So Your Earrings Smell Like Cheese—You're Not Alone, and This is Probably What's Going On
Woman looking in the mirror while putting on an earring, wondering why it smells like cheese
A good cheese plate is perfect for parties (even parties of one). Cheese also plays perfectly as part of sandwiches, tacos, salads and eggs. You name the dish, and this much-loved dairy product is almost guaranteed to elevate it. The smell of cheese can be welcome for aficionados—unless it's coming from their ears. More specifically, their earrings. This begs the question: Why do your earrings smell like cheese?
Yes, it's a thing that can happen (and more than you might think).
"Smells, in particular unpleasant smells, are very important signs of a problem," says Dr. Maya Thosani, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology. "Paying attention to the smell can keep you infection-free and let you know if there is a pending problem."
Additionally, a cheesy smell could be a flag of inflammation (or something that might trigger it if you don't nip it fast), explains Dr. Amy Huang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to LabFinder.
Other times, a cheesy-smelling earring is nothing to worry about (even though it's rather unpleasant). Dermatologists discussed when it's normal for earrings to smell like cheese, when it's not and how to prevent it.
Why Do My Earrings Smell Like Cheese?
Build-up of different products and oils is most likely to blame for earrings that smell like cheese. "It’s common for oils, dead skin cells and styling products to accumulate in earring piercings," says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, the CEO of Dermatology Circle PLLC.
This build-up can happen for various reasons, such as frequent use of products like hair spray. Another? "Sweat during workouts can build up and dry around the earrings, the backing and in the design of the earring, creating an odor," Dr. Thosani explains.
It's a recipe for earrings to start smelling like cheese—and not the delicious kind you find in fondue.
"The build-up of dead skin cells combined with secretions from the oil glands in the skin make a thicker pasty substance called sebum, and this smells like old cheese or stinky feet," Dr. Thosani says.
Hey, you asked.
Moreover, some earrings are more likely to get a little cheesy than others. "It can be normal for earrings to smell, especially when they have large backings or a large design that covers a larger area of the earlobe and doesn't allow for the skin cells to shed," Dr. Thosani says. "For those with gauges, the build-up can be even more significant due to the constant stretching of the lobe."
Dr. Thosani says this build-up puts people at a greater risk for infections. Dr. Kazlouskaya adds that smelly earrings could indicate an infection already exists.
"Other possible reasons for odor could include bacterial infections or embedded earrings," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "Patients with metal sensitivity may experience reactions such as rashes to earrings containing nickel, cobalt, or chromium, which can result in increased discharge and odor."
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Is It Normal For Earrings to Smell Like Cheese?
It can be normal (and harmless) for earrings to smell like the best part of a charcuterie board. Still, dermatologists stress it's essential to take note of earring odor, especially if you're experiencing other skin issues around your piercing holes. "Earring holes can smell due to a build-up of sweat, oils, dead skin and bacteria," Dr. Huang says. "However, if the smell is accompanied by pain or swelling of the wound, it is not normal."
Dr. Kazlouskaya echoes this point."If you experience itching or pain around piercings, it’s advisable to consult a board-certified dermatologist," she says.
Flagging earring smell is especially important if you have new piercings, which the American Academy of Dermatology Association says can take around six weeks to heal. For this reason, people are advised to leave earrings in the new piercings during that time. They could be infected if the new piercings are sore, red, puffy or oozing yellowish liquid. So, if you also smell something cheesy, consider it another sign to get a dermatologist on the line. Your primary care physician or insurance company (if applicable) can help you get a referral.
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How to Prevent Earrings From Smelling Like Cheese
Good news: "Preventing this is relatively simple—regularly examining and cleaning your earrings," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "As a general rule, I advise my patients to remove earrings before showering and sleeping to reduce the risk of smell, infections, and tearing. However, if this isn’t feasible, it’s essential to inspect them at least once a week."
Dr. Kazlouskaya suggests using soap and water, alcohol swaps or a specialized jewelry cleanser to clean earrings. Don't stop at the earrings.
"There is a reason that mom always reminds you to wash behind your ears," Dr. Thosani says. "The build-up of dead skin cells and sebum can be significant and smelly."
Good old soap and water works for behind-the-ear scrubbing too.
And one more tip: "Always try to remove earrings before intense sweaty exercise," Dr. Thosani says.
How Often Should You Clean Your Earrings?
Earrings require regular cleanings. Otherwise, they can get smelly. "Remove and clean earrings at least once weekly unless they are new piercings, which cannot be removed for two months," Dr. Thosani says. "Earrings can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol or a gentle jewelry cleaner."
Soapy water also works, Dr. Kazlouskaya says.
When Should You Throw Out Earrings Due to Smell?
Earrings aren't just "things." They may hold sentimental value or be a form of self-expression. Usually, you don't have to ditch them if they smell. However, sometimes, it's for the best. "There's no need to discard earrings unless they cause allergic reactions or irritation," Dr. Kazlouskaya says. "Regular cleaning should suffice to prevent odor. Additionally, it's important to wash your ears with water and soap and wipe them with alcohol."
Dr. Thosani adds that if washing doesn't remove the smell, it may be time to say goodbye.
How Do You Clean Earring Holes?
"Regularly clean earrings and earring holes with gentle soap and warm water or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol," Dr. Huang says. "Change out earrings regularly, and use an anti-bacterial cleanser if regular soap and water do not help with the smell."
If you recently got your ears pierced, Dr. Thosani says you'll want to clean the area daily. "They are small holes that can trap dirt, skin cells, and sebum," she says. "Washing daily in the shower and using warm, soapy water to cleanse thoroughly as well as remove any excess build-up of skin cells is important." Additionally, Dr. Thosani says to clean new piercings two to three times daily with a saline solution, anti-bacterial soap or an ear piercing solution.
"Make sure that the soapy residue is thoroughly rinsed off," Dr. Thosani says.
Next up: The #1 Unexpected Cause of Cold Sores, According to Dermatologists
Sources
Dr. Maya Thosani, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and owner of Modern Dermatology
Dr. Amy Huang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to LabFinder.com
Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, the CEO Dermatology Circle PLLC.
Caring for new piercings. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
