Why am I getting tiny scabs in the folds of my outer ear?

Q: I have tiny scabs in the folds of my outer ear; what causes them and how can I treat them?

A:Otitis externa is usually a form of seborrhoeic dermatitis and responds well to topical steroid applications (desonide). Daily shampooing helps in keeping down fungal counts on the scalp and reduces the recurrence rates of seborrhoeic dermatitis.