Red ear in a child – inflammation, injury, allergy

In many cases, a red ear in a child is a sign of inflammation of the outer, middle or inner ear. It is worth mentioning that otitis media is one of the most frequently diagnosed childhood diseases. In addition to redness, fever and pain in the area of the auricle may also occur. Red ears in a child may signal a fungal infection, especially if the following also occur:

  • severe itching
  • pain
  • ear discharge
  • scaly and erythematous lesions.

A change in the colour of the auricle’s skin may also mean that the child has suffered a mechanical injury, for example while playing sports, playing with peers or, in the case of toddlers, learning to walk. Scratches and abrasions often occur in such cases. 

Another cause of a red ear in a child is an allergic reaction to a particular allergen. It is worth remembering that the problem may be caused by either inhalant or food allergy. Of course, a red ear is not the only symptom of an allergy; other symptoms include:

  • itching
  • rough skin
  • flaking skin around the ear
  • tenderness of the auricle
  • redness and rhinitis
  • runny nose
  • sneezing fits
  • watery eyes.

A red ear may indicate an allergy to nickel, which is often used in earrings. Allergic reactions may also be caused by skincare products such as cream or shampoo. Plant pollen, house dust mites and animal dander may also cause allergies.

Red Ear in a Child – Temperature and Skin Diseases

A red ear in a child may also be a vasomotor reaction of the skin to sudden changes in ambient temperature, for example when the child goes from a warm room into freezing weather. Redness of the auricle may also be related to excessive exposure to sunlight. Unfortunately, parents sometimes forget to apply protective cream or lotion to a child’s earlobes, often resulting in sunburn. 

A red ear in a child may result from experiencing strong emotions, such as anger or fear, or may be related to stress. The reaction can also occur during various skin diseases, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis of the auricle. This chronic condition manifests itself through erythematous patches, dryness and excessive skin flaking. 

Red Ear in a Child – How to Reduce Redness?

Are you wondering what to do about a red ear in a child? It all depends on the cause of the problem. If the symptom is related to sunburn, apply a soothing lotion containing panthenol, allantoin and urea. In the future, remember always to protect your child’s ears from the sun! In the case of skin diseases, a dermatological consultation is necessary. A specialist will identify the cause of the red ears and implement an appropriate treatment plan. If you suspect an ear infection, see an otolaryngologist. In the event of an ear injury, dress the wound; you can also apply a cold ice compress to the reddened area.

If the red ear is a symptom of an allergy, remember that the child should not be exposed to the allergen. In this case too, a visit to a specialist, an allergist, is recommended. If the redness of the auricle is related to sudden temperature fluctuations, no action is necessary; the symptom will disappear on its own shortly.

If, in addition to a red ear, the child complains of severe pain, you can relieve these unpleasant symptoms by applying LIX drops. This is an over-the-counter medical device available at pharmacies which, thanks to its lidocaine content, helps relieve pain. The product has a local anaesthetic effect. 

As a preventive measure, remember that children who participate in sports such as horse riding, cycling or skateboarding should always wear a helmet. It will ensure the safety not only of their ears but also of their entire head, protecting them in the event of an unexpected accident.

LIX/10142/02/22