Ear margin seborrhea (also called ear margin dermatosis) is a skin problem along the edges of a dog’s ear flaps. The skin at the edge builds up too much greasy scale. It is uncommon and nobody knows what causes it. Dachshunds seem to get it more often, but other breeds can be affected too, and it usually shows up on both ears [1].
Seborrhea means the skin makes too much scale or oil. For seborrhea elsewhere on the body, see dog dandruff and dry, flaky skin.
Have your vet check crusty or scaly ear edges. Other problems, including mange, can look the same.
Signs of ear margin seborrhea
A greasy, waxy scale sticks firmly to the skin and wraps around the hairs on both sides of the ear edge. The tufts of hair in these areas come out very easily, so bald patches can form over time [1].
In mild cases there is just a small patch of scale, often near the ear tip. In severe, long-standing cases thick layers of scale run along the whole edge, and the skin can crack. These cracks are sore and may bleed when the dog shakes its head. The ears are usually not itchy [1].
Look-alikes
Several other problems can affect the ear edges [1]. Strong itching points toward sarcoptic mange. Redness, crusts or open sores point toward inflamed blood vessels in the ear flap, as in ear-tip sores, some immune skin diseases and frostbite. For other ear flap changes, see hair loss on the ear flaps and ringworm.
How vets diagnose it
In early cases, your vet can often recognise it from the history and the typical look of the ear edges [1]. If the ears are itchy, your vet may take several skin scrapings to look for mites, and may try a mite treatment even when the scrapings are clear. If the edges are red, crusted or ulcerated, a skin biopsy helps tell ear margin seborrhea apart from blood vessel problems [1]. A biopsy takes a small piece of skin for the lab. Blood tests may be added depending on your dog’s history and signs [1].
Treatment
Your vet will advise on treatment for your dog. Mild cases are usually kept under control with medicated washes or creams that lift off the greasy scale, and your vet will set how often to use them [1]. Stronger treatment may be needed for severe or inflamed ears. When nothing else helps, a vet may talk with you about surgery on the ear edge, after ruling out other causes [1].
At home, as directed by a vet:
- do not pick at the scales or pull out the hair tufts;
- keep your dog’s bed away from heating vents, wood stoves and other dry heat, which can make it worse [1];
- do not use human or leftover products on the ears unless your vet says so;
- go back for every recheck.
Outlook
Ear margin seborrhea usually cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Because the cause is unknown, the scale can come back, so care is often long-term [1].
These are statements about groups of dogs. They cannot predict how one dog will do. Your vet can explain what this means for your dog.
When to see your vet
See your vet if your dog has:
- greasy or waxy scale stuck to the hairs on its ear edges [1];
- tufts of hair on the ear edges that come out easily, or bald patches there [1];
- cracked, sore or bleeding ear edges [1];
- itchy, red or crusted ear edges, which may mean a different problem [1].
The bottom line
Ear margin seborrhea causes greasy, scaly ear edges and is seen most often in Dachshunds, though other dogs can get it. Mange and other problems can look the same. Only a vet can tell what is causing the change, and your vet will advise on treatment.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has crusty or scaly ear edges, see your vet.
Sources
- Torres SMF. 3.10 Canine Ear Margin Dermatosis. Small and Large Animal Dermatology Handbook, Vol. 2. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). https://open.lib.umn.edu/animaldermatology2/chapter/idiopathic-keratinization-disorders-canine-ear-margin-dermatosis/