The diagnosis also will depend on factors like whether one or both ears are affected.
This article presents information about different conditions that cause red ears and how they are treated.
It will help you to know when to contact a healthcare provider about your symptoms.
Vonschonertagen / Getty Images
Vonschonertagen / Getty Images
What Causes Red Ears?
Several conditions can lead to red ears.
A Word From Verywell
The most common causes of red ears are flushing and sunburns.
There are manyalbeit raresystemic diseases that can be happening.
If the redness persists, it’s wise to seek evaluation from a healthcare provider.
Red Ear Syndrome
Red ear syndromeis an incredibly rare disorder.
Giorgio Lambru, Sarah Miller and Manjit S Matharu / Wikimedia Commons
The condition has also been associated withmigraines.
The main symptoms associated with red ear syndrome are pain and burning of the ears.
Although having red ear syndrome can be uncomfortable, the condition itself is not serious.
Your skin becomes red because blood flow to the area increases and blood vessels under your skin become dilated.
It typically occurs as a result of embarrassment or anger.
Sunburn
A sunburn is brought on by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
It is an inflammatory reaction that damages the outer layers of your skin.
The damage to skin cells causes the skin to become red and painful.
In severe cases, you may develop blisters on your skin.
Fifty percent of young adults get a sunburn at least once a year.
When Should I Worry About Red Ear?
It is estimated that roughly 1% to 3% of people have seborrheic eczema.
In infants, seborrheic dermatitis, called cradle cap, is triggered by skin inflammation.
Relapsing Polychondritis
Relapsing polychondritisis a rare disease and affects only three to four people per million.
It causes cartilage and other tissues of the body to become swollen and inflamed.
The main symptoms of the disease include swelling and inflammation of the ear, nose, and jointcartilage.
It can also affect the airways, ribs, and eyes.
It has also been associated with diseases such asHodgkins lymphoma,Crohns disease, andtype 1 diabetes.
Erythromelalgia
Erythromelalgiais a rare disease that affects roughly 1.3 out of every 100,000 people per year.
The cause of this disease is thought to be genetic, specifically because of mutations in the SCN9A gene.
It can be passed down through generations as well.
Are Red Ears Genetic?
Some conditions associated with red ears may have a genetic component, such as flushing and erythromelalgia.
Infection
Infection can also cause red ears, typically a skin infection such as cellulitis orerysipelas.
However, red ears can also be a symptom of an outer ear infection such as swimmers ear.
Treatments
The treatment for red ears depends on what causes it.
Pain-relieving medications are typically used to treat red ear syndrome.
Treatment of sunburn should begin as soon as you realize you have one.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe an antifungal shampoo with ciclopirox.
For more severe cases, shampoos withbetamethasone valerate,clobetasol, orfluocinolonemay be prescribed.
Immunosuppressants may also be used in more serious cases.
For the most extreme cases,heart valve replacementor surgical implantation of a breathing tube may be needed.
Antifungals may be used if the infection is brought on by fungus overgrowth.
Home remedies for red ears will work only if they target the cause.
Before trying any home remedies, see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
How Are Red Ears Prevented?
Wear a hat and apply sunscreen.
Take any medications as directed, as this can help to limit symptoms.
But another condition may be at work for which you require treatment.
An infection such as cellulitis or swimmer’s ear may require a prescription for antibiotics.
A rare condition like erythromelalgia will require nerve blocks or other procedures.
In some cases, your red ear may be a symptom of thyroid cancer or another serious disease.
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
Summary
Red ears are a common occurrence, and they are not usually a cause for concern.
you could get them if you are simply embarrassed or have a sunburn.
However, red ears can be brought on by certain health conditions like infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common and harmless cause of red and hot ears is flushing.
An emotional reaction often drives it.
The most common cause of red and itchy ears is seborrheic dermatitis.
In infants, it is called cradle cap.
This condition is characterized by scaly patches on the skin and redness.
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