The ears are a very sensitive part of our body, so they tend to turn red in some situations. This is explained by the fact that our ears have many small blood vessels, and when our body undergoes a sudden temperature change, they dilate, making our skin color red.
But why do the face and ears get hot more specifically? Can this be avoided in any way? In the following article, we share with you everything you should know about why are my earshot. Also, if you want some trick to remedy this reaction, we will discover it for you.
Why is my earshot?
The explanation of why the face and ears heat up is very simple since this reaction is due to the increase in blood flow that occurs when the vessels in that area dilate.
One of the main reasons this occurs is climatic factors such as extreme cold or heat since prolonged exposure to these agents can cause redness and, consequently, a burning sensation in the ears and other parts of the face cheeks. Fortunately, these symptoms are temporary and usually do not pose serious problems.
Allergies
Another cause that explains why the ears heat up and turn red is related to an allergic reaction to some product, food or object. To warn us that “something is wrong,” our body responds in this way to the attack of external agents, which is why our body tends to swell and redden when faced with an allergic reaction.
Suppose you suspect that this redness is due to an allergic reaction or other body parts (especially the face) become swollen. In that case, we recommend that you seek medical advice immediately.
Emotional reactions
Are you one of those who quickly blush when feeling embarrassed or angry? This is very common and is not a problem. In certain situations and reactions, our nervous system is altered, causing the blood vessels in different parts of the body to dilate and the area to redden.
Reaction to alcohol
Have you ever noticed hot ears when drinking alcohol? This is a fairly common reaction, although it should last a few minutes. Why do my ears get hot and red when drinking alcohol? This is due to acetaldehyde, a toxic substance produced by alcoholic beverages that causes our blood vessels to dilate. As a result, our entire face turns red, especially the ears and cheeks.
Otitis
Red ears in children? In this case, it is worth talking about otitis, as it is an ear infection especially common among children. This problem is quite painful, as it occurs due to an accumulation of fluid in the middle ear and causes it to end up inflaming.
Red ears in children with otitis are very common, but there are also other symptoms: fever, irritability, burning in the ear, pain, etc. If you think that your little one may be suffering from otitis, we recommend you go to the doctor as soon as possible to stop the infection.
This can also happen with other ear infections (both in adults and children), so you will have to go to the doctor for antibiotic treatment in the event of any persistent pain in the ear.
Hit or injury
Although it is one of the most obvious causes for our ears to get hot and/or red, it is worth mentioning that an injury to the outer ear could cause inflammation, redness of the skin, burning other discomforts. This can happen in the following cases:
- Piercing of an ear
- Blow
- Scratch
- Burn
- Insect bite
In this case, we can only recommend protecting your ears from possible injuries and visiting a specialist if the wound bleeds or does not heal in a few days.
Red ear syndrome
This problem is associated with a very rare disorder that produces a burning sensation on the outside of the ear (both at the tip and in the lobe) and which, in turn, makes it red and can become swollen. The causes of this problem are related to severe and short-lived headaches.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, menstruation or menopause can sometimes lead to redness in our ears, just like in other parts of our body. This is a side effect of the action of hormones and can also occur due to a hormonal imbalance associated with the thyroid, although it is less common.
How to get rid of hot red ears?
Suppose you are looking for a solution for red ears in children or adults, in addition to following the advice that we have indicated in each section. In that case, we recommend other home remedies that can be an effective solution. However, if you feel pain and think you may be suffering from an ear infection, it is best to see a doctor immediately so that he can recommend the best treatment. Is the pain external and you just want to relieve the redness and burning sensation? So take note:
Ice: the perfect ally to reduce inflammation is ice. If you have discomfort in the outer ear and swollen, we recommend using ice packs or wrapping ice with plastic and applying it to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes each hour.
Saltwater: if your ear becomes red and hot after a piercing, clean the affected area with mild soap and water, and then wash with a mixture of water and salt to disinfect well. Remember not to use alcohol, as it could burn you a lot.
Ginger: Did you know that ginger has excellent anti-inflammatory properties for the skin? If your ear is red and hot and feels itchy or swollen, apply some ginger juice to the outside of your ear to ease the discomfort.
Jojoba oil: it is one of the best essential oils for sensitive skin and soothes discomfort, irritation, and redness of all kinds. If you think this is the case for you, apply a couple of drops of jojoba oil to the irritated outer part of your ear and let the oil absorb into the skin.