HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Is Swollen Ear Lobe Treated ?

default
Posted on Fri, 13 Apr 2012
Question: I slept on my right side last night. When I awoke my earlobe was swollen and it looks like its filled with blood. There's red bruise like spots at the bottom of my earlobe. Is this a serious problem?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)
Dear Darkfox12,

Thank you for your query.

1. This is not a serious problem. However, if the swelling and bruise spreads further or if the pain increases, it will be better to have your right earlobe examined for any signs of infection. To be on the safe side, try and get someone to check the skin behind your ear.

2. If you have an ear piercing, then this swelling and bruise may be related to it. If not, other possibilities are insect bites or bruising and scraping / scratching related to accidentally sleeping on your right ear for a prolonged period at night.

3. A simple inflammation may subside on it's own, or you may apply ice and take an over the counter painkiller (after food, never on an empty stomach).

4. I am assuming that you do not have any middle ear infection. Sometimes it is just a furuncle or boil in the skin. If there are clear vesicles in the rash, you must visit an ENT Specialist to rule out Herpes Zoster.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Is Swollen Ear Lobe Treated ?

Dear Darkfox12,

Thank you for your query.

1. This is not a serious problem. However, if the swelling and bruise spreads further or if the pain increases, it will be better to have your right earlobe examined for any signs of infection. To be on the safe side, try and get someone to check the skin behind your ear.

2. If you have an ear piercing, then this swelling and bruise may be related to it. If not, other possibilities are insect bites or bruising and scraping / scratching related to accidentally sleeping on your right ear for a prolonged period at night.

3. A simple inflammation may subside on it's own, or you may apply ice and take an over the counter painkiller (after food, never on an empty stomach).

4. I am assuming that you do not have any middle ear infection. Sometimes it is just a furuncle or boil in the skin. If there are clear vesicles in the rash, you must visit an ENT Specialist to rule out Herpes Zoster.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.

Regards.