics of the ear, Dr. Arora pointed out another big reason why you should keep your hands away from the problem: popping a pimple also increases the risk of scarring. This means that in addition to your risk of infection, you could also be left with a lasting mark long after the skin heals.

However, Dr. Bard offered some tips for those individuals who plan to go for it anyway. If the pimple is truly painful and has come to a very obvious head (say, it’s very white in the center), she suggested using two Q-tips to pop it. This prevents you from using too much force, Dr. Bard explained. Plus, your nails can cause more trauma to the ear and dig bacteria deeper into your skin if you haven’t washed your hands properly, which can increase your risk of infection.

Finally, only target areas you can actually see—anything deep inside your ear shouldn’t be touched by anyone but a healthcare provider.

If the problem stems from clogged pores from earwax, Dr. Garshick recommended regularly cleaning ears and using noncomedogenic products. That doesn’t mean using a Q-tip, though. Per the Mayo Clinic, the best way to clean your ears is to apply drops of baby oil or mineral oil into the ear to soften the wax. The next day, perform an at-home ear irrigation with a bulb syringe to flush out wax with warm water. Let the water drain out after, then dry your ear with a clean cloth. It’s best to speak to your provider before placing anything in your ear, though.

You can even go to a doctor who will use medical tools to clear any blockage and excess wax. If properly cleaning your ears doesn’t stop pimples from forming, Dr. Garshick advised washing your hair regularly to prevent the transfer of oils.

Oils and dead skin are two of the main contributors to clogged pores, so keeping your hair and face clean can help prevent pimples on your face and scalp—and in your ears. “Gentle exfoliation using a salicylic acid-containing product one to two times per week can help to prevent dead skin buildup though it’s important to avoid getting it inside the ear canal,” Dr. Garshick said.

In general, Dr. Garshick said it can take anywhere from days to weeks for a pimple in your ear to go away, which is similar to acne on any part of your body or face. However, the number of days or weeks it takes for that pesky ear pimple to heal is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Some types of pimples, like whiteheads, can take up to a week to go away, while nodular acne (a.k.a. inflammatory acne that often requires treatment) can take weeks or months. Blackheads typically don’t go away on their own, but they are stubborn and can last for one to three months.

Just remember, pimples will last longer or leave scars if you try to pop them without using proper precautions (like cleaning your hands before touching the area). You raise the risk of pushing bacteria deeper into the pores, which can lead to the formation of new pimples or an infection. Let it heal on its own or try the treatment options discussed above, and you’ll be free of that pimple in no time.