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What Causes Redness And Warm Sensation On The Outer Part Of The Ears?

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Posted on Fri, 9 Dec 2016
Question: The outer part of my ears are red, warm to touch, they also itch and throb.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Inforamation

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Did this just begin? And do I understand right that it is both ears? Did it follow eating, or an emotional/stressful experience?

It's possible to get an infection of the soft tissue anywhere on the body, including the external part of the ear, but then I would expect it to be happening to only 1 ear, not both.

So this may be from an allergic reaction. Without seeing you and getting more history, this is a guess of what is most likely. Treatment would be Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50 mg every 6 hours.

Some people also get this reaction from feeling anxious, panicked, or stressed.

Does any of this make sense for your current situation?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)
Yes it is both ears. I did start using a new hair product yesterday, could that be it? The symptoms have been going on most of the day so I don't think it is anxiety.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
It could be from a reaction to the hair product. I would expect it to affect your scalp then too, unless the product didn't get on your scalp.

If your ears become significantly swollen, then you might need to be seen and if it is quite bad, an oral steroid can help. But if it is fairly mild, you can try the Benadryl and cool compresses. An over the counter 1% hydrocortisone cream might also help. If it is not getting better in the next 24 hours (or if the reaction gets worse) then do go in to your doctor or urgent care clinic to be seen.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Redness And Warm Sensation On The Outer Part Of The Ears?

Brief Answer: Inforamation Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Did this just begin? And do I understand right that it is both ears? Did it follow eating, or an emotional/stressful experience? It's possible to get an infection of the soft tissue anywhere on the body, including the external part of the ear, but then I would expect it to be happening to only 1 ear, not both. So this may be from an allergic reaction. Without seeing you and getting more history, this is a guess of what is most likely. Treatment would be Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50 mg every 6 hours. Some people also get this reaction from feeling anxious, panicked, or stressed. Does any of this make sense for your current situation?