Baby Rash Behind Ears
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, AAD guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing baby rash behind ears, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Rashes behind the ears are very common in babies and are usually caused by moisture buildup, seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap), or eczema. Keeping the area clean and dry, and applying a gentle moisturizer, usually resolves it quickly.
Key takeaways
- Rashes behind the ears are very common in babies and are usually caused by moisture buildup, seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap), or eczema. Keeping the area clean and dry, and applying a gentle moisturizer, usually resolves it quickly.
- Usually normal when: Mild redness behind the ears that improves with gentle cleaning and drying
- Call your doctor if: The area becomes very swollen, warm, red, or shows signs of infection such as pus or honey-colored crusting
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AAD guidelines, rashes behind the ears are very common in babies and are usually caused by moisture buildup, seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap), or eczema. Keeping the area clean and dry, and applying a gentle moisturizer, usually resolves it quickly. At 0-3 months, in newborns, rashes behind the ears are most often seborrheic dermatitis, the same condition that causes cradle cap on the scalp. It appears as yellowish, greasy, scaly patches. Milk and drool can also collect behind the ears during feeds and cause irritation. Gently cleaning the area during baths and patting it dry is usually all that is needed. It is generally considered normal when mild redness behind the ears that improves with gentle cleaning and drying. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if the area becomes very swollen, warm, red, or shows signs of infection such as pus or honey-colored crusting.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
In newborns, rashes behind the ears are most often seborrheic dermatitis, the same condition that causes cradle cap on the scalp. It appears as yellowish, greasy, scaly patches. Milk and drool can also collect behind the ears during feeds and cause irritation. Gently cleaning the area during baths and patting it dry is usually all that is needed.
3-6 months
At this age, drool and spit-up commonly pool behind the ears, especially when babies lie on their sides. This moisture can lead to redness and even cracking of the skin. Eczema may also first appear in this area. Keeping the skin dry and applying a fragrance-free moisturizer or thin layer of petroleum jelly helps protect the skin.
6-12 months
As babies become more active and sweat more, the warm, enclosed area behind the ears can stay moist and become irritated. Eczema behind the ears may become more persistent at this stage. If the rash is itchy and your baby scratches it, watch for signs of secondary infection such as oozing or crusting.
12-24 months
Toddlers may develop rashes behind the ears from eczema, sweat, or contact dermatitis from shampoos and soaps. Seborrheic dermatitis can persist or recur in this age group. If the area becomes consistently cracked and weepy, or if your child seems bothered by pain or itching, discuss treatment options with your pediatrician.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby rash behind ears and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the rash is persistent, worsening, or spreading despite good skin care.
- Mention if skin behind the ears is cracking deeply or weeping fluid.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Mild redness behind the ears that improves with gentle cleaning and drying
- Yellowish, greasy scales similar to cradle cap on the scalp
- Slight dry patches that respond well to moisturizer
- The rash is persistent, worsening, or spreading despite good skin care
- Skin behind the ears is cracking deeply or weeping fluid
- Your baby seems uncomfortable or is scratching at the area frequently
- The area becomes very swollen, warm, red, or shows signs of infection such as pus or honey-colored crusting
- Your baby develops a fever along with a worsening rash behind the ears
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby rash behind ears — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that mild redness behind the ears that improves with gentle cleaning and drying — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if the area becomes very swollen, warm, red, or shows signs of infection such as pus or honey-colored crusting.
Related Conditions
Baby Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Baby eczema is extremely common, affecting up to 20% of infants, and is not caused by anything you did wrong. It shows up as dry, red, itchy patches and is very manageable with consistent moisturizing and gentle skin care. Most children outgrow it by school age.
Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)
Cradle cap is a very common, harmless condition that causes yellowish, greasy, scaly patches on your baby's scalp. It is not caused by poor hygiene, it does not bother your baby, and it almost always clears up on its own within the first several months of life.
Baby Rash in Skin Folds - Neck, Armpits, and Creases
Rashes in baby's skin folds (neck, armpits, groin, behind ears, elbow and knee creases) are extremely common because these warm, moist areas trap moisture from drool, spit-up, sweat, and milk. The medical term is intertrigo. Most fold rashes respond to keeping the area clean and dry. If the rash is bright red, has satellite spots, or has a yeasty smell, it may have developed a yeast (candida) infection and need antifungal treatment. Keeping folds dry is both the treatment and prevention.
Related Resources
Rash Decision Tree
Identify common rashes and determine when to seek care.
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby rash behind ears normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby rash behind ears?
When is baby rash behind ears normal?
What causes baby rash behind ears?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby rash behind ears?
Is baby rash behind ears normal at 0-3 months?
Is baby rash behind ears normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby rash behind ears?
Does baby rash behind ears go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Rash Behind Ears.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby rash behind ears and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if the rash is persistent, worsening, or spreading despite good skin care.
- Mention if skin behind the ears is cracking deeply or weeping fluid.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- The rash is persistent, worsening, or spreading despite good skin care
- Skin behind the ears is cracking deeply or weeping fluid
- Your baby seems uncomfortable or is scratching at the area frequently
Urgent signs to report immediately
- The area becomes very swollen, warm, red, or shows signs of infection such as pus or honey-colored crusting
- Your baby develops a fever along with a worsening rash behind the ears
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby rash behind ears are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the area becomes very swollen, warm, red, or shows signs of infection such as pus or honey-colored crusting.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Skin Concerns
Baby Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Baby eczema is extremely common, affecting up to 20% of infants, and is not caused by anything you did wrong. It shows up as dry, red, itchy patches and is very manageable with consistent moisturizing and gentle skin care. Most children outgrow it by school age.
Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)
Cradle cap is a very common, harmless condition that causes yellowish, greasy, scaly patches on your baby's scalp. It is not caused by poor hygiene, it does not bother your baby, and it almost always clears up on its own within the first several months of life.
Baby Rash in Skin Folds - Neck, Armpits, and Creases
Rashes in baby's skin folds (neck, armpits, groin, behind ears, elbow and knee creases) are extremely common because these warm, moist areas trap moisture from drool, spit-up, sweat, and milk. The medical term is intertrigo. Most fold rashes respond to keeping the area clean and dry. If the rash is bright red, has satellite spots, or has a yeasty smell, it may have developed a yeast (candida) infection and need antifungal treatment. Keeping folds dry is both the treatment and prevention.
My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple)
Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.
My Baby Was Born with a Raw Spot on Their Scalp (Aplasia Cutis)
Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a condition where a baby is born with a small area of missing skin, most commonly on the scalp. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births. The affected area may look like a raw wound, an ulcer, or may have already healed into a thin, shiny scar by the time of birth. Most cases are small, isolated, and heal well with basic wound care — the area eventually forms a hairless scar. Larger defects or those associated with other findings may need more investigation, but isolated small ACC has an excellent prognosis.
New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children
Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children has advanced significantly in recent years. While moisturizers and topical steroids remain first-line treatments, newer options include non-steroidal topical medications (like crisaborole), biologic therapies (like dupilumab, approved for children 6 months and older), and JAK inhibitors. Most children's eczema is well-managed with basic skin care and mild topical treatments, but these newer options provide hope for moderate-to-severe cases.