Why are my ears red and hot?

Although quite rare, a condition known as red ear syndrome also exists. Often referred to as auricular erythromelalgia, this disease is caused by a rapid and intense vasodilation of the small arteries of the ears. The symptoms, which include severe and painful burning of the ears as well as redness and hot to the touch, may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours and usually affects only one ear.

In some cases, these symptoms occur spontaneously and for no apparent reason. In others, the redness and burning seems to be caused by ear chafing or as a result of exposure to extreme temperatures. The exact source of this syndrome is still unclear. It is speculated that it may be idiopathic (i.e., without a known cause) or secondary to other diseases, such as those of the spinal cord, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and venous hypertension.

Anyone can experience red, hot ears, that are swollen and painful to the touch. The causes of this disorder can vary:

• Sudden increase in blood flow: caused by abrupt transitions from a hot to a cold environment, overconsumption of alcohol or spicy foods, hormonal changes (such as hot flashes), and some medications.
• Bacterial skin infections: scabs, scratches, insect bites, or cuts can allow microbes to enter and trigger an inflammatory reaction. In such cases, the ear can become very tender, and systemic symptoms like fever, chills, exhaustion, and enlarged lymph nodes may also appear.
• Eczema and dermatitis: for instance, seborrheic dermatitis can cause red, itchy, flaky skin with white spots that may extend to the middle ear. This common skin disease can also manifest in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, groin, and armpits.
• Rarely, hot and red ears can be symptoms of conditions such as:
• Relapsing polychondritis: a rare autoimmune rheumatic disease affecting the ear cartilage.
• Perichondritis of the ear: an inflammation of the pinna, not always infectious, occurring after trauma (including piercings), insect bites, or various systemic diseases.

However, it is much more common for ears to become hot and red due to other reasons:

• Strong emotions: stress, anxiety, shyness, anger, and other intense emotions can trigger vasodilation and cause sudden, intense redness of the face, neck, and ears that lasts a few minutes.
• Sunburn: can also be the cause of this discomfort.

Sudden warmth in your ear can be surprising and uncomfortable. Here are some common reasons why this might happen:

• Increased Blood Flow: Physical exertion, emotional reactions like embarrassment or stress, and exposure to heat can all cause a rush of blood to your ears, making them feel hot.
• Infections: Ear infections, such as otitis externa or otitis media, can lead to inflammation and a sensation of heat. Skin infections around the ear, like cellulitis, can also cause warmth and redness.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergies to things like pollen, pet dander, or certain foods can cause inflammation and warmth in the ears.
• Skin Conditions: Eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions can affect the ears, leading to redness, itching, and a feeling of heat.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during menopause, can cause hot flashes that may affect the ears.
• Environmental Changes: Moving from a cold to a warm environment can cause your ears to feel hot as your body adjusts to the temperature change.
• Emotional Responses: Strong emotions like anger, anxiety, or excitement can trigger vasodilation, leading to sudden warmth and redness in the ears.