Why Are My Ears Red?

With review and feedback from CEENTA ENT physicians

You glance in the mirror and notice one or both ears are bright red. Maybe they feel hot, burn, itch, or even hurt. While red ears can sometimes be caused by something as simple as a change in temperature or embarrassment, they can also be associated with infections, skin conditions, or a rare disorder called red ear syndrome.

Common causes of red ears

Sunburned ears

People often remember to apply sunscreen to their face but forget their ears. Unfortunately, the ears are highly susceptible to sun damage. Sunburned ears may appear red, tender, swollen, and warm to the touch. Repeated sun damage can also increase the risk of skin cancer developing on the ears.

Ear infections and skin infections

Infections affecting the outer ear or surrounding skin can make the ear appear red and swollen. Conditions such as cellulitis may develop when bacteria enter through a scratch, insect bite, or cracked skin.

Additional symptoms may include:

• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Drainage from the ear

Prompt medical evaluation is important if an infection is suspected.

Skin conditions

Several skin disorders can cause redness and irritation around the ears, including:

• Eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Psoriasis

Symptoms may include itching, flaking, scaling, dryness, or irritation in addition to redness.

Red ears and hormonal changes

Hormonal changes, from menopause to thyroid issues, can trigger red ears.

Temperature changes

Your ears contain many small blood vessels close to the skin's surface. When you're exposed to heat, these vessels dilate to release body heat, which can make your ears appear red. In cold temperatures, the opposite occurs as your body works to preserve warmth. Rapid temperature changes can sometimes make your ears look especially flushed.

Emotional responses

Embarrassment, anxiety, stress, anger, and other strong emotions can trigger increased blood flow to the face and ears. Because the skin on your ears is relatively thin, this flushing can become noticeable very quickly. In most cases, the redness disappears once the emotional trigger passes.

What is red ear syndrome?

While many cases of red ears have a common explanation, some people experience recurrent episodes of redness and burning known as red ear syndrome.

Red ear syndrome is a rare condition that causes one or both ears to become:

• Bright red
• Warm or hot
• Burning
• Painful or achy

Episodes can last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours, though many last between 30 and 60 minutes. Some people experience symptoms in only one ear, while others may have both ears affected.

What causes red ear syndrome?

Researchers do not yet fully understand the condition, but several associations have been identified.

Primary red ear syndrome

Primary red ear syndrome is most frequently seen in children, teenagers, and younger adults. Research has shown a strong connection between this condition and migraines. Approximately 80% of affected individuals have a history of migraine headaches.

Secondary red ear syndrome

Secondary red ear syndrome is more commonly seen in adults and may be associated with:

• Migraine disorders
• Cluster headaches
• Upper cervical spine problems
• Relapsing polychondritis, a rare inflammatory cartilage condition

These underlying conditions may contribute to recurring ear redness and discomfort.

How do I treat red ear syndrome?

There is no specific cure for red ear syndrome. Treatment generally focuses on addressing associated conditions and managing symptoms.

Because of its connection to migraine disorders, some patients improve with medications commonly used to prevent or treat migraines. Your physician can determine whether additional evaluation or treatment is appropriate.

When should I see an ENT for red ears?

Occasional ear redness that occurs after exercise, emotional stress, or a change in temperature usually isn't cause for concern. However, you should schedule an evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent redness
• Significant pain
• Ear swelling
• Fever
• Recurrent burning episodes
• Ear drainage
• Symptoms that interfere with daily life

An ENT specialist can identify the cause, rule out infection or more serious conditions, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

CEENTA's award-winning ENT physicians are available at over twenty locations in the Carolinas, giving you access to same-day care to diagnose your red ear and provide treatment options. Schedule your same-day ENT appointment with CEENTA online or through myCEENTAchart.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.