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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Purple Discoloration Of Earlobe?

What caused my purple earlobe? I haven t had any recent piercings but today I noticed that the bottom of my right earlobe is purples and red. Could it be from sleeping with my earrings in the other night? I can t think of anything else that could cause it.
Fri, 19 Jun 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern.

BRIEF ANSWER - Skin dermatitis or Contact Dermatitis

As per your query you have purple discoloration of ear lobe which is mainly because of irritation to skin of ear lobe area overnight. Continued irritation leads to decreased blood supply in that area and gave reddish purplish discoloration.

I would suggest you to :-

1) Wash the areas several times with fresh water.

2)Do not use any cosmetic products around ear area. Try to avoid using chemical rich face wash.

3) Apply some calamine lotion at discoloration area as it will help in soothing the skin.

4) Apply mild corticosteroid cream.

5) Take oral anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen/acetaminophen.

6) Remove ear ring for few days to avoid further irritation.

Your symptoms will resolve in one week. If the symptoms are severe and keep son persisting then it will be best to consult a dermatologist.

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Purple Discoloration Of Earlobe?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. BRIEF ANSWER - Skin dermatitis or Contact Dermatitis As per your query you have purple discoloration of ear lobe which is mainly because of irritation to skin of ear lobe area overnight. Continued irritation leads to decreased blood supply in that area and gave reddish purplish discoloration. I would suggest you to :- 1) Wash the areas several times with fresh water. 2)Do not use any cosmetic products around ear area. Try to avoid using chemical rich face wash. 3) Apply some calamine lotion at discoloration area as it will help in soothing the skin. 4) Apply mild corticosteroid cream. 5) Take oral anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen/acetaminophen. 6) Remove ear ring for few days to avoid further irritation. Your symptoms will resolve in one week. If the symptoms are severe and keep son persisting then it will be best to consult a dermatologist. Hope your concern has been resolved. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari