Swollen earlobes can have many different causes. Some of these can be treated at home, while others require medical attention. Let’s examine the causes and how to remedy them.
Piercings
If you or your child recently had their ears pierced, it could cause swelling in the earlobes. A new piercing is a wound and swelling is a natural part of the healing process. Swelling from a piercing may last a little over a week. If you have swelling for more than two weeks or your symptoms are severe, it may mean you have an infection. Make an appointment with your doctor to get checked out and prescribed any necessary antibiotics.
Allergic Reactions
Contact dermatitis causes the skin to appear red, inflamed and itchy. People who have an allergy to nickel or other metals found in earrings may experience swollen earlobes as one of their allergy symptoms. You can prevent contact dermatitis by avoiding the substance that you are allergic to and managing any discomfort with topical creams.
Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis happens as a result of an untreated ear infection. The infection spreads to the mastoid bone and can cause symptoms such as
- Fever
- Chills
- Ear pain
- Redness behind ear
- Swelling of the earlobe
This type of infection needs to be treated with antibiotics immediately to prevent more serious complications like hearing loss, facial paralysis, and meningitis.
Cauliflower Ear
Cauliflower ear, also known as wrestler’s ear, is a deformity caused by blunt trauma to the outer ear. It’s an injury often seen in boxers or wrestlers who regularly take hits to the head. This type of injury can cause blood to pool in the outer ear. If the blood is not drained, the ear can become deformed and lumpy.
Insect Bites
If you notice a swollen earlobe after a walk in Pufferbelly Trail, it may be from a bug bite. If this is the case, you may notice a visible bite at the center of the swelling, along with itching, pain and redness.
In most cases, hydrocortisone creams can help relieve any symptoms of a bug bite. If symptoms worsen or the swelling spreads to the neck, face or throat, this could be a sign of an allergic reaction. Seek medical care immediately if this happens.
Bottom Line
Causes of earlobe swelling can range from relatively benign to serious medical conditions. If you are concerned about your symptoms, call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.