One hot ear

I cant believe I found this site with people who suffer from this. My son is 10 years old and has suffered from this for as long as I can remember. Its usually in his right ear and can last up to about an hour. In this hour he becomes so distressed with it, Im usually running to the fridge to find whatever is coldest to place on his ear. Have mentioned it several times to the doctors but never seem to help or suggest what it could be, I often get the feeling they think we are nuts!! Have just calmed my son now after a difficult hour of hot red ears, I hope someone gets to the bottom of this. Please help if you can suggest anything

I have just started having this problem, I have a long line of allergies and allergic reactions, so when this first happened I thought it was one of those. I took benedryl but it didnt help eventually it went away. Now it has been happening off and on for a few months, it vaires in ears also, the first time it was my right this most recent one was my left it seems like it moves or has both ears hot. For me I think its a chemical imbalance, since Im allergic to alot of things I dont eat like I should leading to my hormones and chemicals in my body to get off center. Ive noticed other things that are linked to chemical imbalances in me also. Other then what Ive said and what the doctor told me due to my eating habits. I have no idea what this is or how to stop it, my doctor said as long as he cant find anything life threathening its nothing to worry about. =OP I hate that, and I wish there was a way to stop it from burning and getting so red. If anyone finds out anything please let me know.

My three year old son gets a bright red burning ear and the temp is extreme however aprox every 4th 5th time his ear also swells to the point i think it will explode. This lasts for 6-12 hours and disappears. This has been happening for 1 1/2 years now, with 5 kids he is the only one.

Wow, I get this too. I can't believe other people do as well, I felt like a freak. I'm only fifteen, and this has been heppening for a little over a year. It usually happens at night, but sometimes in my afternoon classes too. I think it could be due to stress, like most of you. I've also been diagnosed with Anxiety and Bipolar, do you think that could effect it at all?

It doesn't bother me all that much, but it's just kinda annoying.

Hello everybody, I discovered this site some time ago and have been following the debate as to what the cause of RES may be with much interest. I have suffered from what seems to be the same condition for several months now and in both ears simultaneously. It was happening on a daily basis, sometimes more than once. It would be coupled with a sort of throbbing sensation in my neck, below my right ear. Aside from this I have suffered from social phobia since my teenage years (I am now 32 years old) and had just finally decided to see a doctor about this. At the same time I brought up the issue with my ears as I felt they were in some ways connected. My social phobia meant that I was under enormous stress on a daily basis and the redness of my ears seemed directly related to how stressed I felt. I became more concerned and preoccupied and self conscious with how my ears looked and this made my phobia even worse. The doctor prescribed me Propranolol which, if I take as prescribed (40mg 3 times daily), ensures not only that my social phobia is at least under control, but that my ears don't get red at all! I sometimes still feel the throbbing sensation in my neck but when I look in the mirror my ears look normal. In fact, sometimes they now look very pale. My point here with the Propranolol is that it is very often used for people with high blood pressure and so perhaps this is a further clue as to the root cause of this problem. I'm no doctor, but it certainly seems to be very much connected to the central nervous system and how it responds to certain conditions. Thanks for your time.

I also experience the redness of both of my ear after having sex with my wife for some months now. I tried to find answer to this. I read one item that is scary, the article said that red ear is a symptom of "Thalamic Syndrome", where there is a blockage in your artery going to the brain.

hello! i also have a hot red ear, and left, if anyone can help me, please, write to me, thanks

Do you think anyone reads all this?

Hey guys, I'm fifteen at the moment and I've had this red ear problem since I can remember. It's usually my left ear; however, sometimes (like right now as I'm typing this) it's my right ear. I really don't know what's up, and it's really bothering me. I don't experience any pain; just the burning sensation and my ear turning bright red.

I don't have high blood pressure, and I don't have ADHD. I'm not stressed-out at all...and I'm pretty sure that I don't have any brain damage.

I was thinking that it was the weather, since it usually occurs when the temperature drops and/or is humid out. But, I also get the red ear after I take a shower.

Steph from Seattle, WA

i too have this problem since 1yr ago....
when it burns , i got this terrible headache , and i mean REALLY TERRIBLE , i cant concentrate at all with the pain.
i really hope this is nothing serious other then a hot burning ear. im going for a full body check up tommorow. doctors that i told of this problem thinks that im trying to be excused from the army. this is driving me mad -_-

I am so happy that I have found others with the same condition as me, for so long I thought I was being paranoid. I have been suffering from the dreaded one hot ear syndrome for about a year now, at first I thought it was nothing.. too much drink or something, but since that faithful sunny June day back in 2005 I have been having relapse nearly on a daily basis.
I think for me it is something to do with sex - I am homosexual and I lead a very sexual active life. I find that after I am with a woman my right ear becomes really hot and very irritating.

I have been trying to remind myself to google "hot red ear" for the past few months... unbelievable what I have found tonight! This posting is so comforting, yet alarming at the same time. In my sanity, it seems like nothing, just an oddity. However, I suffer from OCD and anxiety and that part of me is a little nervous about what this all means. For me, my right ear (always my right) gets really hot and really red at very random times. It's usually when I am stressed or very busy. I find myself getting it almost always at night, usually before going out for the evening. there is nothing I can do to cool it down, it just happens by itself, over time. Usually ignoring it is the best way to make it stop. The more I think about it, the longer I have it. So, if I was to diagnose myself, I would say that it's just a way of my body telling me that I'm "overdoing" it. What perplexes me is why it's happening to little children- you would think that their stress level would not be high enough to cause this sort of thing. Hmmm, what a mystery. Well, at least we know we're not alone, although I can't say that that brings me much comfort at the moment. I recently asked my ENT about a pain that I feel in my jaw on that side of my face and he said it is related to TMJ, so maybe this is an extension of that (like written in an early posting). I also have been diagnosed with early signs of Graves disease, so I wonder if there is any correlation to the thyroid? I have an appt. with my endocrinologist next month, so I think I will mention it then. Good luck to everyone... I'll be checking back, so keep posting!

My life is something unbelievable, really

I have one red ear that is very hot. I'm also tired, cranky and whingey. Are all of these symptoms linked or am I just moany?

For The last 3 months, every single day
i have this red ear(BOTH EARS).I don't know why.
I feel like beating myself up.
Any suggestion please let me know.

My 8 year old son recently started having this problem... both ears; always after a shower and always at bedtime (it doesn't seem to be assoc. w/ hot shower as it lasts too long). He has many allergies (incl. foods) and has been complaining of neck pain too. He's sleeping now but I can't wait to have him try the tongue trick next time to see if it helps. Episodes don't seem too painful now, but will they increase in intensity? I'm going to try to reduce sugar intake and increase water to see if that helps

Forgot to mention that he also has asthma and takes meds for that daily

I have to join in... Yes my ear (right ear) turns bright red and hot aswell, at least once every other day. I can't figure out what causes this as it happends so randomly. I did some research and found that-upper cervical disorder and temporomandibular joint disorder can cause these symtoms. I also read it can be related to migrains. I'll head to my Chiropractor and keep you posted. If anyone finds a fix please let me know!!

PS- What is this tounge thing everyone keeps talking about???

This is part of the TONGUE TRICK conversation.

Peter - 23rd November 2004 [«« Reply to this]
Try pressing your tongue up against the roof of your mouth towards the back so that the tongue almost "folds backwards". According to the chinese this will help the "energy flow" flow past instead of getting stuck around the head.
rudy red ears - 28th September 2006 [«« Reply to this]
about how far back to you go? do you go, "like straight up" or do you try to reach as far back as possible with the tongue? do you press hard? do you simply fold it all the way like a ball?please help!!!!!
Peter Bengtsson - 30th September 2006 [«« Reply to this]
as far back as possible and not hard at all. Don't fold it back. It should still point up to the roof of the mouth.
Anonymous - 5th November 2006 [«« Reply to this]
The first time I tried it, my ear got hotter. Then I tried it again, and it worked really well!

I too have the red ear syndrome, and I am so relieved to find that there are others out there like me. I have read through all the comments and its a little unearving to find that it may be caused by a blockage to the heart..... but then I remember that I also have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and it may even be linked to all of this. On a brighter note, whenever I get the red/hot ears it is when I am tierd and stressed. Sometimes I go to the gym and after a good workout I realize that the ears have gone back to normal. I worry that it is blood pressure, but it may also just be the things we eat or our ways of life. I really wish I had the answer. Ill keep checking in..... Hopefully sometime soon, someone will find the answer to our hot ears.

All four of my children have this. I have been dealing with this as a mother since they were about 4yrs.

It has been very hard to deal with emotionally you don’t want to see your child in pain and think there is nothing you can do about it. I would feel their ears and it would be almost as hot as a burner on the stove. It is so bad that I actually was afraid that this is how people spontaneously combust!!
Also, this heat is so close to the brain area and I don’t know what’s going on internally temp wise.

At first when they were around 4 it was just their ear or ears turning red when it was going to precipitate (rain,snow) outside. They got the reputation in our family of being more accurate than the weather forecasters, depending on the shade of red their ear or ears gave off.

As they grew older it would happen in response to stress also. I noticed that it was more apt to happen if it was emotional stress rather than physical stress.

None of my sons can go to the store in the evening, especially Walmart, they always have a Red Ear Attack in that store no matter what time of day we go.

I am a biology student and this whole process was very intriguing to me.

 I have been looking for clues and answers from Drs (who always disregard it; seems they don’t want to recognize the non- "life" threatening things as one of our Drs put it) and non really want to look into what it is, their just guessing too!!

I am not a medical student but I know some of the body processes that I have studied so far and some of them make sense to me in my own conclusions of what’s happening to my sons.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
VERY SHORT ABBREVIATED VERSION of tidbits I have gathered through the years about body processes:

Vasodialation of the blood vessels is a response from certain hormones the body releases into the system in order to keep the body in homeostasis. This process is started through the nerves in the body.



parvocellular vasopressin cells that project to many areas of the hypothalamus and limbic system, as well as to the brainstem and spinal cord. These neurons are involved in blood pressure regulation and thermoregulation.

The PVN receives afferent inputs from many brain regions. Amongst these, inputs from neurons in structures adjacent to the anterior wall of the third ventricle ("AV3V region") carry information about the electrolyte composition of the blood, and about circulating concentrations of hormones
In controlling body temp:

Secretion of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and thyroxine to increase heat production

heat transfer mechanisms the body uses are radiation, conduction and convection and evaporation of perspiration


Optimal "Normal":

The skin temperature of 34 C is a typical skin temperature

The normal core body temperature is 37 C.

The body works best when specific body constants are maintained such as: body temperature of37 o C ; blood pH of7.35 ; blood pressure 120/80 mmHg and 0.1% blood sugar. These constants can vary among individuals, such as: different metabolic rates of individuals affect body temperature ; different situations or demands on body (eg.) exercise ; blood pressure difference between adult and children

The cause of the variable temperature in infants and young immature animals is the imperfect development of the nervous regulating mechanism

 heat production and heat loss vary considerably in different parts of the body

vascularized extremities to conduct body heat to the air

Body temperature normally fluctuates over the day, with the lowest levels at 4 A.M. and the highest at 6 P.M..
----------------------------------------
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_temperature#Limits_compatible_with_life

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasopressin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrexia


----------------------------------------
I know I just want any information I can find to help communicate to someone in the medical field that this is psychologically and physically and socially stressful to my children ...

They just don’t get that instead of sitting around the fire place enjoying the winter weather everyone is sitting around rubbing ice cubes on their ears seeing who can melt them the fastest!!

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/thermo/heatreg.html

one more thermodynamic explaination link

Hi all. I also have had the red ear thing for most of my life. My history is asthma and of course now COPD, a result of smoking for 40 yrs. I am a non smoker now. Had surgery on a ruptured disc in my neck in '93. Otherwise I am as normal as anyone. I had quit taking anything with aspirin in it way back in 3/04 and I had not had any signs of the dreaded red ear until a couple of weeks ago. Had a doctors visit re depression and stress and was put on mirtazapine, a generic for remeron, and within 3-4 days I felt the red ear trying to return. It was nothing like I had experienced before but I knew the feeling. Of course I took myself off of this drug and again there is no sign of the dreaded red ear. I really am beginning to think it is allergy related, whether it be to food, medicines or the weather. I think stress is also a big factor. When I got stressed I tended to use more of my asthma inhalers and at times I would notice the red ear thing. I really enjoy and look forward to all the comments re this problem. Maybe between all of us we can get some kind of a medical diploma for solving this embarrasing and aggravating problem. I have decided to try and handle my stress and depreciation in ways that dont include any more medicines. Will keep you all posted.

I have been having this happen for years. I have noticed that it is triggered by being hot. Sometimes my checks may turn red too. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism which the thyroid does regulate body temperature. Also, I have always had irregular female hormones. I have often associated it as being a hot flash. I have also been diagnosed with dermatographica (not sure I spelled it right), where your skin turns red if touched. Basically I have been told I may have too much histamine. This can also be related to thyroid disfunction or mastocytosis. Mastocytosis causes "flushing" and the treatment is usually antihistamines or steroids. Another related condition that influences histamine release is certain foods, and you don't necessarily have to be allergic to them. Some things like bananas, wine (sulfites) and shellfish are high in histamine and can cause sensitive individuals to 'flush' or have hives. If checked you may not actually have a technical allergy. Although food allergies will definitely cause a whole range of symptoms including flushing and hives. Whether the red ear condition is caused by thyroid, mastocytosis or allergies, I suspect that histamine is related. Anyone that is experiencing this should be check for those conditions, including the more serious, but extremely rare carcinoid syndrome (again this is a cancer causing flushing due to histamine release). Try taking some benadryl to see if it helps. I started taking it only at bedtime every day because of the drowsiness factor and I definitely noticed a change in frequency. I also discovered some food allergies and have removed them from my diet. Be sure to look up 'histamine intolerance' or foods high in histamine on the web and start limiting them or removing them from the diet first. Or at least keep track if the ear turning red may be around the time after consuming these foods. If you eat them every day you may want to cut back. After that try food allergy testing and some of the other conditions I mentioned. Dont rely on doctors to know because I have been to dozens for all my conditions and even mayo clinic and they are stumped. I now have an integrated doctor who is much more knowledgeable about foods and natural therapies who seems to understand. In any case if the ear thing keeps happening on a regular basis there is something the body is trying to tell you. It may be as simple as removing one food from your diet, but you've got to investigate.

I can't believe this many people have it and talk about and nothing even close to a medical diagnosis has been mentioned. Aside for a right ear that gets really hot, turns bright red and feels as though is is being cooked, here are some other factors about me that may be worth mentioning:

This started for me around the time I started taking Adderall for ADD.

It does seem to happen more often when I have eaten junk food and when I am getting less sleep because I am busy with work.

Sometimes my feet and hands turn bright red but they never burn like my right ear.

I have developed athletes foot. Probably because my feet sweet all of the time from the heat.

I sometimes feel pressure on the right side of my head (above and behind my ear).

I sometimes get really light headed. Sometimes feeling like I have verdigo. Sometimes seeing stars like I got hit really hard, sometimes seeing clouds or black shapes.

My right eye often feels as though it has a lot of pressure pushing on it.

Chris,

You should see a doctor right away. Those are signs of a stroke (pressure behind the eye, dizziness). That is extremely dangerous and especially since you're on that type of drug. I take it too and my bp is border level high but I try to manage it.

hmmm Ive had this for a while too

i seem to get it after work or after I take a shower, it seems that when a more stressing situation is over it comes up for me I have a bit of acne that comes and goes over time, I believe im Hypoglycemic
 but no other health problems that I know about

I had a couple small head injures through my life so far, but nothing requiring anything more than stitches

The commonalities Ive found through this list so far that Ive noticed

Im O blood type
It comes during or after stressful situations

I made a Yahoo! Group Everybody join to help cure the red ear problem thing

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/redearfounder/

I have had red year for years and my sister told me it can be a sign of dairy intolerance. For other reasons I gave up dairy products for a year and it went away completely during that time. Now I'm back on dairy as I found the soya I'd been replacing it with to be a greater evil, and the red hot ear is back with a vengeance!

I was told by my doc to take some Mucinex (an expectorant) for my coughing etc. for the COPD, Two days after taking the tablets my red ear was back. Havent had time to look up what is in this medicine but I would almost bet it has some histamine or something of that nature in it. I quit taking it as soon as I felt the heat in my ears and the hot or red ear is no longer bothering me.I enjoy and appreciate all of the comments and info.

i have also been getting a hot ear, it kind of builds up to hot..i think it has to do with stress or blood pressure, when things get too hectic and tiring

I have been struggling with RES for some time now. It seems to be the worst when my emotions are at a heightened level(which seems to be at the worst posible time)

I can feel it start to set in, and once I notice it it just intensifies. It occurs in both of my ears, and occasionally my forehead will break out into a sweat.

I am 25 in good health, participate in cardiovascular activities daily, lift weights weekly, and try to eat healthy.

As there seems to be no real solution I am going to try a new treatment for a month, as I am unsure how long I should continue a habit before it takes full effect.

I am not expecting to find a cure, but If I can find several limiting factors that work with me It will be a blessing.

It is comforting to know that I am not at this alone. I know what you are all going through. I have excused myself to the bathroom to try to cool my ears off but to no avail. It's embarasing, but I would say something we should all focus on is not letting it hold us back. And I often do let it hold me back. I will refrain from speaking up because I'm afraid I will become self conscious and my ears will turn red. I don't want to constantly live with the worry of what others will think of my redness. Yes I will try to figure out how to limit it, and do everything I can, but all the while I am trying to figure out triggers, and limiters I will be learning how to live with it.

Hope we can find some answers, I will post each month if I have any luck. My first treatment is going to be cold showers. Not to cool my ears off immediately, but they seem to have multiple effects:

• Brings blood to the capillaries, therefore increasing circulation throughout the body.
• Cleans the circulatory system.
• Reduces blood pressure on internal organs.
• Provides flushing for the organs and provides a new supply of blood.
• Strengthens the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
• Contracts the muscles to eliminate toxins and poisonous wastes.
• Strengthens the mucous membranes, which help resist hay fever, allergies, colds, coughs

Well a very close friend of mine used to make me nervous by saying "Why do u have so many health problems?". Living in Asia, Men are supposed to have no problems and be strong as Hercules, these are considered to be girly things but findin this page has given me a lot of confidence :)

I remember when i was in 9th grade, i suddenly started having red hot ears, the ears would go so hot that they would look almost purple in color. Had a very bad effect on social life at that time and most imp. of all on my studies. I was the one who in winter was turning on the Fan, putting Cold water on my ears but i was like some sort of a evil spell. One of my ears had to go red hot every winter night(This only happened in winters)for almost abt hr and a half!

Then when i came to univ, i found one other amazing problem to accompany me in summer and then i found out that this new problem has nothing to do with temperature i.e dislocated TMJ. This is very painfull as well, pain everyday in half head, TMJ, neck and sometimes shoulders as well, and limited mouth opening. One thing that is amazing when one problem is making me crazy, the other is not there. Maybe thats a law of nature.

You must be thinking about Doctors, i consulted a lot of them. All of their explanations were absolute crap and nonsense to even a non medical guy like me. I am actually computer and info. systems engineer. For TMJ, they say there is no cure, you can just put splints and there is a surgery that has a success rate of 30%(i cant recall exactly). For them, red ears arent a problem, its very normal!

Well just abt a yr back I went to a HAKEEM(These are doctors found in South East Asian countries like Pakistan who use herbal medicines and have completely different concepts than a MBBS). One reason that i am writing this is to share what i was advised by Hakim. This is not a cure just another temporary relief:

POUR ABOUT FEW DROPS OF WARM ALMOND OIL IN YOUR EARS. Yes few drops of almond oil in ears, NOT at the time of redness(it will only increase it then) but before the time u think it usually happens(e.g. b4 goin to a closed place or for me its usually dinner parties in winter). Now the Oil should be Warm if not a little HOT, remember Cold oil will do no difference. Infact it only increases the problem for me. Try this for a few days and u will see the difference. A few warm almond oil drops in nose also helps in reducing the tension headaches caused by TMJ problem. However, unfortunately this are just temporary reliefs but better to have something than nothing.

Now what i have learnt over the time is Yes people will notice red ears, some will make fun of it but in the end its us whose lack of confidence actually allows them to do so. So have complete faith in urselves, Any sort of health problem part. this one is not our fault. Now i try my best not to give any impression about any uneasiness i am feeling bcuz of this. However i have to thank God, that this Redness has decreased with the course of time, now the redness is less and duration has considerably reduced. I hope it will finish very soon.

I hope this helps someone. Share your success stories as well. Regards.

Well a very close friend of mine used to make me nervous by saying "Why do u have so many health problems?". Living in Asia, Men are supposed to have no problems and be strong as Hercules, these are considered to be girly things but findin this page has given me a lot of confidence :)

I remember when i was in 9th grade, i suddenly started having red hot ears, the ears would go so hot that they would look almost purple in color. Had a very bad effect on social life at that time and most imp. of all on my studies. I was the one who in winter was turning on the Fan, putting Cold water on my ears but i was like some sort of a evil spell. One of my ears had to go red hot every winter night(This only happened in winters)for almost abt hr and a half!

Then when i came to univ, i found one other amazing problem to accompany me in summer and then i found out that this new problem has nothing to do with temperature i.e dislocated TMJ. This is very painfull as well, pain everyday in half head, TMJ, neck and sometimes shoulders as well, and limited mouth opening. One thing that is amazing when one problem is making me crazy, the other is not there. Maybe thats a law of nature.

You must be thinking about Doctors, i consulted a lot of them. All of their explanations were absolute crap and nonsense to even a non medical guy like me. I am actually computer and info. systems engineer. For TMJ, they say there is no cure, you can just put splints and there is a surgery that has a success rate of 30%(i cant recall exactly). For them, red ears arent a problem, its very normal!

Well just abt a yr back I went to a HAKEEM(These are doctors found in South East Asian countries like Pakistan who use herbal medicines and have completely different concepts than a MBBS). One reason that i am writing this is to share what i was advised by Hakim. This is not a cure just another temporary relief:

POUR ABOUT FEW DROPS OF WARM ALMOND OIL IN YOUR EARS. Yes few drops of almond oil in ears, NOT at the time of redness(it will only increase it then) but before the time u think it usually happens(e.g. b4 goin to a closed place or for me its usually dinner parties in winter). Now the Oil should be Warm if not a little HOT, remember Cold oil will do no difference. Infact it only increases the problem for me. Try this for a few days and u will see the difference. A few warm almond oil drops in nose also helps in reducing the tension headaches caused by TMJ problem. However, unfortunately this are just temporary reliefs but better to have something than nothing.

Now what i have learnt over the time is Yes people will notice red ears, some will make fun of it but in the end its us whose lack of confidence actually allows them to do so. So have complete faith in urselves, Any sort of health problem part. this one is not our fault. Now i try my best not to give any impression about any uneasiness i am feeling bcuz of this. However i have to thank God, that this Redness has decreased with the course of time, now the redness is less and duration has considerably reduced. I hope it will finish very soon.

I hope this helps someone. Share your success stories as well. Regards

Why is it that so many people have this problem, as I do, and no ones doctor from what I've read has been able to give them any accurate diagnosis or information??

hi , i have had red ear syndrome for multiple years now,
my left or right get really hot en red but never both at the same time
it does seem to happen more often in recent months

it's not really painfull, but more of an annoyance/irritance for me

until a few weeks ago i just accepted it as something strange that happens to me, untill one night i googled "one red ear" or something simular and found a name for it, it's nice to know that you're not alone

what i have noticed:
it happens:
- mostly in the evening
- when i have had an alcoholic beverage (about 1 to 2 hours later)
- sometimes the left ear, sometimes the right never both
- when stressed at work
- sometimes it helps to put some cold water on the ear (although not always)
- if you start to notice it, it happens more often

i dont know it so rare a desease: if you start to look for it in other people , i seems to see it pretty regulary

don't know about any cure being out there somewhere

i have found a message board on the subject under www.healthboards.com under rare disorders, not many activity there perhaps we could move some discussion that way too

hi , i have had red ear syndrome for multiple years now,
my left or right get really hot en red but never both at the same time
it does seem to happen more often in recent months

it's not really painfull, but more of an annoyance/irritance for me

until a few weeks ago i just accepted it as something strange that happens to me, untill one night i googled "one red ear" or something simular and found a name for it, it's nice to know that you're not alone

what i have noticed:
it happens:
- mostly in the evening
- when i have had an alcoholic beverage (about 1 to 2 hours later)
- sometimes the left ear, sometimes the right never both
- when stressed at work
- sometimes it helps to put some cold water on the ear (although not always)
- if you start to notice it, it happens more often

i dont know it so rare a desease: if you start to look for it in other people , i seems to see it pretty regulary

don't know about any cure being out there somewhere

i found a messageboard on healthboards.com on rare disorders
not much traffic there perhaps we could post some stuff there too

ps if i have dubbleposted sorry, i did not see my message anymore after posting it, after checking back

Why, i am asking why all this happens

I read some of the comments and for me, my ears tend to get hot when I drink sugary drink

I haven't gotten much done. Basically nothing noteworthy going on right now, but shrug. I can't be bothered with anything recently. I guess it doesn't bother me. Maybe tomorrow. I feel like a bunch of nothing.
I haven't been up to much these days. Such is life. I've just been letting everything happen without me these days, but I don't care.
Hi, ich Suche jemanden der mir redaxo aufsetzt und bei der grafik implementierung und den addons hilft. Bezahlung nach absprache danke!

Hi from another sufferer. Has anyone seen this:

http://www.hyperhidrosis.com/facial_blushing.htm

Maybe the hot ear thing is another symptom of this. Does anyone else get the sweating problem? I'm seriously thinking about having this done (after checking out the price first :-).

Can anyone make me a diabolo? or a god?

I believe red ears occur when the body is overheated, its starts circulating blood through the ears since the ears are thin the blood can cool that way. Being as that being in hot rooms, sexual activity or listening to intense music turns my ears red - all those are associated with the body being overheated. Im not 100% sure..

I have one ear that gets really red and it feels like so much heat coming from that one ear. It is never both ears, mostly my left ear. I can't believe there are so many others who have this same problem. I was just concerned that I could have some type of blockage or some medication condition that was causing it. It makes me feel better to know that I am not the only one.

I am a teenager and have experienced hot ears for as long as I can remember. Usually one ear at a time, pretty much always in the evening. I do not drink, It does not seem to be linked to stress. I have no health problems to my knowledge, though I seem to get headaches easily (usually either due to stress or mild dehydration). Hot rooms might trigger it, but it's hard to tell since it makes every room seem hot. Winter seems to be the most common time. Sometimes it is irritating, but fortunately I fall asleep easily now so it doesn't keep me up like it occasionally did when I was younger. I have never given it much thought before, but I just tonight noticed in the mirror that my hot ear was very bright red, and of course ended up at this search engine fav. Hopefully I can remember to ask my doctor about it next time.

Amazing. I'm glad to know I'm not so weird! For at least 8 years I've suffered red, hot ears typically after drinking wine (red, white, no difference) but it also happened last night after drinking a Cosmopolitan. I'm 54, received a medical diagnosis (after brain scan and other testing) of combined ADHD about four years ago. Otherwise, pretty healthy...no high blood pressure, no migraines. I'm allergic to all summer squashes and eggplant, strawberries, kiwis, melons, and walnuts. (Someone once said it was stuff in the "nightshade" family yet I have no problem with tomatoes or cucumbers.) I've also had the red hot ears happen without having had anything to eat. This is such a STRANGE syndrome!

I am just woundering if everyone here uses a cell phone .

i too have this problem. i've been experimenting, and i've noticed i always get red ears whenever it's really hot and i get really anxious or nervous.

Hi guys, well here's a little history for ya. i'm female,25, 3 kids, i smoke (ya i know i'm trying to quit), drink sometimes. Last year after having my baby I got toxemia which led to high blood pressure... which in turn caused a seizure and a stroke. I usually only got red ears when i drank, but now i'm finding that i get them alot more. usually when i'm excited or nervous. yesterday it happened for no reason at all. i took my blood pressure and it wasn't extremely high 130/90, but i also did notice that my heart was racing. as far as i can tell it probably is due to high blood pressure. i also have some bubbling sound in my right ear which noone has been able to tell me anything. it was also followed by a headache that continued for the rest of the night. I am waiting for my dr. to call me back, but I really do believe that it has something to do with hbp. next time it happens check your blood pressure and see if it's abnormal. you can do this at your dr office or even a grocery store. trust me hbp is nothing to mess with!!

All, I am 48, have had the RHES at least since I was 28, there seems to be no real reason for it and I can not predict when it will happen! It will happen in a hot room and spread from my left ear to my left cheek to my right check, then the entire face and then my right ear. I have found a few things that help, but generally they can't be done when this happens and it happens everyday, several times per day. If I can get to a car during the episode and have the air on HIGH and point directly at my left ear, after about 20 minutes, it will go away... but who can do that several times a day and work! Other thing that helps, when I travel is to return to the hotel room and trun the air conditioner on HIGH and lay my face (on the left side, on it), this too can take away the problem, but if I am rushed, it doesn't work and lastly, If I take like 3mg to 6 mg of Alprozalm a day, it controls it, but that stuff is not good for you at all. I have been in generally good health all my life, I don't drink, smoke or anything like that. I do have an undiagnosable left leg pain that is with me every moment of every day and extends the entire lenght of the leg including the hip. I have seen several specialists over the last 30 years for this, and they see nothing significant on any test.
I am at a complete loss to know the casue of either of these, and I don't believe that they are connected in any form.
I do wonder though, if the main blood vessel or artey that goes to the ears (there seems to be several blood vessels, but only one that is very large compared to the others) was to be rerouted via surgery to another internal blood flow vessel, would that fix the problem. Has anyone every considered this thought? The ear would still get blood because of the other vessels, but this one is the one that seems to start and gets RED HOT then to the ear then they get so HOT they become PURPLE and PAINFUL!

I am shocked to hear that so many people have this same condition. My son who is 8 years old gets red ears when he is playing video games or other games that make his adrenaline go crazy. It also happens when he is stressed out.
I thought maybe it was his blood pressure. He hates his red ears and we are going to try the tongue trick next time it happens we'll keep you posted :)
I was getting a little nervous but now I see it is a common thing. Thanks so much for posting this page. I am sure LOTS of moms are thankful!

i think we are all hypochondriacs _spelling..i have the same thing but you guys make me think im really sick.

My ear occasionally turns red suddenly with an intense heat. But just as often it is my face. Today around 2:30 pm I felt a sudden onset of heat straight to my face, almost stinging. My face has been red for over to hours although it is starting to lessen. Its only slightly painful, more like a burning feeling. Eyes are irritated, throat a little as well. Anyone else also have the flushing in the face?

About 5 years ago now I damaged my left ear shooting guns without earplugs and have suffered from tinnitus since. The red hot ear (left side) started about a year later, and I just assumed it was related. Reading all these posts I see it could be anything causing RHE. I am 28, ADD, unknown blood type, network administrator, drink coffee and alcohol occasionally, and also suffer from lack of sleep. I find the only thing that makes the redness and burning go away is exercise. If I go out and walk briskly for about 1/2 mile or 2 laps around your average store parkinglot, the redness goes away. My personal belief is that this condition is related to poor circulation. I noticed alot of the people posting here are very right brain (intellectual) which is synonymous with physically dormant. Get out of your chair and get some exercise once a day people and see if it helps. Just my .02 cents, good luck to you all!

Hi all (again from many posts ago). Exercise certainly helps, good for circulation etc, etc.
But, if you have a big presentation or something and you fear the 'red, hot, ear thing' may occur try having a dispirin/aspirin mixed with lemon juice (only). This has worked for me over the years. The 'red, hot, ear thing' will re-occur when you least expect it (well for me anyway, and only in winter when its cold outside and I come into a very warm or hot room) but the lemon juice with aspirin/dispirin has given me temporary relief particularly if I have to present something in front of a group of people or attend a function etc.

Hope this may help some.
regards to all

Hi all,
I've always gotten a red and hot ear when I'm run down (tired) or just coming down with a cold. I think it's always the left, but I'm not positive.

It also happens sometimes with alcohol, mostly at night. It's not really a problem for me (actually the pre-sickness hot ear is useful for letting me know when I should get some extra rest). :)

As for commonalities - it is interesting - I also am O+. I've noticed a bunch of posts from people with anxiety/stress issues - but keep in mind that it could be that only anxious/stressed folks are taking the time to research this. I just happened to be bored and wanted to see if anyone else has this. It's interesting!

If you have any other symptoms (pain, etc.) or are really worried you should go to the doctor, but (in my unprofessional opinion) the occasional hot ear itself is not dangerous. Just a quirk of the body.

Good luck to all!

Hi there,
I'm a medical student from London with the exact same red ear syndrome. I've had it for 8 or so years now and both my ears flush bright red nearly every evening, burning like wildfire in the process.

I was previously diagnosed with a TMJ (Temperomandibular joint) dysfunction that caused terrible headaches to be associated with the red ears, so, I would venture that there is a degree of TMJ involvement in this horribly irritating condition. For the bad news, treating the TMJ did nothing for the ears but worked fine with regards to pain.

I have suffered from the Hot Ear Syndrome since I first had an allergic reaction to a zinc suppliment for which my whole body turned hot and red. The truth of the matter is that "hot ear" IS NOT connected to ADHD because I do not have ADHD. I am an O+ blood type and the temperature has changed from hot to cold outside in just a matter of a couple of days. However, I have been told by several doctors that "hot" ears is a sign of rising blood pressure. I have also been told that since I have a reaction to medium to high amounts of zinc, the hot ear could be attributed to something that I may have eaten that contained zinc (i.e. salads, salad dressings). I have been told by a doctor that any zinc I take into my body is absorbed into the blood stream. If I happened to take in too much zinc, then I get the hot ear. More or less like a warning. After about an hour, the heat and redness goes away and everything goes back to normal.

This is the explaination I have been given by my family physician, allergists, and E.N.T. doctors. I hope this will shed some light on the issue.

My son gets red hot ears. It varies from ear to ear and has no apparent reason, he has had it for a number of years, ever since I can remember. I think it just bothers him if its mentioned by someone, but it doesn't affect his daily life. But what scares me is all these people saying it does...maybe it will change and be daily and bother him. I have been trying to look up info on Vascular Hemihypertrophy...I had a brother that had that and my mother said his ears would do this too. Its harde to read the info on this disorder

I think some folks are describing what might be 2 different kinds of 'hot ear' problems. I am 28 years old, and began having 1 hot ear, always the right one, while I was pregnant 2 years ago. It seems to be nearly random, as it plagues me regardless of lack of caffeine/alcohol consumption. The heat is so intense I use ice packs or frozen peas to reduce the discomfort. Like a few mentions above, I also suffer from TMJ disorder and pain, and these two seem to flare up around the same time, though not always together. I also have been dismissed by doctors which is very disappointing, pehaps I should print off all of these posts and bring them in next time I see him!!

For the past few years my left ear gets hot more often than my right, but just the same they still get very red and hot. I have never thought of asking my doctor why this happens, but after reading everyones comments and finding no diagnosis....i guess it would be sinseless and waisted money. Whether i'm having a drink or not it just occurs whenever at any time of the day or evening. It may be stressed related (which i have a-lot of that), or maybe because my neck is out of line and needs ajusting, or i maybe developing some kind of cancer. Where are all the medical doctors and researchers for our red hot ear problem?

Thanks for all the above posts regarding a burning ear(s). I was going to go to the GP about my young son tomorrow, who has complained of the latter for a very long time, but it seems that there would be no specific cure. His ear condition tends to occur nightly, possibly due to tiredness.

Wow, I never realized so many people have this problem. All i have to say is it's the most annoying thing ever. I'm 15 and i started to get the "red ear" like.. probably around 2 years ago.. it's so random i never know when it will start.. I wish someone had a clue about what to do about it ...

I have to say it is amazing to find this site with so many people who are suffering from this annoying thing.

I am 15, and my right ear always gets hot midway through 4th period (around 1:45, block scheduling). I am in advanced classes for my age and suffer from a medium to high level of stress (I'm pretty good at dealing with it).

When I was around 12, I had my tonsils removed and developed pneumonia that went undiagnosed for a while (an infectious disease specialist finally caught it). Ever since then, when it is hot outside or I get out of a warm shower, I have giant red splotches on my knees sometimes extending down my leg. These don't itch at all but feel a little warm (warm enough for me to notice)

Throughout any given day my chest will also have the same splotches.

My psychiatrist has told me that the chest ones can be due to being uncomfortable in a social situation.

Which brings me to commonalities.
I have ADHD (I was diagnosed at age 7 or so) and currently take Concerta for it. Recently I have had issues with Social Phobias, but mine involve gym class (which I am currently not taking) and playing my Clarinet in front of people in band class.(I noticed the trumpet player's comment, I have not noticed the red ears when I play though).
I am not completely sure, but I think I have AB+ blood type (I know I am not O)
Either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism runs in my family. As of three years ago, I did not have that (when they were trying to diagnose my pneumonia)
I do not think I have any food allergies, especially considering that the Concerta decreases my appetite so I generally skip lunch (which gives me Hypoglycemic symptoms, which my mother has) and I still have these symptoms, I do, however try to eat a little something to control my shakiness and I always have water. My Mother's Mother is allergic to soy, however.

I am NOT a hypochondriac, though. A friend commented on my ear (I have always just ignored it or thought I have a fever, although I never do) and suggested I check it out.

This has been bothering me for a while, I wonder what our issue is.

Anyone with whom could comment with insight on my problem/symptoms, it would be greatly appreciated!

I'm so glad I found a group of people who have the same problem!

I hope we can figure this out!

Warm Regards,
Liz

And oh yes, I do not drink or do drugs, and am abstinent (no STDS!) and I don't have high blood pressure.

My 11 year old son gets an aura about 15 minutes before his ear turns bright red and really hot. He describes the aura like what happens to me before I get a migraine. He has a blind spot that gets bigger before it goes away and his ear turns red. He also suffers from headaches and migraines. I'm so happy to have found this site and people who have the same thing!

Wow, I also have a hot red ear as I write this and get them occasionally for 1-2 hours in only my right ear. I used to break into chronic hives and would notice my ear getting red at the same time when I ate certain foods with high amount of allergens like shellfish and nuts that would exaggerate the hives. I did see a few doctors about the hives but they (like the red ear) are unexplainable. I have also noticed that the hives were triggered by stress. Anyone else here getting hives as well as a red ear? I am amazed by all the others with res ears here and slightly relieved to read that it is probably caused by stress.

THIS IS VERY INTERESTING. MY 8 YEAR OLD SON HAS HAD RED EARS (BOTH OR INDIVIDUALLY) EVER SINCE I CAN REMEMBER. NO PARTICULAR TIME OR FOOD SIMILARITIES. IT'S GOOD TO KNOW HE'S NOT ALONE IN THIS.

To Kelly Mac - Yes, I did take Adderall for about 3 months for the ADHD, but it caused "nasty" me to emerge so I stopped taking it. The drug seemed to have no noticeable effect on the ears.

why don't we donate our blood?i have been suffer this for a long time!i'm a boy!20years old.one day,i saw a girl or boy,so i don't know why my ear turn red and my classmate doubt that i'm.....that's wrong.now when i do other such as having some class my classmate always pay attention to my ear.oh! ican't bear.i'm about to be crazy

I too suffer from the red hot ear thing. I also thought it was just a wierd thing that I alone experienced. But it is happening alot more often and starting to hurt, so I thought I would try to find out about it. I too thought it was from high blood pressure, but my pressure was always normal. I think it happens alot when I am tired. And when my ears are red and hot I feel so out of it. Almost like I am not thinking straight. Maybe thats the tiredness. Does the tiredness cause the red ears or does the red ear cause me to be so tired? I know after they go back to normal, I am wiped out. I have had this happen for a long time. Usually just one, but sometimes both.

Hello, I have had a red-hot ear from time to time as long as I can remember. At the age of 2, I split my left ear open and it was stitched up. This is the ear that gets hot. Perhaps there is something to the blood flow issue mentioned in an earlier posting. Seems our ears are trying to release heat from the body? (dogs don't sweat, they pant). Anyway, no ADD, ADHD, ODD, etc. Could be affected by drinking, hadn't thought about that until I read these posts. Hope this helps!

hey, i started to noticed this hot left ear two weeks ago, and the worst thing is when i notice it i started to feel different like shy or something then it will go into my face but never will reach into my right ear i dont like it coz i cant face people when im so red, im 7 months pregnant now and i was thinking its porobably because im pregnant or im a little bit stress coz i cant sleep during the nights.I also feel it when i talked to people and it will make my face red coz i will begin to be shy becoz of it, my husband told me maybe becuase im really shy but i said how can i be shy talking to people i already know? it doesnt make sense and most of the weird thing is when we sleep i felt it too my ear is getting warm this time my face wasnt included coz its probably I am not facing someone.Its bothering me now coz this very new to me im so happy that a lot of people are having it too i thought im starting having mental problem. but if anyone could really whats going on, i still think its part of the changes in me because im preganant i hope this is the reason then it will dissapear after having the baby, i hope someone could clarify this new strange feeling.

my son gets red ears from time to time. he's been diagnosed with add, but the phenomenon seems to be related to temperature. when he gets overly warm, his ears will turn red, but not all the time, and this is when he's not sweating.

Only my left ear gets hotter than 1,000 suns, and I was diagnosed with ADHD a few months ago, but have had it all my life. I am a 31 year old female. I have never been pregnant, and am in excellent health. All except for this left ear... boy is it annoying!!! My symptoms occur when I am tired/possibly stressed. (maybe from nursing school) I don't FEEL stressed, but I think I am and dont know it. I don't have time for stress. So anyway, add me to the "left ear-ADHD" group. Cheers!

Gosh, I can't believe so many ppl have the same thing going on with that one ear of them.

I've been having this "red hot left ear" for two months now and it happens almost at the same time every afternoon. I'm not diagnosed of anything and just curious to know what the reason is.

Mine has been happening mostly in my left ear.

I am not a highly stressful person. I've had it happen when tired and well rested. Infact the occurence this evening happened after a good restful nap. I'm not a drinker or smoker. I do have hypertension. Possibly ADHD/predominently inattentive - never been "officially" diagnosed, but don't know how that would have anything to do with this. I am not on any medications. I've had it occur when I'm hot and when I'm cold. Its happened morning, afternoon or evening. When I in company and alone. I don't have migraines, I'm not embarrased easily.

It began occuring about 1 - 1.5 yrs ago. There is no set time for the occurences. Sometimes I'll go days - weeks without an occurence. Today I have had two. Mine is not so much painful as it is annoying. Also, it sometimes itches.

I get episodes of Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis.I break out in hives, swell, turn red like a big red radish, asthma, tongue and throat swells and ITCH ITCH ITCH!!!! These episodes are far and few in between. I have had an episode for 2 years and 2-3 years prior to that one. I have never had this problem or asthma before then BOOM they started when I was around 27 yrs old. I've always had allergies. I'm 38 now. I have had approximately 5-6 episodes in the 11 years.

I always just thought there was some sort of correlation between the red hot ears and the anaphylaxis. Possibly some sort of allergic reaction - but to what, I don't know?

I also noticed just starting this winter that when my hands get cold they turn real red, swell and itch real bad, then subsides. When this happens it brings to mind when I have an episode of anaphylaxis.

I don't know - anybodies guess is as good as mine - I've always just accepted that they happen and just thought I was a "freak of nature" :). I was surprised to see it's so common.

Mine has been happening mostly in my left ear.

I am not a highly stressed person. I've had it happen when tired and well rested. Infact the occurrence this evening happened after a good restful nap. I'm not a drinker or smoker. I do have hypertension. Possibly ADHD/predominantly inattentive - never been "officially" diagnosed, but don't know how that would have anything to do with this. I am not on any medications. I've had it occur when It has happened at different times of the day. When I am in company and alone. I don't have migraines, I'm not embarrassed easily.

It began occurring about 1 - 1.5 yrs ago. There is no set time for the occurrences. Sometimes I'll go days - weeks without an occurrence. Today I have had two. Mine is not so much painful as it is annoying. Also, it sometimes itches.

I get episodes of Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. I break out in hives, swell, turn red like a big red radish, asthma, tongue and throat swells and ITCH ITCH ITCH!!!! My last episode was about 2 yrs ago and had not had a episode for 2-3 years prior to that one. I have never had this problem or asthma before then BOOM they started when I was around 27 yrs old. I've always had allergies. I'm 38 now. I have had approximately 5-6 episodes in the 11 years.

I also noticed just starting this winter that when my hands get cold they turn real red, swell and itch real bad, then subsides. When this happens it brings to mind when I have an episode of anaphylaxis.

I just thought these were somehow related. Possibly some sort of allergic reaction - but to what, I don't know?

I don't know - anybodies guess is as good as mine - I've always just accepted that they happen and just thought I was a "freak of nature" :). I was surprised to see it's so common.

Sorry for the two posts...

iam 23/male... iam suffering form hyper tetnsion...iam having high B.P for last one year and now aim taking medicine for that to control it...it was ok till last month..but from last week onwards i noticed that my either right or left getting red and hot!actually this is for the first time in my life happened...its more at night while i go to bed just after having my dinner...i want to just know that is it a danger sign or is it a symptom of stroke? pls do help me by giving a right reply if anybody outthere with the same problem....

I have been suffering from Red Ears and TERRIBLE hot flashes for years. I have mild hypertension, panic disorder, but am otherwise a healthy 29 yo male. It is usually my left ear that gets red and so hot I sometimes put ice on it. At times, my entire face becomes flush and hot. So much so that I think of sticking my face in the freezer. I can almost feel it throb and it my left ear will sometimes turn purple. Often headaches and extreme fatigue follow and episode. Anyone know what I should do? Also, I saw someone mention a correlation to Trigeminal Nueralgia. My dad suffered from TN for years until it went into remission.

I am a 60+ woman who has had what I call hot ear syndrome for years. It's usually just my right ear that gets hot in the evening, although there have been times both ears were hot. Usually lasts from 1-2 hours. No other symptoms, although sometimes I feel my BP is up and when I check and it is. I do have hypertension and I am on a beta blocker and ace inhibitor. I believe the hot, red ear may be related to hormones, but no proof. I do have hypothyroidism and the hypertension and hypothyroidism began about at the same time. Maybe there's a link. My doctor doesn't know why my ear gets red and hot, but he's had other patients with the same thing. I'm glad I found this site. I've never been embarrassed about my ear problem and would encourage others not to worry about what others think. After all, some people sweat excessively, have bad breath and like problems. A red ear isn't so bad socially.

I am concerned about my daughter, who is 8 years old, and suffers with red hot ears in both ears. Any suggestions on how to make her feel better?

Hello there Ms .Anonymous,

Well,I just pack some crushed ice into a small piece of Linen and then allow (my daughter who also suffers from Hot ears too)to hold the pack against her ears until the hotness subsides.or about for 5 mins .For now she just complains about one hot ear at a time so not so much probs..but would love to know the real reason why..I do believe it is Hormonal imbalances which occur at times..maybe during a stressful period.But it is also neuralgic I do believe.
Also give her some Paracetamol for any pain.
Hope this helps

Hi it's me again..do have a check on this website which I found.
Maybe it could be of some help for some of you out there.
Best of Luck
http://www.carcinoid.com/index.jsp

How funny that I come across this as my I was inquiring on the web to find out why my left ear was all of a sudden turning hot red.....

I have been having "red ear syndrome" for about 15 years (i'm a 25 year old male). I asked the doctor years ago and he said it was nothing, all in my head. It is in both ears and I get it everyday. I purposely make them red when I get off work so I can go out later and not worry about them turning red in public. (it has never happened more than once in one day). A few things that cause them the most are stress/nervousness in front of others, hot weather, and sometimes drinking alcohol. The only way I have found to control this if it starts to flare up is cold water or cold weather, so I am constantly having to go outside or go to the bathroom to splash cold water on them. I have even resorted to licking my fingers and basically licking my ears to keep them cool. I even grew long hair once just to cover them up. In a way it controls my life but I have dealt with it for so long I can control it, sometimes. I would still like to find some kind of medical explanation for this so I can live a normal life. It sometimes prevents me from doing things with my friends, like in hot weather when I know I can't control it. Any help would be fantastic. Thanks.

I get it after eating sugar usually or Caffine

Interesting posts, but what about hot ears that don't turn red? I've had this problem for 5 months now, several times daily. It feels like my ears are red, they are so hot, but they look perfectly normal! I can't connect anything to this -- food, stress, etc.

the red and hot ear syndrome started with me since 2 weeks. i am 65 yrs old and i have no hbp or any other disease except i am mildly diabetic.
i have tried keeping ice on my both ears and find it soothing for a while and i donot get much cold feeling on the part where it is hot and red, but when i touch the ice to other part of the ear then i feel much colder.
i expect some medical reply on this syndrome and how to treat this.

My ears randomly get red and hot, one at a time usually. Is there anyone else who suffers from this but doesn't have any other health problems? I'm having trouble targeting the problem because I don't have high BP or diabetes or ADHD or other diseases/syndromes. Could it possibly be due to poor/excessive blood circulation?

I have just started getting red hot ears, and face and sometimes my neck. I haven't read all of these blogs but can't wait. I definitely see connections that I was already thinking of. 2 1/2 months ago I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and now with a mild low blood pressure which I appear to have had for a few years, but my symptoms are worse now. There is a link between low blood sugar and low blood pressure, and links to both of these are allergies. I always get allergies during spring (now in Southern Hemisphere) so I'm thinking there's a connection to this, and that it's worse now that I have these conditions. I also have been told that both conditions have probably been caused or onset by stress. I have had big stress in the last 2 years, I try not to but it doesn't always work! I also work at the computer and find I get a lot of tension. I'm just listing my symptoms in case you get this too. Maybe they're all connected. I'm now going to record types of food reactions as no doubt I have one that is the biggest underlying cause, I have been told. I'm guessing dairy. If I find out soon I will post the results.

Ever since I was a child, when I reach a certain level of physical fatigue or sleep-need tiredness, one or the other, or both, my ears will seem to me to be HOT. Sometimes they actually are redened and warm to the touch; other times I experience a sensation of heat but they are cool / normal to the touch. This will happen if I stay awake too long, or if I just haven't had as much sleep as I need; always happens in the evening. I have no medical conditions that are known- I see a doctor for regular checkups. This has been going on for over 50 years. Sometimes I may splash a little cool water on them; this helps. Another thing that used to happen when I was a kid, but doesn't any more, is that my knee joints would feel sore at the same time my ears felt hot. Possibly some kind of inflammatory thing triggered by "sleep toxins?" - those substances that build up in the blood when someone is sleep deprived to one degree or another? Who knows. I'm not worried that this is an indication of some dreadful ailment, I'll just keep my glass of icewater handy..... ;-)

I just thought of something- I seem to recall I had some frostbite on my ears when I was around 4. (Living in Wisconsin, you're bound to get a little frostbite here and there, especially kids playing in snow.) It wasn't severe frostbite at all, but maybe that's when this started. I can't say for sure. So maybe there's some vascular injury and it flares up when I'm tired, for some reason.

I started noticing the red hot ear a couple of years ago (I'm 40 now). Now the redness has extended to my face. The doctor thinks it's rosacea, but I question that diagnosis since I have no acne, just redness. The doctor ran blood work for carcinoid because I suffer with IBS along with the flushing. The tests came back negative, but I'm struggling to accept the results. Most blood work for carcinoid is at best 75% accurate. Every time my ears and face get red it reminds me that something more serious may be occuring. I also have TMJ and O blood type. I notice that my autistic son also suffers with the red ear and sometimes cheeks. I wish I could just accept this as a non-serious condition and stop worrying. The possibilty of this being a carcinoid syndrome haunts me. As you can tell, I stuggle with anxiety. The flushing occurs primarily in the afternoon to evening and I've tried various food eliminations with no success. For awhile I was even eating just applesauce and rice and still flushing. I question the correlation with yeast. I have chronic yeast problems and have been on nystatin and difflucan for a long time. My doctor also checked my thyroid and hormone levels to make sure I wasn't in perimenapause. I sure wish there was a definitive answer as to why this occurs.