Hello, You have a red, swollen and painful tragus. It is commonly caused by bacterial infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. It causes inflammation and irritation in the outer ear. It may cause otalgia, itching, canal edema, canal erythema, and otorrhea, etc. It often occurs following swimming ear or minor trauma from inappropriate cleaning. Since you are experiencing tenderness it usually means that there is infection in the ear canal. Keep water out of your ears. Be careful while taking shower / bath. Avoid tragus piercing as infection may set in and your cartilage becomes infected. Applying Hydrocortisone, Neomycin or Polymyxin is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent for otic use. It is helpful. You can take acetaminophen, one SOS when needed for relieve from pain. Get clinically examined by an ENT. You may need to be treated with a course of antibiotic like ciprofloxacin. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician