Hello,

Thanks for your query.

One of the important possibilities where a rash appears behind the ears and gradually starts going down the neck and subsequently involves the whole body is the rash of Measles.

However, the rash of measles is usually preceded by fever, cough and coryza (running nose). Hence, if you didn’t have these symptoms prior to the onset of rash, then the likelihood of this rash being due to measles is less likely. The treatment of measles is primarily symptomatic with paracetamol and increased intake of fluids.

Another important possibility which needs to be considered is chickenpox. However, in this the rash is typically clear fluid filled blisters and are itchy and there’s associated fever. In this, anti-viral drugs are used to treat the same along with symptomatic management.

I’ll suggest consulting a dermatologist for the same as it is not possible to make an online diagnosis without a physical examination.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions then please do post us. Wishing you good health.

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Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Although you have incorporated these two changes, but they will not cause a bilateral (on both sides) lump behind the ear. It can be a swollen lymph node but it is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection or an allergic reaction. Did you suffer from any recent infection or allergic reaction?

Behind the ear there is skin, fat, cartilage, bone, nerves, blood vessels, Lymph nodes, and salivary gland tissue (a portion of the parotid salivary gland extends behind the ear). This itchy tender bump behind both ears can be due to viral infection ( as I have mentioned earlier) , an infection (Lymph node or skin) or a swollen muscle.

Take some pain killers or some anti-inflammatory drug if you have pain and apply warm compression on these lumps. If they spread more or become painful then an ENT specialist or a dermatologist can be consulted.

You can also send the snaps of the lumps at YYYY@YYYY , with Sub: ATTN 'Dr Jasvinder Singh". I will be able to help you better that way.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions then please do post us.

Wishing you good health.

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Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for the further clarification. The tender unilateral bump can be a swollen lymph node after your URI and secondary bacterial infection. Swollen lymph nodes may sometimes take a few days even after the initial infection is gone .

Secondly as it is tender and due to the sweating after work outs, an infected hair follicle or a boil is another important possibility. Since you have clarified that it is unilateral, infected hair follicle cannot be ruled out. As mentioned earlier, apply warm compressions and take some prescription.

The itchy rash is bilateral and there is increased sweating, so heat rash or sweat dermatitis can be a possibility.You can apply some calamine lotion on the rash and try to avoid sweating by wiping off the sweat gently during workouts.

After treatment the symptoms will get better in a few days. If the bump increases in size then please do get it evaluated from your doctor because it may need oral antibiotics and incision and drainage.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do write back. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

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