Red Ear Syndrome, anyone experienced it

Posted by leelou03 @leelou03, Mar 3, 2024

Has anyone had these symptoms; one or both ears get red hot and painful. The redness will spread to my cheek or cheeks. I googled it and Red Ear Syndrome came up, I asked my doctor, he looked it up. So I have an appointment with a dermatologist. Just want to find help

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@leelou03

I go to the dermatologist the 28 of March. I screen shot the links to the information you sent. It should be helpful. Thank you again

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I hope you find some answers for this unusual condition! And if you do, would you please report back here? You may help someone else who’s going through the same issues! Wishing you all the best.

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I went to a dermatologist,that was a joke. He was clueless, said to put sunscreen on. I also asked about my excessive sweating, nothing. I really don't know what's next.
Thanks for listening

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@leelou03

I went to a dermatologist,that was a joke. He was clueless, said to put sunscreen on. I also asked about my excessive sweating, nothing. I really don't know what's next.
Thanks for listening

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Well that was certainly disappointing for you! I was really hoping, along with you, that the dermatologist would have some idea of what’s happening with the redness of your ears and the excessive sweating.

I’m just wondering if you’ve had any tests to see if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Both conditions can cause excessive sweating called hyperhidrosis.
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/thyroid-disorders/hyperthyroidism-face
Don’t give up hope! I think the next step is checking back in with your primary care physician, letting them know that this is serious and you need help. They may need to play detective with you.

Another option to consider is a Functional Medical practitioner. Functional medicine doctors use specialized training and techniques to find the root causes of chronic illnesses. Here’s a link to find a provider in your area: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

Do you have any issues with your the cervical area of your neck? How about medications? Some of them can cause side effects such as sweating. Did your symptoms begin after any event, such as an illness, that you can recall?

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I live with a person who is affected by this Red Ear Syndrome (Sometimes called Hot-or-Burning Ear Syndrome). We keep a supply of flexible ice packs in the freezer - wrapped in thin clothes - to be held against the ear until the attack starts to recede. At first we thought it might be due to cancer treatment - mastectomy; one breast and some lymph nodes removed during surgery and following chemo/radiation treatments. But, casual research does not support that. Our GP suggested perhaps jaw-clenching was playing a roll, but these attacks happen at any time during the day, so I am doubting that. Recently, in cyber land, I am reading about potential neurological afflictions being at the source, but there are a lot of guesses out there and no apparent desire anywhere to try to root this out. The person living with me who is afflicted is female, age 69, active and otherwise in good health. There are no other symptoms; she takes no medications; has a healthy balanced diet; doesn't smoke; is rarely 'anxious' (one of the potential causes listed in cyber land is anxiety). In other words, this shouldn't be happening. 🙂 Hopeful for someone in the medical profession makes an effort to unravel this mysterious disease.

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@elwy44

I live with a person who is affected by this Red Ear Syndrome (Sometimes called Hot-or-Burning Ear Syndrome). We keep a supply of flexible ice packs in the freezer - wrapped in thin clothes - to be held against the ear until the attack starts to recede. At first we thought it might be due to cancer treatment - mastectomy; one breast and some lymph nodes removed during surgery and following chemo/radiation treatments. But, casual research does not support that. Our GP suggested perhaps jaw-clenching was playing a roll, but these attacks happen at any time during the day, so I am doubting that. Recently, in cyber land, I am reading about potential neurological afflictions being at the source, but there are a lot of guesses out there and no apparent desire anywhere to try to root this out. The person living with me who is afflicted is female, age 69, active and otherwise in good health. There are no other symptoms; she takes no medications; has a healthy balanced diet; doesn't smoke; is rarely 'anxious' (one of the potential causes listed in cyber land is anxiety). In other words, this shouldn't be happening. 🙂 Hopeful for someone in the medical profession makes an effort to unravel this mysterious disease.

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Welcome to Connect, @elwy44. Thanks for sharing the information about your friend with Red Ear Syndrome. This seems to be one of those quirky mysteries that will take time to sleuth out. While it doesn’t seem to be harmful it sure would be an annoyance.
It’s a great idea using the ice packs to help out during an event. This might help @leelou03 and @sbtheplumber1 when they have a flare up of burning ears.

Hopefully with more people adding to the discussion a common cause might be found. When this happens is it pretty random? So your friend can’t correlate it to any foods or specific actions?

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The cool packs sound like the quickest relief.
I have a neuropathic itch and mild pain following shingles.
Icy Hot topical with menthol and xylocaine helps.
Worth checking blood pressure during an attack.
Agree it’s worth having your doctor checking some
lab.

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@loribmt

Welcome to Connect, @elwy44. Thanks for sharing the information about your friend with Red Ear Syndrome. This seems to be one of those quirky mysteries that will take time to sleuth out. While it doesn’t seem to be harmful it sure would be an annoyance.
It’s a great idea using the ice packs to help out during an event. This might help @leelou03 and @sbtheplumber1 when they have a flare up of burning ears.

Hopefully with more people adding to the discussion a common cause might be found. When this happens is it pretty random? So your friend can’t correlate it to any foods or specific actions?

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@loribmt unfortunately I just now seen this post you tagged me in . It is random for me . I had someone on another site mention stress , I don’t know I have been under a lot of stress the last 5 years 3 years I was on an exhausting night shift 4 pm to 4 am then all kinds of medical issues from finding a pulmonic valve aneurysm to a failed back surgery almost 2 years ago I just finally after 6 doctors gave in and was told by Mayo dr I have a loose lumbar screw but leave it alone and get a stimulator which I just got the permanent one this week. Now I’m border Anemic and low testosterone. I’m now on at least 15 medications daily so maybe medication is a factor . 52 year old now disabled because a surgeon wouldn’t let go of his pride and help what is caused by his assistant and the other surgeons covering for him, I’ve had to give up a 29 year career to using canes, a Walker or a scooter, may never get sleep in a bed again. Sorry for the rambling!

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@seniormed

The cool packs sound like the quickest relief.
I have a neuropathic itch and mild pain following shingles.
Icy Hot topical with menthol and xylocaine helps.
Worth checking blood pressure during an attack.
Agree it’s worth having your doctor checking some
lab.

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I experienced a severe case of shingles that put me in the hospital on a morphine pump. If that wasn't bad enough, it was followed by painful post-herpetic neuralgia. Gabapentin completely took away the pain. If you haven't tried it, you should discuss it with your doctor. It is now standard for neuralgia caused by shingles, I understand.

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@sbtheplumber1

@loribmt unfortunately I just now seen this post you tagged me in . It is random for me . I had someone on another site mention stress , I don’t know I have been under a lot of stress the last 5 years 3 years I was on an exhausting night shift 4 pm to 4 am then all kinds of medical issues from finding a pulmonic valve aneurysm to a failed back surgery almost 2 years ago I just finally after 6 doctors gave in and was told by Mayo dr I have a loose lumbar screw but leave it alone and get a stimulator which I just got the permanent one this week. Now I’m border Anemic and low testosterone. I’m now on at least 15 medications daily so maybe medication is a factor . 52 year old now disabled because a surgeon wouldn’t let go of his pride and help what is caused by his assistant and the other surgeons covering for him, I’ve had to give up a 29 year career to using canes, a Walker or a scooter, may never get sleep in a bed again. Sorry for the rambling!

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Good morning, @sbtheplumber1 My goodness, you have been through the wringer the past few years! You’re not kidding about being under a lot of stress and that can really wreak havoc in our bodies. I’m so sorry you’re in such pain with your back. I hope the new stimulator controls the discomfort for you. Do you need to sleep in a recliner at night because of your back?

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