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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain And Burning Sensation On Outer Ears?

My outer ears, especially in the morning, burn and hurt. I don t want to wear my glasses because the ear pieces are uncomfortable. I have been wearing pierced earrings for over 50 years and now my ears seem puffy and uncomfortable in them. Later in the day, the symptoms improve. What is all this a symptom of and what can I do about it?
Tue, 2 May 2023
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Pain and burning sensation on the outer ears, particularly in the morning, may be due to a condition called "auricular chondritis." This is an inflammation of the cartilage of the outer ear, which can be caused by an infection or injury. It may also be a symptom of an underlying condition like rheumatoid arthritis.

In your case, wearing pierced earrings for an extended period may have contributed to the development of auricular chondritis. The pressure and friction caused by the earrings may have irritated the cartilage, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

To manage auricular chondritis, it is important to avoid any activities or factors that may aggravate the condition. This includes avoiding wearing earrings or glasses that press against the ear. Applying a warm compress or taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may also help alleviate the pain and inflammation.

If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prevent further complications.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Pain And Burning Sensation On Outer Ears?

Hi, Pain and burning sensation on the outer ears, particularly in the morning, may be due to a condition called auricular chondritis. This is an inflammation of the cartilage of the outer ear, which can be caused by an infection or injury. It may also be a symptom of an underlying condition like rheumatoid arthritis. In your case, wearing pierced earrings for an extended period may have contributed to the development of auricular chondritis. The pressure and friction caused by the earrings may have irritated the cartilage, leading to inflammation and discomfort. To manage auricular chondritis, it is important to avoid any activities or factors that may aggravate the condition. This includes avoiding wearing earrings or glasses that press against the ear. Applying a warm compress or taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may also help alleviate the pain and inflammation. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prevent further complications. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician