The tragus part of my right ear, continually becomes red and raw, cracking to the point it sometimes bleeds. It has at times spread to the inner part of my ear. I am wondering if this is allergy related. As a child I frequently had swollen glands that were so bad I could grab a ball between my fingers. Back then children were not diagnosed with allergies like they are today. (I am now 62) The current ear problem has been going on for a couple years and currently the gland beneath the ear is somewhat tender. I was put on Keflex for 10 days last month because I complained of a congested ear and pain. The NP told me maybe I had a bug bite because there was redness behind my ear. It was red from me rubbing it, because it hurt and there were two like pimples in the ear canal. Anyway, there are times I can get this to clear up and I am thinking allergies. I have read it could be auto immune though.