Boils that form in or around the ear can be painful and irritating, and knowing how to handle them is key to preventing complications. Experts warn that you should never try to pick, pop, puncture, or cut open an ear boil, as doing so may spread the bacterial infection and lead to further issues, including more boils.

If you notice a bump in or around your ear, it's likely to be either a pimple or a boil. While both can be uncomfortable and cosmetically unpleasant, boils require special care. Understanding how to recognize, treat, and prevent them is essential for ear health.

How To Identify An Ear Boil

A boil typically presents as a painful, red, and hard lump on the skin. These tend to appear in areas with hair and sweat—yes, that includes your ear canal, which has fine hairs that, along with earwax, help trap dirt and debris.

Because it’s hard to see inside your ear, it may be difficult to distinguish a boil from a pimple. However, a boil will generally grow larger than a pea and become soft or "fluctuant," meaning it contains fluid inside. If you or someone else can safely examine the bump, look for signs like swelling, pinkish-red skin, and a white or yellow centre. Boils in the ear may also cause pain in the ear, jaw, or head, and might even affect hearing if they block the ear canal.

Safe Treatment At Home

In some cases, ear boils will heal without medical intervention. To help them drain naturally, keep the area clean, apply warm compresses several times a day, and avoid touching or squeezing the boil. If using a compress inside the ear, ensure it’s made from clean medical cloth and isn’t overly wet, as excess moisture could cause a swimmer's ear.

What Causes Ear Boils?

Boils form due to bacterial infections, usually from Staphylococcus aureus, that develop in hair follicles. The infection results in a buildup of pus and dead tissue, which forms a visible bump. They’re more common in areas with hair and frequent sweating, like the armpits, face, neck, inner thighs, and buttocks. To prevent ear boils, gently clean your ears during showers and avoid harsh or invasive cleaning tools.

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When To See A Doctor

If the boil doesn’t resolve on its own within two weeks, it’s time to seek medical care. A doctor may need to perform a minor surgical procedure to drain the pus by making a small incision. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to clear the infection.

You should seek professional treatment if:

- The boil keeps coming back

- It persists beyond two weeks

- You develop a fever or nausea

- The pain becomes severe

Avoid using tweezers, fingers, cotton swabs, or any tools to try and examine or remove the boil yourself, as the ear canal is highly sensitive and prone to further infection from scratches or irritation.

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Your skin is often considered a reflection of your body's inner wellbeing, when it comes to kidney function, the connection goes beyond what may initially be something on the surface. The kidneys are responsible for filtering out wastes and toxins in the blood, balancing electrolytes, and helping to control moisture levels. Once kidney function breaks down, its effects are felt not only overall but also are reflected in discernible skin-related changes—dryness, pigmentation, long-term itching, and even hives.

But when the kidneys are unwell, they do not just impair internal function but also manifest themselves on the outside, and specifically on the skin. In the opinion of Dr. Sreedhar Reddy, Urologist and Urology Surgeon, "Kidney-related ailments frequently cause palpable changes to the skin, which may act as preliminary signals for renal illness."

Link Between Your Kidney Health and your Skin

When the kidneys do not effectively remove waste products and excess water from the body, toxins in the blood buildup. This accumulation manifests as several dermatological manifestations indicating intrinsic renal disease. These are:

Xerosis (Severe Dryness of the Skin): Patients can have very dry, rough, scaly skin, which is usually accompanied by cracking. Dr. Reddy describes, "Extremely dry skin that is tight and tends to crack is frequently seen in patients with end-stage kidney disease who are on dialysis or need a transplant."

Pruritus (Itchy Skin): Itching is one of the most common symptoms of kidney disease. A recent survey of individuals on hemodialysis found that 61% reported experiencing at least a moderate level of itching, with 25% describing it as "very" or "extremely intense." This persistent itch occurs as waste products accumulate in the blood, irritating nerve endings.

Pigment Disorders and Rashes: Inability of the kidneys to function properly can cause the accumulation of metabolic byproducts in the skin, causing color changes and rashes. "Dome-shaped, intensely itchy rashes tend to mean that the kidneys are not clearing toxins well," adds Dr. Reddy.

Effect of Kidney Disease on Overall Appearance

Aside from skin disorders, kidney disease has an effect on a person's overall appearance because of metabolic disturbances and fluid imbalance.

Weight Changes: Kidney disease may result in sudden weight loss from muscle atrophy or sudden weight gain from fluid buildup. "Patients tend to develop swelling of the face, hands, and feet because of too much fluid," explains Dr. Reddy.

Changes in Skin Texture and Color: Kidney impairment can result in pallor, yellowish or grayish complexion, and a dull skin.

Hair and Nail Changes: Thin hair, ridges, and brittle nails are reported by many patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Kidney Disease and Its Link to Other Health Conditions

Some other health disorders linked with kidney disease can cause skin conditions and changes in appearance:

Diabetes and Hypertension: Diabetes and hypertension are major causes of kidney disease, and both diseases can worsen skin conditions like itching and delayed healing of wounds.

Liver Dysfunction: A dysfunctional liver, usually associated with kidney problems, can cause bile salts to pile up beneath the skin, which may cause intense itching.

Blood Diseases and Autoimmune Disorders: Certain cancers, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease may also lead to long-term itching secondary to systemic inflammation and nerve stimulation.

How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy?

For those of us who care about our skin and our well-being, ensuring that our kidneys are functioning properly is important. Dr. Reddy stresses that making some small lifestyle adjustments can greatly enhance kidney health and stave off overt skin decline.

1. Have a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Reducing the intake of sodium, phosphorus, and potassium while increasing antioxidant-rich foods can protect kidney function and enhance skin health.

2. Stay Hydrated

Adequate water intake helps flush out toxins, reducing the burden on the kidneys and preventing dryness and irritation in the skin.

3. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity improves circulation, enhances waste elimination, and supports overall metabolic function.

4. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Tobacco and alcohol also add to kidney stress, resulting in fluid buildup and inflammation that may adversely affect the skin.

5. Routine Health Checkups

Routine tests of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and kidney function may help identify early evidence of kidney disease, averting severe complications.

When to Consult A Doctor?

Early warning signs of kidney disease can be identified and avoided in order to prevent severe complications. If you suddenly notice unexplained itching, a chronic rash, extreme dryness, swelling, or a great weight gain, seek advice from a health expert. Kidney function can be tested by conducting blood tests that eliminate other health conditions like diabetes, anemia, or thyroid disorders.

Your kidneys are also responsible for detoxification, the balance of fluid, and metabolism. When compromised, the effects are not only internal but also evident on your complexion and overall look. By living healthy, keeping an eye on kidney function, and consulting a doctor when needed, one can have healthy kidneys along with maintaining healthy skin's natural sparkle and radiance. Dr. Reddy affirms, "Healthy kidneys mean healthy skin. Paying attention to both can improve overall well-being and quality of life."

Dr. Sreedhar Reddy is a MBBS, MS(Gen sur), DNB (Urology), MNAMS (urology), FRTS, FIMS at Apollo Hospital, Bangalore in India

Colour blindness, or colour vision deficiency, is a condition where a person has difficulty perceiving colours accurately. While often associated with adults, colour blindness can also affect children—sometimes without them even realising it. Experts emphasise the importance of early detection, especially since colour blindness is inherited and is far more common among boys than girls. Because children may not be aware that they see colours differently, recognising the signs early can play a key role in helping them adapt and thrive both academically and socially.

What Causes Colour Blindness?

Also known as colour vision deficiency, this condition is most often inherited and typically passed down through genes on the X chromosome. However, it is not always something you're born with—it can also develop later in life due to certain eye or brain injuries, specific medical conditions, or even as a side effect of some medications.

What Are The Early Indicators Of Colour Blindness?

Children with this condition often show difficulty in identifying or distinguishing colours. This often becomes evident during preschool or early school years when children begin learning about colours. They may confuse red with green or blue with yellow and may repeatedly mislabel colours even after correction.

Abnormal patterns of colouring during activities like drawing or painting may also suggest colour blindness. For example, a child might colour the sky pink instead of blue or use orange for leaves. While occasional mistakes are normal, consistent errors could point to an underlying issue in colour perception.

Another significant identifier is the trouble engaging with colour-based study materials. Many classroom exercises rely heavily on colours—such as sorting games, charts, and even instructions using coloured markers. A colour blind child might struggle with these tasks, which can lead to frustration and difficulty keeping up with peers.

A Colourblind Child May Not Be Able To Identify Bright Light

Light sensitivity is also an important indicator. A child might be able to distinguish colours under bright lighting but struggle to do so in dim light or when colours appear against similar backgrounds. This inconsistency can further complicate their ability to navigate learning environments and daily life.

Is There A Cure?

While there is no cause for this condition, there are several strategies and equipment that can help children manage the condition effectively. Specially designed glasses and contact lenses may improve colour perception in some types of colour blindness. Additionally, digital tools and mobile apps can assist by recognising colours and offering alternative cues.

Educational adaptations can also make a difference. Parents and teachers can support learning by using patterns, symbols, or labels along with colour-coded materials. Maintaining proper lighting can further enhance contrast and make colour identification easier.

Experts also recommend teaching children to rely on alternative strategies for identifying colours—such as using brightness levels or object positions rather than hue. These coping mechanisms can boost their confidence and reduce confusion in everyday activities.

Many people turn to cannabis to unwind, ease anxiety, or soothe pain, but not all cannabis products affect the body the same way—especially when it comes to sleep. Cannabis-derived products Cannabidiol (CBD) is often the go-to for those seeking relaxation without the high, while tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) delivers the psychoactive effects. Now, there is an ongoing debate on whether THC is helpful or detrimental to sleep.

How Does It Impact Sleep?

According to experts, while going high on THC may lead you to fall asleep quickly, it can affect different stages of your sleep because it interacts with receptors in your brain. "While THC initially decreases sleep onset time by interacting with cannabinoid receptors and modulating neurotransmitter systems, it significantly alters normal sleep architecture — typically increasing deep sleep while suppressing crucial REM sleep," said Dr Jason Singh, Chief Medical Officer at One Oak Medical Group. He also noted that THC can impact sleep patterns differently in the long term.

Sleep Foundation says 70% of young adults use cannabis recreationally to improve their sleep, and 85% of medical marijuana users claim it helps because it relieves pain. Singh said his patients agree, but there is a catch. He underscored that although all his patients report subjective improvements in sleep quality, objective measurements do reveal more fragmented sleep patterns.

Falling asleep in a high state may increase non-REM sleep, which might make you feel well-rested. However, it also reduces the time spent in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep—the stage associated with dreaming, emotional processing, and memory improvement. According to the Sleep Foundation, adults need about two hours of REM sleep each night.

Singh added, “With regular use, tolerance develops as CB1 receptors downregulate in the brain and this diminishes cannabis's sleep-inducing effects over time. When use stops, withdrawal commonly causes REM rebound and insomnia.”

Long-Term Effects On Brain

Although people with chronic pain may notice better sleep while using cannabis, experts often advise against its use as the sole sleep aid. "I usually tell my patients that while cannabis may temporarily improve sleep initiation, its disruption of normal sleep cycling long-term is not helpful for sleep quality,' Dr Singh said. The Sleep Foundation also recommends that children and adolescents avoid cannabis for sleep due to its effects on brain development.

Over time, long-term cannabis use may alter the structure and function of the brain. A 2018 review in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that heavy cannabis use can impair thinking and memory for at least a week after use. Brain imaging studies have shown smaller brain regions involved in memory, learning, and emotional regulation in cannabis users.

Regular users who stop may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, low mood, appetite changes, and sleep issues. However, according to a 2017 review in Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, brain receptors begin recovering within two days and may return to normal in about four weeks.

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