A swollen earlobe is common, for example as a result of an injury, but some conditions, infections or other environmental factors can also lead to earlobe swelling. In most cases, it is possible to treat earlobe swelling with home remedies and over-the-counter medications, but some causes require urgent medical attention.

• Abscess and earlobe thickening
• Allergic reaction or contact dermatitis
• Cauliflower ear
• Cellulite
• Cyst
• Poisonous plants
• Insect bite or insect sting
• Mastoiditis and swollen earlobe
• Ear lumps and thickened earlobe
• Piercings and swelling of earlobes
• Trauma (injury) and thicker earlobe
• Swimmer’s ear and swollen earlobes
• Self-care and home remedies
• Alarm signals
• Prevention of earlobe swelling

Abscess and earlobe thickening

An abscess is a pus-filled bump on or under the skin that is caused by a bacterial infection. The symptoms of an abscess are variable but include fever, nausea and a discharge of pus from the area. The doctor must treat this by draining the abscess (draining pus) otherwise the symptoms will worsen.

Allergic reaction or contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis (rash with redness and itching) is another common cause of a swollen earlobe. The skin reacts allergically to some types of jewelry. For example, earrings made of nickel and other non-hypoallergenic metals lead to swollen earlobes (nickel allergy). It is important to avoid the jewelry that causes problems. The skin may also react allergically to lotion, perfume or another care product, leading to red, inflamed, itchy, flaking and/or dry skin. It is best for the patient to keep a record of all substances used that lead to symptoms, so that a dermatologist can use them to detect the ingredient that provokes the reaction. It is also recommended to avoid these certain products with skin care products that lead to an allergic reaction . Severe symptoms of an allergic reaction require medical attention.

Cauliflower ear

Cauliflower ear (auricular hematoma) is a condition that manifests itself after blunt trauma to the ear structure, for example caused by boxing. The blood accumulates in the outer ear. If the doctor does not treat this, a deformity occurs, causing a rough and bumpy appearance. Cauliflower ear is also painful and susceptible to infection. Urgent medical attention is needed for patients with cauliflower ear.

Cellulite

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that results in painful, swollen skin. An earlobe with cellulite is sensitive and warm. Cellulite sometimes spreads to the bloodstream or other tissues so medical treatment is needed.

Cyst

A sebaceous cyst sometimes causes a swollen earlobe. Cysts are sac-like cavities in the skin filled with sulphurous material. Cysts are often annoying and often require medical drainage to heal completely.

Poisonous plants

When a patient comes into contact with a poisonous plant, such as sumac, swelling occurs in the earlobe. Poisonous plants also cause other symptoms in the affected area, such as blisters, a rash, a stinging sensation and/or itching.

Insect bite or insect sting

When an earlobe swelling occurs at night, this is often due to an insect bite or insect sting. Sometimes there is a visible bite or dot in the center of the swelling. Insect bites or insect stings also lead to other symptoms, such as itching, pain and redness. Oral (taken by mouth) antihistamines or hydrocortisone creams are medications that help relieve symptoms. If symptoms worsen or spread to the neck, face or throat, a patient should seek immediate medical attention as they may be suffering from an allergic reaction.

Mastoiditis and swollen earlobe

The mastoid bone is the spongy bone of the inner ear. With mastoiditis, an infection occurs in this bone, causing the ear to swell. This condition requires urgent medical attention. Other symptoms include:

• an ear discharge that drains from the infected ear
• hearing loss
• headache
• fever or chills
• pain and irritation
• irritability or mood swings
• redness behind the ear
• drowsiness

Ear lumps and thickened earlobe

A boil is an infection around a hair follicle under the surface of the skin. A group of boils is known as a carbuncle. Pain upon touch, swelling, fever, fatigue, and pus or a discharge are possible symptoms of a boil or carbuncle. Other ear lumps may also cause a thicker earlobe, such as warts, ear tumors and skin cancer of the ear.

Piercings and swelling of earlobes

Very often a swollen earlobe is due to a piercing. This creates an open wound. In response to this damage, the body naturally causes swelling. Most patients with piercings experience pain and swelling in the ear for up to a week or a little longer. Infected ear piercings also lead to a swollen earlobe, even if the patient has had a piercing for many years. If the symptoms last longer than two weeks or are severe, the patient should visit a doctor.

Trauma (injury) and thicker earlobe

A minor injury or trauma irritates the earlobe or causes inflammation. This happens, for example, by wearing very heavy earrings or by a blow to the ear from an object. An injured earlobe swells and is painful and tender.

Swimmer’s ear and swollen earlobes

Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) is an infection in the ear canal. This may spread to the earlobe and cause swelling there. Additional symptoms include inflammation, tenderness, itching just inside the ear (itchy ear), ear pain and redness.

Self-care and home remedies

Some home remedies relieve symptoms if the cause of a swollen earlobe does not require medical attention. Tea tree oil, oatmeal baths and witch hazel are some natural remedies for relieving pain, swelling and skin irritation. Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories can also be used to relieve pain and swelling. A cold compress will numb the earache and a warm compress will improve circulation in the area to reduce swelling.

Alarm signals

Home remedies are often effective for treating swollen earlobes. If this is not the case, medical attention is needed so that the doctor can make a proper diagnosis and implement a correct treatment plan. Medical treatment is required if swelling increases or other symptoms worsen, or if pus comes from the earlobe. Infections also require treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications. Finally, when an earlobe swelling occurs in combination with a severe allergic reaction (hives, breathing problems, etc.), this is also an emergency situation.

Prevention of earlobe swelling

Avoidance of known allergens (triggers or materials) for a swollen earlobe is necessary. Furthermore, the patient must ensure good ear hygiene. However, they are not allowed to insert any objects (including fingers) into the ear canal themselves, as this will cause damage. It is also vital to properly care for earlobe injuries and seek medical advice, as some underlying conditions will cause hearing loss if the patient does not receive treatment.