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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Reduce Soreness In Both The Earlobes?

I have these strange sores on both earlobes and I m at a loss as to how to get them healed permanently. I got them early last year, after wearing some nickel earrings. I have worn nickel earrings my entire life (I am a 32 year old female) and never had any problems whatsoever. However, last year my ears became infected and small water filled blisters that itched horribly popped up on my earlobes. When I scratched them they became ulcer-like sores. The itching was uncontrollable and of course when I scratched them, the sores became worse and would not heal. My doctor said it was an allergic reaction to nickel. She put me on a round of antibiotics (of which I had to take a second round), and prescribed two different creams: Bactraban and Betamethazone Diproprianate, 2%. After a few weeks my ears finally cleared up. Then, about two months ago the lobes began to itch again and I had not worn any earrings at all. Even without scratching, each earlobe formed a small red bubble and after several days of fighting the urge to scratch, I finally gave in and that was all it took to break the bubbles into sores once more. This time, neither the bactroban nor the Betamethazone cream are working to heal the sores up, and the itching is horrible. I saw my doctor again and she said, again, that she thinks its a nickel allergy, and prescribed Clotrimazole and Betamethazone Diproprionate cream. This cream only seems to make the sores worse. I don t know what to do. Any advice?
Tue, 14 Jul 2020
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

To reduce soreness in both ear lobes do not wear ear rings of any kind for a couple of days. Do not touch, do not scratch. Take antihistamines to reduce the itching sensation and allergy. Acetaminophen and Naproxen effectively reduce pain, inflammation and discomfort. You can use astringents, they help to reduce the swelling. Hot and cold compress will give relieve. You can apply hydrocortisone cream locally.

Your symptoms should get reduced. If not you may have to take oral antibiotics like Augmentin. Avoid wearing jewelry that contains irritants to help prevent symptoms and allow the ears to heal faster.

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

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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How To Reduce Soreness In Both The Earlobes?

Hello, To reduce soreness in both ear lobes do not wear ear rings of any kind for a couple of days. Do not touch, do not scratch. Take antihistamines to reduce the itching sensation and allergy. Acetaminophen and Naproxen effectively reduce pain, inflammation and discomfort. You can use astringents, they help to reduce the swelling. Hot and cold compress will give relieve. You can apply hydrocortisone cream locally. Your symptoms should get reduced. If not you may have to take oral antibiotics like Augmentin. Avoid wearing jewelry that contains irritants to help prevent symptoms and allow the ears to heal faster. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician