Hot Red Ears

We have often heard of 'red hot iron', but hot red ears is something a bit confusing. Also, considering the human health, the term 'hot' is generally associated with fever. However, red hot ears is not that uncommon as it seems. Ears appearing red in most cases is not a reason for consulting a doctor and it is typically a minor ear problem that does not remain for more than 2 days.

Causes
Expansion of blood vessels in the ear is the primary reason why ears become red hot. When blood vessels dilate, there is an increase in blood circulation in that area. This sudden rush of blood flow also raises the temperature in that region temporarily. So, as long as vasodilation persists, that part of the body appears red hot. Initially, the lobe of the ear appears red and hot and eventually, the redness spreads over the entire ear. Sometimes, the blood vessels get swollen or leak internally due to a severe blow to the ear. This can also cause hot burning sensation in the ear and is sometimes referred to as 'ear is on fire'. Hot red cheeks are also seen along with this quite often. Some of the other causes that make ear blood vessels to expand are given below:

Anger Issues: Instead of venting out anger, if people try to conceal it, the body reacts in the form of hot red ears. However, venting out anger is not the solution to prevent occurrence of red hot ears. Understanding anger management techniques is an easy way to keep anger under control.

Humiliation: Hot red ears in children and adults, is often regarded as the body's response to a humiliating or an embarrassing situation. For instance, a person criticized by his boss for poor performance in front of his colleagues will make him feel humiliated. In such cases, it is observed that the ears turn red.

Stress: Stress and anxiety can make a person experience hot feeling in the ear. 'Hot ear' attacks are more frequent in people suffering from anxiety disorders. In stressful situations, the face may turn red. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga is one of the best solutions to manage stress effectively. Getting nervous or becoming exhausted after a high intensity workout can also make the ears red hot. So, if you see your ears becoming red hot after a tiring day at work, don't panic as it will soon go away with adequate rest.

Allergic Reaction: Hot red ears can also be the result of a sharp, intense allergic reaction to a metal or any other object. Some people have a habit of scratching their ears with a ball pen, key or a pencil. This will not only turn the ear red but also cause an ear infection. Instead, using high quality swabs, to clean the ear is a better option and can definitely avoid episodes of red hot ears.

Ear Piercing: Women who wish to wear earrings, need to first pierce their earlobes. Now, if proper ear-piercing instrument is not used, it can trigger an ear infection and make the ears red hot. In case, the person is allergic to the metal of which the earrings are composed, then she is likely to develop an ear infection and then suffer from red hot feeling in the ear.

Food Allergy: Certain types of food stuffs and drinks can cause a mild allergic reaction and manifest as hot red ears. There have reports of people experiencing unusually red hot ear due to intake of alcohol or caffeine. Some children showing red hot ears were found to be allergic to dairy products. After excluding these foodstuffs from the diet, ears did not become red and hot since then.

Medications: Hot red ear can also occur as a side of certain medicines. People taking prescription medicines for high blood pressure may suffer from hot red ear syndrome (frequent bouts of tingling or burning sensation in the ear and is accompanied by headache).

Hormonal imbalances that especially occur during pregnancy or frequent tilting of head can also cause hot red ears. However, there is absolutely no need to panic or get frightened after seeing redness of ears, as the scenario lasts for a temporary period only.