The correct way to treat a swollen ear lobe depends on what is causing it. Sometimes a person’s ear lobe swells because of an infection. In such a case, a person usually has to seek a doctor’s help with treating it. If the swelling is minor, such as right after ear piercing, a person may be able to treat this at home. An individual may also have a swollen ear lobe after an insect bite or sting. Such cases are usually treatable at home as well but should be watched for signs of a developing infection.
An individual who has a swollen ear lobe that is accompanied by a fever, warmth of the ear lobe skin, pus or fluid drainage, pain in the inner ear, or more than minor pain of the lobe or surrounding area may do well to call or see his doctor for advice. These symptoms can mean the person has an infection of the inner ear, the ear cartilage, or the skin. Such infections can be serious, so it’s best to avoid delay in seeking medical advice. Some people may delay, hoping there is nothing serious wrong, but doing so may allow the infection to worsen quickly.
It is usually okay to treat a swollen ear lobe caused by an insect bite or sting at home. Insect bites and stings can cause the ear lobe to not only swell, but also itch and hurt. If a person gets an insect bite on the ear, he may wash it gently with soap and water and then apply a little hydrogen peroxide, rinsing it off after a couple of minutes. Applying a cold compress can also help treat a swollen ear lobe in such a case. The patient may take an antihistamine to relieve itching or an over-the-counter pain reliever to lessen discomfort.
Sometimes a person’s ear lobe swells after ear piercing, and a minor amount of swelling may be normal. In most cases, it’s okay to let the swelling subside on its own, but some people may apply salt-water compresses to treat a swollen ear lobe following ear piercing. Discomfort may be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. It’s important to note, however, that an irritated piercing site can quickly become infected. If swelling and redness get worse, spread beyond the piercing site, or are accompanied by pain, drainage of pus, or fever, it’s wise to seek a doctor’s help right away.
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anon203802
Post 8 |
does anyone know what would cause the upper earlobe of a five year old to swell? |
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anon161814
Post 7 |
well i had my second cartilage pierced and my ear just was swollen this morning. i bought some isopropyl alcohol to see if it helps but it kind of got the pain to relax but it's still swollen. It doesn't itch but it's red and way bigger than my other ear. should i put something cold on it? |
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anon140244
Post 6 |
to galen84basc: This is what happened to my son when i adopted him from africa and he had malaria. see a doctor immediately before it gets worse, because it definitely will. --bri |
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anon135696
Post 5 |
i got my ears pierced about four years ago but now my earlobe is really swollen and my earring is stuck in my ear and i can't get it out. I don't know what to do! |
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anon124824
Post 4 |
my lower earlobes are somewhat swollen when compared, but no signs of irritation,itch or anything. I just realised that they seemed a bit swollen compared to other people's earlobes. Any recommendation appreciated. Omar |
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naturesgurl3
Post 3 |
One trick that is an oldie but a goodie for a mild ear piercing infection or an earlobe swollen from a bug bite is to just hold a piece of ice on the lobe.
That will cool it down and numb the pain.
However, like the article says, if the earlobe worsens or starts draining pus, see a doctor right away. |
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CopperPipe
Post 2 |
@galen84basc -- It sounds like an inner ear infection to me -- that could cause the dizziness, which would in turn contribute to nausea.
While those usually go away with antibiotics, I would tell your friend to see a doctor anyway, especially since he's been out of the country.
Ear health can be tricky -- it's not something you want to fool around with. Get him to check it out ASAP. |
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galen84basc
Post 1 |
I have a friend who recently got back from South America and is now experiencing nausea, dizziness, and, bizarrely, a swollen earlobe.
Does anybody know what could have caused this, or what he should do about it? |
