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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Severe Pain In Left Concha Usually At Night. Had Recently Used Qtip To Clean Inside The Canal. Any Thoughts?

Periodically I experience severe pain in my left concha, it feels like an ice pick has been driven in. This usually occurs at night however recently it happened when I used a Qtip to clean just inside the canal and then again last night when I rubbed my ear. I feel I have a good tolerance for pain but when this happens I would rate it 7-8/10. Any thoughts?? I have never asked my PCP about this but it does seem to be more frequent. Thank you.
Mon, 21 Oct 2013
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ENT Specialist,  's  Response
Hello

Pain in the outer ear ( concha , ear canal ) is not uncommon , and most of the times is beacause of local trauma or infection. As the pain is not continuous , it is not beacaue of an infection. It also appear s that you are intermittently handling the ear with your fingers or Qtips
The first step is to STOP doing that. Earbuds ( as they are called ) may cause more damage when used. This is because the Ear canal is not straight but S-shaped , and variable . Many times the Qtip will scratch the already thin skin lining ( which can then get infected ).
I would suggest you use an anti-inflammatory painkiller for 48 hours , and resist the urge to scratch that itch. If the pain persists ( or increases) . I would suggest you met with a local ENT specialist
Thank you
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Severe Pain In Left Concha Usually At Night. Had Recently Used Qtip To Clean Inside The Canal. Any Thoughts?

Hello Pain in the outer ear ( concha , ear canal ) is not uncommon , and most of the times is beacause of local trauma or infection. As the pain is not continuous , it is not beacaue of an infection. It also appear s that you are intermittently handling the ear with your fingers or Qtips The first step is to STOP doing that. Earbuds ( as they are called ) may cause more damage when used. This is because the Ear canal is not straight but S-shaped , and variable . Many times the Qtip will scratch the already thin skin lining ( which can then get infected ). I would suggest you use an anti-inflammatory painkiller for 48 hours , and resist the urge to scratch that itch. If the pain persists ( or increases) . I would suggest you met with a local ENT specialist Thank you