This is the one body part you dont want to forget to wash: Always traps grime

You might be rinsing and repeating — but you’re probably not as clean as you think.Dermatologists say there’s one spot most people overlook in their shower routine where dirt, oil and dead skin cells can accumulate quickly.Left unchecked, that buildup can lead to bacterial infections, painful skin problems and a foul odor that lingers long after you’ve toweled off.Doctors generally agree that your ears do a good job of cleaning themselves, so you can probably toss the Q-tips.But the area around them is a different story. “I always recommend people wash the skin behind their ears intentionally and specifically to get into the creases of where the ear meets your skin, as it can always trap grime,” Dr.

Roger Kapoor, a dermatologist and senior vice president at Beloit Memorial Hospital, told Parade. That’s especially true in summer, when sweat and sunscreen create a moist breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.For people who wear glasses, the arms resting behind the ears can also easily transfer bacteria to the skin.Oil, dirt, and dead skin cells piling up behind your ears can clog pores and cause painful pimples and acne.It can also irritate your skin — and even trigger ear eczema.This inflammatory skin condition causes red, itchy patches that can be dry, flaky or waxy, depending on the type.“Any inflammatory condition of the skin can lead to cracks in the natural skin barrier, allowing bacteria in and causing infections,” Dr.Stacey Tull, a dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon, told Real Simple. Even tiny cuts, piercings or scratches inside the ear can open the door to infection.In rare but serious cases, those infections can spread beyond the ear and into the bloodstream — potentially leading to life-threatening sepsis, when the body starts attacking its own organs.Infections behind the ears can also give off a foul, cheeselike stench, often thanks to bacteria, yeast and fungi, according to Healthline. Sweat gland behind the...