Hormonal changes and even rare conditions likered earsyndrome (RES) can be the culprits.
Where and how you experience hot ears can provide clues about what is happening.
Burning that affects one ear but not both may mean an infection.
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Two hot ears after hours outdoors may be sunburn, especially since people often forget sunscreen for their ears.
A healthcare provider can review these symptoms to make a diagnosis.
Many people do not realize that this vulnerable, sensitive skin needs UV protection.
It can be easy to forget to apply sunscreenespecially if your ears are partially covered by your hair.
If blisters form on skin that has been sunburned, do not pop them.
The blisters are part of the healing process and help protect your skin from infection.
When to Seek Care for Sunburn
Having a mild sunburn can be uncomfortable but is not serious.
Anickel allergymay cause hives, redness, itching, and burning.
Some people experience swelling, and the ear can also feel hot to the touch.
The main treatment for contact dermatitis is avoiding exposure.
For example, if you react to a piece of jewelry, you would need to stop wearing it.
In some cases, you might need to see your healthcare provider or a dermatologist.
They may prescribe a medicated cream to help your skin heal.
Sudden emotional reddening is due to increased blood flow.
Flushing can also affect the ears.
When a person experiences a powerful emotion, their ears may get red and feel hot to the touch.
They may also feel a burning sensation.
you might sometimes prevent or lessen the response by avoiding triggers, such as alcohol or temperature extremes.
Why Do My Ears Get Hot When I’m Tired?
The ears then become warmer and more red in color.
You might needantibioticsto clear up the infection.
The burning and redness can last up to several hours, and attacks happen on and off repeatedly.
Erythromelalgia
Erythromelalgiais a rare condition affecting the feet and sometimes the hands.
Very rarely, it can also affect the ears.Symptoms can affect one or both sides of the body.
Other treatments include:
Nerve blocks and surgical implants also are options.
An infection of the skin around the outer ear is calledotitis externa.
Other causes of thistype of skin infectioninclude acne,eczema,psoriasis, or an allergic reaction.
When considering treatment, your healthcare provider will need to determine whether it is a fungal orbacterial infection.
Topicalear dropsare usually the first-line treatment for a skin infection that involves the outer ear canal.
The drops may contain antibiotics or other ingredients such as acetic acid.
Oral antibiotics are the last resort for severe infections.
It can also affect the ears.
It can look like a rash and may produce a burning sensation.
Medical treatments include topical antifungals or medicated personal hygiene products.
For severe cases ofseborrheic dermatitis, a dermatologist may prescribe a topical corticosteroid or calcineurin inhibitor.
The cause of relapsing polychondritis is not known.
However, experts believe that the disease is an autoimmune condition.
Treatment for relapsing polychondritis usually involves corticosteroids and OTC pain medications.
In very severe cases that involve the heart, a healthcare provider may recommend immunosuppressants.
Summary
There are many causes of hot, burning ears.
Sometimes the burning sensation occurs with redness and swelling of the skin of the ears.
Emotions, environmental exposure to sunlight, or very hot or cold temperatures can cause the ears to burn.
A healthcare provider can prescribe medication to help treat the symptoms.
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Hannah-Shmouni F, Stratakis CA, Koch CA.Flushing in (neuro)endocrinology.Rev Endocr Metab Disord.
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