Red and burning, itchy external ears can be a sign of Relapsing Polychondritis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the cartilage in external ears, bridge of nose, rib and joint cartilage. It causes over a long time collapse of the bridge of nose causing it to flatten. Look for pictures online of ears and “saddle noses” characteristic of RP and see if it fits. A rheumatologist is the Dr to discuss this with and get treatment when it flares up.