One hot ear

Kaisier has no answer. I too get a hot ear, not everyday, but pretty close. I am just sitting at work and all of a sudden my ear gets hot. It will last sometimes for 1/2 hr. I wonder if it's because of high blood pressure (which I have but am taking medicine). I sure wish someone had an answer.

Strange...isn't it?
You may be asking yourself,'what is?'
Well...Theory, Suggestion, as well as just another thought to add to the chain.
My thoughts in theory are scattered, so goes the process of brainstorming. Consideration has been taken from all comments, and so from observation we know it is not mental or having to do with overall performance. I'm thinking membranes, more specifically- meninges. The Connective tissues (more or less) gridlocks, localizing pressure from the conjunction of nerves, most likely located around the cerebellum area.
Susggestion: It may sound silly, but just give it a try... Relax, breath in and out, let go of all bias, stay opened minded. Put 1 hand across the back of your neck at the base of the skull and the other hand across your eyes, leaving them there, close your eyes, remember to breath and repeat 'i forgive' multiple times, at least more than 3(no questions, just do. Doesn't matter if you have forgiving to do or not).
Reverse hand positions, the hand that was across the eyes now across the neck, and the so forth. repeat the 'i forgive'.
Now place the palms of your hands over your eyes and repeat 'i forgive'.
An extra for jaw probs- loosely close your hands, palms facing you, fingers over eyes & thumbs along jaw line(meaty part joining @ lips), do the forgives.

This also helps with headaches.
I would also suggest Magnesium, to relax your muscles, and Mixed Vegetable Supps to get nourishment through to the capalaries. Remember to talk to a Reflexologist(also recommecond Chiropractor who is into reflexology as well as Senses)(Not recommending Medical Doctors because, most likely than not, it will be more pills, made of who knows what along with the Mold and micro-chemicals they don't tell you about, down the throat(know wonder your body doesn't like you, just kidding)).
I hope this helps. It did with me. :)

My right ear sometimes get read and hot...i always think something bad is going to happen..and usually it does...I was just looking and seeing if i was the only one this was happening 2..Whenever i tell ppl they look at my alittle weird...lol....

With me, hot red ears are always related to drinking champagne. Tonight I have had two Mimosas. My ears are so hot I had to remove my robe to cool off.

Okay people....this is really weird, but yes! I have the red hot ear too! I did notice that liquor makes it red, but not always, usually when I have had a rough day, much stress, and in the relaxing mode it comes on. It's kinda funny, I always say, someone is talking about me again...and laugh it off. I told my boyfriend I was gonna get on the net and find out what made it happen, and found this website, I was glad to see I was not alone in this weirdness. But let me tell u, I really have a temperature problem, my nose is so cold sometimes I cannot stand it, and my boyfriend says that I have a hot butt too...ha ha really, he sez I radiate heat. So...I suppose my temp gauge is broken or something...in the meantime, I will assume it's just one of those unexplainable things...MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL YOU RED HOT PEOPLE!

I too am glad that I'm not alone. Anyone have any official words on this? I think it happens when I'm stressed...

I think it's a mix of blood pressure spikes even possible circulation issue and stress.Panic attacks can also cause "red ear(s)" take a ice cube and cool em down (no joke) or take a cool shower and try to relax it works for me anyway.

I also notice if I take a sleeping pill and get alot of rest the next day I usually don't get red/hot ears.And stay away from drinking and smokes you should know better and those bad habits will cause blood pressure issues.

Weird, I thought this was a personal problem - comforting to know others have it too, but has anyone actually had a diagnosis? I can feel the bottom of my left ear start to burn, it covers my whole ear, then my cheeks and even my eyes feel hot on the inside! I thought it might be hot flashes, but went thru menopause years ago. Blood pressure reads fine, I get so hot I have to fan myself or rinse my face in cold water (when I'm home). Alcohol does bring it on, but I only have a drink maybe every other week. Wow, what is this all about,anyway?

I recently started taking adderall for adhd. I had never experienced this red ear phenomenon until I started the medication. My Dr. told me that he believes it occurs for some when the central nervous system is stimulated (i.e., medication, stress, anxiety etc.,) It is essentially a form of blushing which is also a result of your CNS being stimulated.

I notice i get "hot ear" when gettin when getting wild. I also have noticed I have a lack of consitration, sensitive eyes, and blinking alot. I normally get hot ear in the winter when i have been in the cold for a while. I tryed the chinese tongue trick...didn't work out for me. It would probaly help just to have a cold glass of water and put ice packs on your ears. Try not to wear anything in your ears or put head phones on your ears

I honestly can't believe this. I just googled "my ear gets red and hot," hilariously, hoping to find some information on this strange, strange thing that has happened to me for at least the least 15 years (I'm 27).

The only explanation I have, after many "experiments," is that my ear (right ear) becoming blood-red and extremely hot is directly related to my blood-sugar levels. I can always tell when my blood-sugar is low because it starts burning, as it is right now. What is helping it stop, as usual? Well, some sugar! I ate a bowl of Fruity Pebbles. Not healthy, sure, but it causes a near-instant (if slow) cooling of the ear. Usually, within an hour, things are back to normal.

At any rate, it's very annoying, and when it happens when I'm out in public, I get constant comments about it. We "Hot Red Ears" (haha) just pine away for an ice-pack most days. It's absolutely insane, and I can't believe I found this site...haha.

Good luck cooling off, guys.

I am in awe.. seriously.. Everyone thinks I am crazy >< I usually only get 'Red ear" in the winter. I never notice in the summer if I go get it, I live in Texas so go figure. I'm sitting here with a cold wash cloth trying to cool off. (lol) I looked up a few things on it I also thought it was high blood pressure.. but I read in an article that it has nothing to do with blood pressure, so I don't know what to think. I have been having it at least 4 years, and OMG it is SO annoying. So great to see there are others.. crazy but great. Oh and I am 25 :) I put this site on favorites so I will be back to let everyone know if I find something else! THANKS!

I have always had it. Mostly left ear but sometimes both. Usually happens after eating and before bedtime. I haven't associated it to any particular food though.

I actually have it right now. The tongue thing seemed to work somewhat.

I get it sometimes too. I am in the medical field, cardiology and I have done some research and spoke to many physicians and collegues. All the threads have some validity to them. Alcohol, Blood Sugar Levels, Cold weather, Sleeplessness and Stress can all cause this phenomenon. It is not abnormal, it is just the body's response to a dilation of the blood vessels. Ice can help the burning and throbbing, sometimes the tounge thing will work, but most of all it is harmless and it will go away. I get it and it drives me crazy. I am glad to see there is support and information out there. More accounts of this will help re-enforce that it is a normal human thing.

hahahahaa wow ive never heard of anyone else having this... ive had it since i was born, my mom has too

one ear will get blazing hot and red and the other will be completely normal.. not always the same ear though it switches randomly all of the time

e-mail me with info on this if ya could, im curious

heyy question... does anyone else here get lightheaded and start to/ totally black out sometimes when they stand up quick??? moreso when your hot...

anyway i have this AND red ears..

the lightheaded thing happens b/c i have this thing where my blood vessels in my neck dont contract quick enough when i sit up soo blood doesnt get to the brain quick enough lol... but my mom has that too and she has the red ear thing sooo

anyone else?

i think its all to do with stress, i get both ears going very red when stressed and just done a night shift. face sometimes goes red also

JG-I`ve had this since I was in my teens, I`m now 32 and still get it fairly regularly. The symtoms are as generally described with all these cases.With me, I have found that giving up drinking has helped alot as this used to trigger the RES every time. I have also found that more sleep and relaxation help to prevent RES occurrences, however, it does not stop them completely. For me, there are still conditions that trigger it sutch as moving from cold to hot places/buildings, direct sunshine or cooking in a hot kitchen which I often do. Here in UK, central heating does not help the situation too! I have taken some tips though from what differnt people have said and try doing things like taking a walk, loosening my neck and shoulders, using deep breathing or relaxation techniques to help with aleviating the physical and emotional discomfort. Only, there does not seem to be any specific thing that takes it away.It nearly always seems to run it`s own course and may last for an hour or two depending on where I am and the conditions around me. Usually, if I am able to relax in a cooler place and take my mind off it, I have noted that the RES will dissapear quicker, however, I as a particulaly self conscious person, I find it near on impossible to relax or ignor this whilst in the presence of others at work or socially, so in that sense I would agree that this is a pretty lousy condition to have especially if you are affected by comments from other people. In my case, this does nothing for my confidence or lack of it! If you are unaffected by what people notice or say, well great for you, however, you still have RES and I can`t imagine it could be ignored as it is quite uncomfortable. Over the years I have read books and literature concerning health and nutrition and one of the books concerned eating according to your blood type, you may be thinking,what is this guy going on about but just hear me out, the book is called Eat Right for your type and is written by DR Peter J.D Adamo for those interested. It surrounds his study into world categories of blood types, which at the time I had no idea about, my blood type being O type, in short, certain blood types evolved through the consumption of available food scources which if you compare this to the modern world, bears no resemblance to where we all live and what we eat, in my case as a type O, my system and digestion is designed primarily for the consumtion of meat either red ot white and has an intolerance for wheat or gluetin foods ie bread, pasta ect. I can`t say that having read this book that I have totally 100% followed it but there is one thing I am certain of, reduction of wheat type products in my diet has reduced the occurance and intensity of RES along with other problems like stiff joints and over frequent bowle movements(or just shitting all the time to be blunt!) What would interest me would be to know exactly how many of us who suffer RES are type O blood group and how many are not?
Also, I have tried rubbing various types of creams and lotions onto my ear (usually the right one, occasionally both)and have found that a cream called sudocream, which is zinc based and designed to alleviate bed sores, rashes or eczma helps with the burning but is best done at home as it is quite a thick cream and makes your ear look quite white over the redness but not natural. Again I cannot say whether or not it reduces the length of the res attack but will try experimenting with this more and prehaps try measuring the time compared with an attack without cream applied. I have also tried aloe vera which has a similar effect but it has to be a good quality and more expensive type on the market as many are not complete 100% aloe or close. My feeling on finding a solution to this is that there must be some type of drug or product either on the market or within the medical world that can or is able to cause the blood vessels to constrict or reduce in capacity. I am sure there are these type drugs used in surgery? Only, we outside the medical world will not have the knowlege of it or them! To me, if such a drug does exist, surely it can be formed or mixed into a topical lotion that can be rubbed onto the ear to reduce the redness. Otherwise, if this is not the case,we, the sufferers of this will have to consider finding a solution either through self testing or collectively looking at information on the condition.

Excuse me going on about this everyone but I kind of feel that, whats the point of having ideas or knowlegde if we can do anything with it!! It`s great to know there are others out there with this as I would otherwise think it only me!

hello, i havent read all the comments above, im 15 and my ear burns, it has done for years, its really funny because my nan has always told me its that someone is thinking about me. it doesnt really bother me any more i generally ignore it, on one site it says that your ear burning means that your having a brainwave! hehe a very clever ear i think...the best cure i think is to ignore it, or you could always go Van Gogh and cut it off...but i wouldnt surgest it..i think that would be even more painful!

I just wanted to add that I also have suffered from this problem for most of my life.

It is a daily struggle.

I have a question. What are your eating habits? Eat junk food?? I have noticed since I started working out and eating healthy. I no longer have it at all. It has been a month at least since I have had it, every since I have changed my lifestyle.

I also get this red ear phenomenon. I too have a blood type of O. I have high blood pressure and stress. This recently started to me only about 8 months ago off and on. I am 24 years of age. Sometimes it is only my right ear that gets hot, other times both ears. I eat well and keep the junk food to a minimum. I no longer drink. I don't partake in street drugs. I do however smoke cigarettes. I am a christian (coming from a spiritual standpoint). Just curious to what other similarities exist among our red group. Maybe it is more than just a dilation of blood vessels. Look forward to any responses.

I have been getting hot, red ears all my life and so has my brother. I get this mostly in the winter. I use an ice cube or anything cold to cool it off (even pressing my ear against a window when no ice was available). I liked to think that getting a hot, red ear was an evolutionary thing that evolved so that the wax in your ear would melt rather than gather and clog your ear. Unlikely, but it makes me feel better.
I CANNOT sleep with polyester pillow cases or types of pillows that make your ear hot, or it may set it off. I use a 100% down pillow with a 100% cotton cover.

Very interesting and somewhat comforting to know that I'm not the only one that experiences this. I'm 40 years of age, non-smoker, occasional drinker, O+ blood and have had this sporadically for all my life (one or both ears). I had migranes as a child but grew out of them for the most part, but still get maybe 1 a year. I just started looking around on the Internet after my wife noticed that my son (4 years old) is having the same thing and strangely, it will happen to both of us at the same time. We're both in good physical condition otherwise, but obviously it is something hereditary, and brought on by some environmental conditions - my son doesn't drink alcohol (not till he's 21!!). I'll try to pay more attention as to food or drink and see if there's any common causes between us and report back.
Thanks for everyone's comments!

This red ear stuff is driving me nuts. I have it in both ears and lately it is happening almost daily. The redness or heat also will go down the back of my neck. No history of migranes. BP is normal to low. Don't know blood type. Had surgery on a ruptured disc in my neck over 10 yrs. ago. I am beginning to think that these two may be connected somehow. When I was young I remember some instances of the red ear, mostly related to being outside in the winter. (Hot to cold or vice versa) I like some of the rest of you am so glad to know that I am not the only one with this problem. I am seriously considering seeing a neurosurgen about the neck thing. Any comments will be appreciated.

Hmmm... very strange to see so many people with this. My left ear gets red and burns whenever I'm tired, or stressed. Both ears get red when I drink. I've also noticed a decrease in sensation in the left side of my face during the episode, haven't seen that mentioned here. For the record, I'm O-, I have ADHD, I do take Adderall, and I have had this (my mother says) almost since birth. She claims it was a tell tale sign that it was nap time! :)

I don't know about any of you, but my right ear hurts when it becomes red and hot, and is very sensitive to touch. It hurts to sleep on it. I believe it may be related to drinking. Best of luck..

Fairly certain is has nothing to do with drinking. I personally do not drink alcohol. It may be neurological and related to stress. It seems that my ears, one or two, become most irriated when my emotions get the best of me. As brutus mentioned above with the ruptured disk in his neck, I too have disc problems. I have a par's defect (slipped disk + fractured verterbae) in my lumbar (lower back). Curious to see if anyone else has something similar. Also, does anyone with this red ear condition have any types of other conditions such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, etc. I personally do not have any of the mentioned but maybe the red ear syndrome (RES) is an early tell sign of something. Look forward to the comments.

P.S. Thank you for the direct comments J!

Male, 36. Have had episodes of one or both ears suddenly turn bright red and feeling hot for as long as I can remember. Tonight the left ear got hot and red, but this time the left side of my face also felt warm (which I don't remember happening before). I was concerned so I googled and found this site. I was stressed tonighted and I'm a generally anxious person. Had eaten about 3 minutes prior with lots of tabasco, and took two aspirin before also. It's been 1hr 45min and it's starting to cool down a bit, but I still feel it. My girlfriend could actually see the difference in color between my left and right ears.

I'm 51, and this happened to me today at midday for the first time in my life! It was my left ear, and it was really uncomfortable. After reading this very helpful thread, I suspect the culprit is alcohol. Last night, for the first time in ages, I had some wine and champagne in celebration of Valentine's Day.

I’m also getting this crap every now and then. I’m trying to figure out where it’s coming from and so far I’m thinking that might be coming from people having a little worry or something that's in your mind almost all the time during the day, every day.
What do you think?

Wow, what a find. My quick dash to google to see if "burning ear" has found me this treasure trove of companion sufferers! I don't remember having this before, although it's possible, but last night my left ear turned crimson, then purple, and was so hot! It stayed the same for two hours, and everyone with me was amazed by it. I laughed it off, and eventually it went away. It was freezing outside, and I was in a warm building - also I'd eaten chocolate for valentines when I've been dairy free for 12+ months. No alcohol that day. Hadn't slept well for a couple of nights. Hmmm this does seem to be a mystery!I keep checking my ear to see if it's happening again! Considering the large amount of possible causes, we need someone to give us a correct diagnosis. Is there a doctor in the house?

My son, who is 6, gets a red, hot right ear at least every week. We use something called a "Chillow." It's an insert for a pillow that has a special gel inside it. You fill this little flat, flexible "pillow" with water and stopper it. The gel holds the water and it has never leaked. You put it under a pillow case and lay on it. It's very cool and it eases his ear discomfort very effectively. I bought mine on ebay but originally saw it in one of those catalogs you find on airplanes. Thought this might help someone.

Has anyone talked to any kind of medical person re this condition? I would really like to find out what is causing this. I still feel that mine has something to do with the surgery that I had on my neck. My neck at times bothers me and feels like it has fever or heat like feelings. I am really enjoying the info from all of you. This makes me feel better. Thought for awhile that I was dreaming all of this up.

I also get the burn. Mine is only in the right ear. It's going on about twice a day (for about a week now). I have a headache that I can't get rid of too. In the past, when the ear quits frying each day, the migraines start up. I look at it as a warning sign to keep the Imitrex handy. I guess the next few weeks won't be fun. The tongue trick doesn't help me much. I do notice lack of sleep and stress are sometimes a trigger. Or maybe I can't sleep and am stressed out because the side of my head is in flames.

Has anyone found a MEDICAL explanation for this. My ears started doing it last week and its scaring me. Red hot every evening like my body is trying to purge something. Thank you to anyone who replies. I will post anything I find out too.

I'm 43 and have been experiencing this for about 6 years. First notice was at the end of my pregnancy. At that time there was facial redness/swelling (on left) as well.... Now it's just periodic red ear w/the burning and heat. I have made the correlation to wine drinking (though not when pregnant), and tonight it came on immediately after a stressful episode (related to something I've been mentally obsessing about for some time!). I also clench/grind in my sleep and have had TMJ related issues. My blood pressure is extremely low and my diet is very healthy (mostly home cooked/organic foods.....though I do love my sugar!).
So far it appears to be stress related and probably exascerbated by alchohol.

Well after so many years of feeling alone in this subject ( before finding this site) I noticed that my brother's ear was really red the other day and talked to him about it ( he's 17 I'm 25) and OMG he has it too! He says his only happens when he has been out in the cold and comes in to a warm place. I still think it has something to do with diet though somehow. I haven't had an episode since I started my diet over a month ago. And I used to get it very frequently. Then again I used to get heartburn -alot- and I don't get that anymore either. Odd.

Hi guys. Wow. Thanks everyone for the tips. I get my red, hot, burning right ear at about 3:00 in the afternoon every day. This happens no matter what I have in my diet; and I also have very normal (if not a little on the low side) blood pressure and get lots of good sleep. I get the ear thing during times when I have absolutely no stress whatsover, and the hotness of it is actually painful to me. One time at work it was hurting me so terribly, that I went in to the kitchen at work and stuck my right ear in the freezer. Today, when I tried the tongue deal, I got some pleasant "chills" if you will, in my head (kind of like the chills you get in your body at times), which I could feel were cooling off my entire head, and consequently, my right ear! Cool! (no pun intended). At any rate, I will be checking out the site mentioned above, and thank you again all of you for your helpful input!

As I had previously mentioned, I do not drink alcohol and yet I still get the RES. I was wondering if anyone, with RES, also has acid reflux problems like myself? Also, was curious if it may be a sign of dehydration. Weather may also play apart because I did not start getting these red ears until last August when the weather turned cool. Now that it is starting to heat up here down south, my episodes have subsided greatly.

My nephew is 10 & visits regularly, often has this problem, both his ears get red hot.(He doesn't drink alcohol) I did however, see a program on tv one night that discussed Red Ear, ADD, & ADHD associated with food allergies. Possibly Dateline? Not really sure.

I'm 14 years old and one of my ears is constantly getting red and really hot can u help me?

Very helpful. I'm 23 and not sure how long exactly this has happened for - but its been at least several years. Generally happens to both ears late at night. They get really hot and really red.

Personally, it doesn't bother me too much. I've always thought it makes me unique and if nothing else, brings up a topic of conversation. My girlfriend thinks it's "cute"...so, there's that.

Points of interest which seem to be relevant and maybe helpful. I have ADHD and take adderal. I'm a financial analyst and work long hours - often with little sleep. My blood type is 'O', but I can't remember if its negative or positive (sorry). I drink on the weekends - but have never noticed a correlation. I don't drink coffee and generally stay away from chocolate and caffeine/sugary things. Migraines run in my family, but I've only had two or three in my life.

Since no one has a better answer, i'm going to just keep my original assumption that it happens to those destined for greatness, like us.

Since I get migraines after I go through a few weeks of RES each day. I decided to try my Imitrex before they started up. And it worked. I haven't had a hot ear since I took it (almost 2 weeks now). I also have ADD and allergies. I do drink some alcohol but I can't see that it makes it happen any more offen. I can see where stress does.

I have had asthma and lots of allergies for 50 some yrs. All is under control with inhalers and past allergy shots were also helpful. Do believe allergies may be related to our red ears but also have something new to add. I have been doctoring for a week now for fluid in the ears and some sinus infection. I have had a steriod shot and am taking the generic brand of augmentin. Since all of this I have not had any episode with my red ears. My everyday life has been the same except for this illness. I really appreciate all of the comments on this annoying problem with the ears.

Guess I spoke to soon. Its the 8th day of taking the medicine that I thought was helping my ear and now the red ear is back Only one is red this time. Guess since the steriod shot should be wearing off by now that that is what helped my ears. Who knows....I am about to give up on any solution.

I could fry eggs on my ears they are so hot today! So in my internet search for an answer I came across this posting list-- how odd that there is no explanation for this! For me, sometimes it's one ear, usually my right, but most often it's both. I can't remember now for how long this has been going on, but I'm 35 years old, and I can't remember not having it happen. It's generally on a daily basis, starting in the afternoon around 3-4pm, but it also sometimes kicks in when I drink, and also sometimes when I've had little sleep. Are we space aliens or something? Please let me know if anyone figures this out!

I wonder if we are discussing different syndromes here. RES, as normally discussed by neurologists, is that painful condition usually in one ear - rarely in both. The ear may appear red and have a painful ( but not always burning) sensation which can spread from the area around the ear - and can be excruciating. Just having an ear that turns bright red and may feel hot is not regarded as RES.

The problem with this is syndrome is that it is exactly that - a syndrome not an actual treatable condition.
The sad fact is that having spent much time and money with four different neurologists in Dublin and London(inc the top neurological clinic) none of them could state the cause of this condition. I got different reasons - relapsing polychondritis being one of them. Other suggestions :- it is related to migraine (especially for younger sufferers), or it is associated with upper cervical disorders( (as in cervical spinal area,not cervix) or with temporomandibular joint dysfunction or with trigeminal nerve disorders -the list goes on.
Neurologists are happy to take your money with no guarantee that they have any idea how to cure this.

It is my wife who has suffered from this for some years - she's just had three weeks nonstop most of each day with an extremely painful ear that has spread and is causing her the greatest agony and distress. The doctors have put her on anti-depressants and various calcium blockers (mainly because both medicines in different ways lower the "firing" of the nerves which cause pain) -but they ain't working, and are unlikely to unless a cause ifs found.

She is desperate -and if anyone else out there suffers like she does and has come across an effective remedy please tell me.

Medically there seems to be no answer.
So, we'll try anything.

When one or both of my ears gets red, they are beet red and feels like it goes further down my neck, but not as red. I can't really say that this is painful to me, just very irrating. I am now trying to not take anything for everyday aches and pains but tylenol. I have taken a lot of advil, motrin etc. for the common aches and pains. Since I do have allergies this may be a factor with me. My daughter told me that asthmatics are not suppose to take anything but tylenol,so I will try this for a couple of weeks.

check this out:
http://www.nwherald.com/StyleSection/gott/360916469578005.php

I am a 34 year old Chinese male living in Hong Kong. One of my ears usually turns red hot. So hot that even ice cannot cool it down. Sometimes left ear, sometimes right ear. Seldom both. My siblings do not have the same problem. Not any member of my family. I don't do much exercise, I don't drink regularly, I don't smoke, I am single and a little bit chubby. I know red ears can be caused by stress or alcohol but they are not the only reasons, definitely. It NEVER happens in the morning. Only in the afternoon or evening. Sometimes in the summer (about 30 degrees in Hong Kong, but I am usually in an air-conditioned place), but usually more serious in autumn and winter (about 10 to degrees). When I am outdoor, it occurs less frequently. When I am indoor, in a room with lots of people, then it occurs quite readily. I have lived in Britain for about two years, and I remember I didn't have this red ear symptom during that period. I have asked doctors but they said it's no big deal. I have this strange thing for as long as I can remember. I tried to see if it is related to the air, humidity and temperature of the environment. Well, temperature doesn't seem to play an important role. Maybe humidity. But now I believe that CO2 may be the culprit (a crowded, less ventilated place is the worst for me, even if it's cold). Anyway, it is so great to discover this homepage and now I know that I am not alone - I have never ever seen anyone who has the same symptom. I will try the tongue trick next time when my ear turns red. But then, even if it does not work, I do not mind. To my friends, it's my trademark! No more embarrassment after all these years. Even my barber gets used to it when I am having a haircut! Thank you for reading.

Hi,

I have the same problem too and there is a thumping feeling in my ears when it occurs and i feel the muscle around my ears contracting.

This usually occurs in my right ear and it will spread to my left ear. It is causing me a lot of distress as I just joined a new company and my colleagues think i'm weird and I am very much about to lose my job over something I cannot control.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Fellow Red Ear Partners,
This is crazy. I never realized how many people suffer from this red ear thing. Mine is usually in my left ear and stress does trigger. Alcohol..big time!! I have no clue what this is or how to fix. I have read all the different postings and its seems we all have the stress and drinking in common, but if you notice some people are on meds, some aren't. some have High Blood pressure, most don't. I am in nursing school and have been trying to figure out why my ears get red.. still have no clue. All I know is when I do start drinking I have all my friends pointing out that once again my ear is red. Very annoying. I guess its not harmful, but since noone knows exactly what it is and caused from that leaves room for the possibilty that it may cause harm in the future?? Let me if anyone finds out anything?? Thanks
Red Hot in FL

I can't believe I found this site!! I am so excited! My two year old son has been experiencing this weird "red, hot, ear" for about three months. All of a sudden, one ear (usually his left) will get really hot, red (almost purple), and he says,"it's hot." I've been wondering what the heck is going on. It is sooooo comforting to read all of the posts. If anyone finds out new info, please share it. I am going to mention this to his doc. Thanks for sharing.

My left ear will get extremely red and hot, its such a bother sometimes. When I told my doctor and my mother about this they simply laughed and made jokes as if it was funny. I don't find it funny I find it extremely annoying.. but I'm so glad I found this site.. any clues to what might help this stop?

I was doing some research about this red ear syndrome and cant find one common cause but i believe mine is caused by temporomandibular joint dysfunction

I am happy I am not alone now. It happens only either in the afternoon at 5pm or at night 8pm. Sometime one year sometime both. It started when I moved to a new province in Canada.

I think it is sugar, and excess of all grains (gluten free or not) as they turn to sugar rapidly no matter how healthy the package says they are.

Spoke with my Internist....many of the alcohol related episodes are most likely a histamine reaction...much like an allergic reaction to shellfish. Other triggers could cause the "hot" feeling, not just alcohol. We also discussed that too much insulin and glucose intolerance could be a trigger. (this is a follow up to a post I made above)

tony...your 5 year old getting "irritable & agressive" could be from the over production of insulin as I just mentioned above, and it appears someone else right before me was on to it as well...if his blood sugar becomes low, he would have those types of reactions. This happens to non-diabetics, so I would guess that may be where you want to investigate a new diet for your 5 year old. But I'm not a doc, so you should find out for yourself.

Update on my red ear problem. I have not had an episode since the first of March. I am only taking tylenol for any aches or pains that I have, other than my regular medicines that I have been taking for the fast heart beat and my COPD. One other thing that I have added to my regimen is over the counter Estroven for hot flashes etc. The time that I started the Estroven and quit taking any pain pill was about the same. Kinda makes me think that the Estroven is what really helped me as I take it twice a day and only take the tylenol when needed. Am so glad that I found this site. Thanks for all the info.

i am 7 years old and experiencing this from few weeks ago. could any one tell me the reason and how to solve it.

kiarash

wow, i posted a post way back in january and since then there has been loads of posts, at the moment i am currently revising for GCSEs and hav found that my ear is burning a lot more so i think it might have somthing to do with stress, i also get it when i am worried, or really really embarashed but then my whole face goes red anway so its not so noticable. im pretty healthy and dont drink reguarly or smoke and im not allergic to anything, dunno my blood group..hummm

hello to everyone!

o yer my sisters all suffer from bad migranes, fortunatly i dont, but none of there ears burn

WOW! I can't believe all the posts! I'm 39 and have had red ears for about 5 years. Mostly occurs in the late afternoon/early evening, and will ALWAYS occur after a glass of RED WINE. My doctor had no clue what to do about it. I tried the tingue trick and it worked briefly.

I am 61 years old and never had this ever happen to me until approx 1 year ago, right out of the blue, it can be just one ear at times, either left or right, or can be 2 at a time....its embarressing because people stare at you...I can't hide it as my hair is short...no one seems to have an answer as to why and what causes it.

I may be on to something. I've never been a big water drinker, always stuck with diet sode, coffee, or red wine. For the past week I cut all three out, and began drinking 5 20oz bottles of water a day, plus a Claritan at Noon. For the past week, I've only had a few red ear occurances and they were mild compared to past episodes. I'm starting to think that dehydration + allergies trigger red ear. Just a thought, you may want to try it.

Has Anyone got any valuable input from a Dr. on this red ear situation?? My son is 4 and for the last 2 years he's been a victim of red hot ears. One or the other or both! His Dr. , who is a great Dr. , doesn't seem to know what anything about it. But my son is in agony at least once a day for 30 min to a few hours.. He stands with his red ear up against the fridge or window trying to find relief. I just don't know what to do or what the heck is going on!!! what should i do?
Cheyenne

My son is 8 and gets the hot, red ear thing. We noticed it starting last October. He was really sick for six weeks with a fever that wouldn't go away. He was at Childrens's Hospital in Boston and the Infectious Disease unit at the hospital and no one could figure it out. He's fine now but the only leftover is the hot ears. I didn't know if this sickness unleashed something that is still floating around in him. He also gets it at night which would be when his resistence is at its lowest. I have to give him a cold cloth to cool it down. He is very healthy with no other problems and doesn't drink much tonic and drinks lots of water. Glad to know there are others out there.

I've spoken to 4 doctors on the subject, and all seem to think that it's triggered by stress/embarrasement/anxiety and is nothing to be alarmed about. I told them that it IS a big deal, especially when in public and people stare!!

wow! last year i was sitting at my computer and all of a sudden my right ear and surrounding area got really hot. I was so scared I thought it was a stroke or something. doctor said it was premenopause which i don't believe i'm 36. lately my cheeks will get hot and red and occassionaly my ears one or the other will get red and hot. during these times i do notice that i'm very stressed.

This is crazy!!!!!!At least i don't feel weird all by myself......This has been happening since i started the job i'm currently at now 4 yrs ago. My left ear just gets really hot to the point i have to "Fan It". I really want to know what this means because it gets on my nerves. Can someone please help and post any information if you find out the reason. I hope it not from stress!!!!!

Well I'm in the club and have been there most of my life (I'm 47 now). The red ear thing has been bothering me more so lately as it has become a nearly daily occurance when before it just happened from time to time. It seems that stress is my big trigger and with my wife in the hospital and it being my busy season at work it has been a daily annoyance. It nearly always starts in my left ear and usually moves to the right too and sometimes then to my cheeks and nose. I'm not embarrassed by it just a tad uncomfortable at times.

My research on it always points to stress and anxiety. Perhaps the stress triggers tightening of small muscles in the C3 area of the spine which has nerve connections to your outer ear.

The tongue thing does seem to work.

I may start getting some massages to relax myself. My wife loves to go and get them and has told me time and again that I should go.

Well hope everyone can keep their redness under control and enjoy life.

I am only 13 and this has been happening to me for quite a while. It is always both my ears that turns red and feel hot. I find that I get quite streesed and anxious and it is said that I am a perfectionist (this may have something to do with it). I do a lot of extenction maths and shool work. I havn't noticed any patterns when my ears turn red but I know the last time was at night.

We are a family of red ears. I have had it for years, like 30. My son has had red ear ever since he started cutting teeth at a year old and he is 38 years old now. My 35 year old daughter has it, and her two daughters both have it. I can't say that any thing triggers it off, it can last 20 minutes to 2 hours, any time day or night. I can always start to feel it starting up, and within a matter of minutes it is red hot to the sight and touch. I never knew it had a name. My doctor said he never heard of anything like it when I told him about it. I just happened to see a article in our press about it, then tapped into this page from the web site. Glad to hear there are others like us.

My 11 yr old son has had this problem with a painful, itchy, burning red ear (left or right) for about 3 years. He also has ADD and gets very easily stressed. I've started treating him with vitamin/mineral supplements, esp. magnesium. He hasn't had a red ear in about a month. He used to get them every day, esp at school, where he was highly stressed. I've also been homeschooling for a month. So, either the minerals, or the lower stress levels, or perhaps both, may be helping. He'll return to regular schooling next Sept (he's changing schools) so I'll be watching closely to see if this problem returns.

Another update. I still have not had a red ear since March of this year. Still not taking anything for pain except tylenol as needed. Stress level in pretty much the same. And still taking hormone replacement of Estroven twice a day. Think this combination of changes in my daily routine has done the trick for me.

I've read a lot of what everyone here has posted and I thought I'd chime in.
I've had this condition for about 10 years now. My ears are red always now, just sometimes it's very little and sometimes they almost turn purple, but they're always red. The capilaries in my skin are enlarged from the constant bloodflow, so they pretty much stay somewhat red all the time now.
There is no cure, it's caused by an over excited sympathetic nervous system in your brain (same thing that causes heavy sweating/facial blushing)
There is no real rhyme or reason for when your ears go red, mostly it's brought on by social situations, stress, anger, heat, exercise, touching them....or none of the above. Sometimes just thinking about it is enough. That's why you've read some remedies on here that do nothing more than get your mind off of it (tongue to the roof of your mouth, or your hands over your eyes, etc.)The only thing that I've evrer heard of the cures it is a surgical proceedure called ETS, they go in and sever the nerves ending near your spine that cause it. After the sugery you won't sweat as much and you don't blush. I haven't considered the surgery yet, but I would like to hear from people that have.

My son is 12 and has been getting red ears virtually since birth, so I don't think it's stress. Sometimes it's just one ear, and sometimes both. It seems to go away for a while, then he gets it quite regularly again. At the moment, it's happening again and he is desperate to stop it ... but from what many of you say, he will just have to put up with it forever. I thought it could be triggered by sitting near the heater as he seems to get it more on one side (it's winter here in Australia). Are there any medical opinions on this out there - our family doctor just thought we were nuts!!!

Hi all, I had a really severe case of this last night at a social function. I wanted to split because of embarrassment, but because of the occassion I hung in there. I'm 47 and have basically had this all of my life. I first noticed it as a very young child. My folks used to wash our hair and then put us in front of a heater. I got chill blains on my ears as a consequence. Temperature is then definately an issue and always will be. I get red ears and very, very extremely hot ones at times on both ears. Because of the temperature thing I've never owned a heater, nor ever had a heated house. If I'm in a heated place I have to move to the furthest part of the room very quickly. Curiously for me I only get hot red ears in winter as in summer even on the hottest days I am not affected. I live in Sydney, Australia and its gets very hot here in summer.
I am bald and wear glasses so the hot red ears thing is a major form of embarrassment as you can imagine if you suffer from it. I'm sure I suffer from ADD though I've never had this tested. This is exacerbated though when in social situations when the red ear thing is happening, like last night. I can't relax in social situations when it occurs not only because of the embarrassment but also because of the pain which then feeds into lack of concentration etc, etc.
Despite being bald I am in fact good looking with good features so that is an upside. Still though when the extreme red ear thing happens I become so self conscious that I'd rather hide than be in ANY social situation.
Other time frames of the 'dreaded red' usually happen at night and rarely during the day. But I guess thats because I've acclimatised myself the 'temperature' situations.
I'm 'very fit' although I smoke a fair bit and drink lots of beer at times. I know that - that is a contradiction - being fit and smoking and drinking, but there you go.
My pain was so bad recently from 'hot ears' that i started putting ice on my ears. It kinda worked for momentary relief. I had to do this when I was trying to sleep and the pain was SO bad. Sleeping on either ear exacerbates the situation obviously. So only sleeping on your back will help. But for comfort reasons that is not practicable.
Anyway, the tongue thing worked!! Well for now and I'll keep trying it! Perhaps it is a 'yin and yang' thing. Balancing your body?
I am currently single but again I've never had problems with the opposite sex. Another contradiction!
There is a fair amount of paranioa in the above I guess but life is about being your best and being comfortable in all situations, social and otherwise.
The dreaded red ear definately holds me back. It is painful, physically and socially.
But its not all there is in life and not all there is to it. If i'm aflicted to it for ever more I'll grin and bear it and try to hang in there in all situations, painful though that may be at times. The world is and can be a beautiful place. There is many other people out there with greater problems than I.
But I'm so glad I googled this site! Its great to hear others are afflicted by the same thing and through communication perhaps we can work it out?

Peace to all!

Mark from Sydney, Australia!

I meant its great to hear others suffer from the same thing and are prepared to write about it. I wouldn't wish this on anyone as I know how painful and embarrassing it can potentially be.

Reading all of the comments above has given me perspective and I'll definately do lots more about my health and wellbeing.

Life is short and we should have the best fun, be as good as we can be and help each other all that we can.

Ciao,

Mark

I too experience a hot-ear, in my right ear only, generally accompanied by a unilateral headache (but not a migraine or conventional headache - so doctors think I'm crazy when I explain this). I don't drink at all and my overall blood pressure is normal.

My red/painful ear started when I was about 24 years old, and it used to be extrememly annoying and painful, lasting 2-4 hours at a time, sometimes more than once a day. Thankfully now that I eat a little better and get some excercise, the pain is generally down to about an hour at a time. I remember getting similar headaches when I was quitting marijuana, though I don't think its tied to that since I haven't done it in years now. They did seem to start again when I was in a car-accident.

I have found various forms of temporary relief, as the hot-ear thing happens to me very regularly, at least several times a week, generally lasting an hour or so. One thing that works well is to get a cup of ice water, let it get really cold, and then dip a Q-tip in it for a minute and then stick the Q-tip in the hot-ear. Obviously the Q-tip heats back up quickly, but after doing this a dozen times or so it actually made it feel all better. (In a pinch once my wife actually jammed a frozen baby carrot in my ear, which also helped pretty good since it stayed cold for awhile.)

Another thing is that my massage therapist pointed out that it sounds muscular to her, and showed me where a muscle on the side of my head above my ear is. Of course rubbing the muscle during the pain only makes it worse (please see if this is a very sensitive muscle on you as well!), but if I remember to massage it a bit while there is no pain, it seems to help prevent the pain later in some cases. My massage therapist did say NOT to use heat or ice on that muscle due to where it is at. Besides, I've tried an ice pack over the ear/head area in general and it only helps while the ice pack is on, and it heats right back up afterward.

Due to the pain only lasting 1-3 hours I would sometimes take a painkiller (at least something as strong as a Percocet, anything less didn't touch the pain -- Darvocet, Tylonol-3, Ibuprofen 800 were all a joke) however I would get a residual effect the next day and the red/painful ear/headache would come back with a vengence, so I don't recommend prescription painkillers, even only occassionally for treatment of the red-ear.

I can't wait to try the 'tounge-trick' to see if it works, even though I'm sure it really has nothing to do with diverting energy.

I'll bookmark this page, as this seems to be current with other people having the same issue. Too bad the link at the top is broken!

I have periodically suffered from red, hot ears and red cheeks. was getting them every single day at about 2:30 pm. They would last well into the night. Very annoying and embarassing. I know some of you reading this have the same condition. If you are like me, your condition is caused by a combination of Stress, Poor Nutrition, Lack Of Sleep.
Try this:
Get 8 hours of sleep -
Eat better foods: Salads and vegetables are a must. Don't even think about fast food! Yuk! Go to Subway instead and get a tossed salad with some baked chicken.
Exercise: First thing in the morning is best (do 20 minutes on the treadmill, etc. Weightlifting is very good)
Take it easy. Try to reduce your stress level. Don't let so many things bother you. (Red ears can add to your stress, remind yourself that you are in the process of curing them)

I really hope this helps some of you.

Good Luck

Hi all, I think I'm onto something? A herbal remedy I've been researching after reading lots and lots. I've tried it and it has given me relief and makes sense based on some of the cross references I've been doing against scientific journals and studies. I'll do more personal tests over the next couple of days and then post back. It has to do with applying this remedy onto the affected area, the ear(s).
I've done it once to a very painful, red, hot, itching ear and so far after about 5 minutes my ear returned to 'normal'. Though 'normal' is a relative concept for me unfortunately over the past week because I've been having some really painful sessions.
I want to emulate the experience/experiment and remedy over the next couple days and will then ask you guys to do the same.
Fingers crossed! Whatever the outcome though I'll report and post back in a couple of days.

regards

Mark

Sorry guys, false alarm. I have in fact a chilblain and probably to a lesser extent the 'red ear syndrome'. But it is the chilblain that gives me trouble when the cold weather kicks in. This afliction is even more painful I'd suggest than the red ear stuff? I've read hundreds of web pages on both chilblains and red ear links. I'm not so sure that there is a 'fix' for these things but I'll keep reading and searching and will report back about any useful information I can find out. I can say though that this hurts like hell!

regards

Mark

The tongue thing doesn't work for me... and I don't think it is related to food but I may be wrong. I have had days where I have fasted (not eaten all day) and still experienced the hot ear thing. Though fasting is a good way to get rid of other aches and pains and identify food allergies! I found out I have a slight allergy to milk - and I was always wondering why I woke up stuffed up! I will keep this page bookmarked and update it if I have any definite success.

Hi everyone, my right ear started getting red hot about 2 years ago. It gets so bad at times it turns purple. Purple ear that's what my buddies call me when I get upset. Stress is a major cause for me. I have seen doctors with no help and no one seems to have an answer.

Just lettin you all know. I have not had any problems with the red ear since I quit taking anything containing aspirin. Years ago I broke out with terrible hives from taking too much aspirin. I have used aspirin from time to time with no hive problem but I really do think that my allergy to the aspirin may be why my ears get red since I have no red ears since March of this year. I am pretty well convinced of this but also am still holding my breath.

Hi all, haven't written a post since March. Seems like the warmer weather has eliminated the red ear??? Hardly likely, since reading about others in warm climates who still suffer. Well, not sure what's going on, but I have not had an episode for several months, even after drinking some white wine, gave up the red. I am also now taking Zoloft which really, really helps relieve the depression. My self-imposed stress level has decreased now. Wonder if there's a connection there. I wish we could get a doctor in on these comments. I would love to see a cure for the youngsters. Us, too, but especially the little ones.
God bless,
J

My ears feel like that were on fire again, so i finally decided to Google. I found this site...I thought something strange was going on with me since everytime i tell my doctor about it he has this puzzle look on his face..runs a bunch of test and says I have high cholestrol. yeah but what about the ears Doc? I have brown skin and my ears our red..wuz up wit dat.

I have had the same problem for 10+ years. I dislocated my shoulder back then and ever since, when I get really stressed or my back/neck/shoulder is bothering me, I get a very red ear on my left side. My neice is a physical therapist and she says it could have to do with the muscles in my neck tightening up so much that it effects my ear in this way. When it is bothering me it usually only lasts less than an hour. Sometimes a heat pack on my back and neck help it or even an ice pack. It works for me, but it is pretty embarassing when I'm working or out in public and someone points it out. Oh,well. Guess it could be worse. Dawn

Hey, i just turned 17 and have had this problem for about a year and a half now. I didn't really notice it until I really started to look at myself in the mirror (im really vain), starting in march of this year. All I know is that this problem has caused a lot of trouble for me.

My episodes last for up to two hours (in fact, I just had a two hour flare up of my left ear). Generally speaking, my left ear turns red more often than the right one, but sometimes both will turn red simultaneously.

I can definately identify triggers: heat, exercise, anticoagulants (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.), niacin, stress, and the consumption of certain foods. I play the trumpet in a pretty high register, and my parents would naturally take pictures of me during concerts. I looked at the pictures recently, and almost all of them show the dreaded red ears. They are flushed to the point where it looks like someone dropped red paint on them, as I often put it. Still, looking at earlier photos of myself in sixth and seventh grade playing the trumpet, my ears perfectly matched my skin color. I also achieved a deep tan when i was younger without worrying about any red ears.

Symptoms include headaches, irritability, inability to concentrate, and sometimes I move in all jittery motions if its really bad. That only happens if i hit them, though. I work hard in school and the summer months have been so miserable this year, as the red ears seem to make me even more hot. I went to a dermatologist and he said that it was my way of expelling heat. If your body is trying to release heat through the ears, then why would you feel hotter? I don't get it.

Im a good-looking guy and get a bit of attention from girls in my school, but when they realize my ear problem, they are so turned off...it's a bit of a shame, i guess. I think that the side-effects of irritability and headaches are worse, though. Since I have really long hair, I can grow it even more to cover my ears, but that won't change the fact that my side-effects still exist.

I soon discovered the possibility that I could have a rare disease called "Erythromelalgia," where various parts of the body may turn red, swell, and become excruciatingly painful. I didn't feel so much pain in my ears when they became red, but I kept it as a possibility. The Erythromelalgia site listed aspirin as a cure to the flare-ups, so I tried it. Still, aspirin seemed to exacerbate my problems. (Someone seemed to mention above that his ear was purple and hurt...erythromelalgia can make the skin turn purple.) There are so many diseases that can cause flushing, such as Rosacea and just blushing. My mom's face turns all red all the time, so perhaps this is a manifestation of the same genetic trait. I soon contemplated the possibility of Rosacea of the ears, getting all worked up about treating it in time to counteract the spread of the disease. Rosacea can also increase the size of the nose, so I really freaked out when I learned about that one. I had myself convinced that I had permanent redness for a while. Then it went away and I felt really stupid...

I don't think I have rosacea, but its still a possibility. Im going to the same dermatologist to get it checked out soon. I don't put water on my ears, and sleeping on my side and chilling out have helped me immensely. The erythromelalgia site said that putting water on the ears would cause more flushing in the long run, so I wouldn't want to end up realizing that I had it all along. For some reason, keeping the ears dry all day has helped.

For the record, I have CAPD, another neurological condition that affects my ability to "find words," and could not hear until the age of seven, when tubes were put in my ears. Also, I don't know if this affected it at all, but my mom used to claw her fingernail into my ears to get rid of dry wax (i know, its disgusting). Maybe this ruptured some blood vessels in my ear and started the whole thing.

I have just started to try the tongue thing, and maybe it was just a coincidence that it worked. Still, I have faith in it, so I'll keep trying it.

I don't know if this thing is spreading, and hope that wouldn't be the case. I'm an extreme perfectionist and always put myself down, so maybe I'm just noticing this more than everyone else is, but it still has to stop. I already feel so much better about myself knowing that there are so many other people who share problems similar to mine, and now that im not so embarrassed to share it with an internet community. I do feel that we can't just accept that it could be worse, a problem is still a problem. It has to be treated. I think it is kind of strange that i have developed this in the middle of my teenage years and never had problems with it previously. Apparently, my face turns a bit red when playing hard on my instrument, but I think thats cool because it shows im working hard. As long as it doesnt turn as red as my ears, i dont care.

Oh, and my doctor is all like, "your friends wont care" and "youre making a bigger deal of it than it actually is," so i just blew him off (rejected!) and changed doctors. Maybe this one will give me more insight. Either way, the doctors will say that I am perfectly healthy, but id rather say to them, "NO IM NOT!" Im a bit worried right now because some of my skin has been peeling around my ears, which is kind of bothering me. This is definately related. Other things that could be related are my eyes, which are often bloodshot, no matter how much visine i use (since im generally pretty chill, people think im blazed all the time because of it). This led me to think that i had ocular rosacea and the normal rosacea on the ears, which had me freaked out in no time. I can't identify what i really have, so i think i will just leave this like this.

Thanks everyone for contributing, together we can possibly make something work. We may be a minority, but we can find ways to cope with this nasty.

If I find any more info on red ears, I'll be sure to send it in.

"Afro Jones"

I'm looking into reflexology meridian points. Since it's usually one ear it makes sense to me. Thats a nice link above, thanks.

I brought the 'red ear' thing up to my Dr, his immediate response was..."oh yea, try this 'stage fright' med". He gave me some TOPROL-XL, which I've taken twice before having to give a presentation to a large group. No red ear at all, I actually felt relaxed throughout. I hope it lasts...

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.