What causes swelling and pain at the ear opening?

Swelling and pain at the ear opening may result from external pressure, improper ear picking, external auditory canal furuncle, otitis externa, or contact dermatitis. Symptoms can be improved by avoiding irritation, maintaining cleanliness and care, and using medication. If swelling worsens or is accompanied by fever or hearing impairment, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. External Pressure: Prolonged lateral sleeping that compresses the ear or trauma to the ear can cause soft tissue congestion and swelling at the ear opening, leading to pain. It is recommended to avoid pressing on the affected ear, minimize touching, and apply a cold towel to the swollen area to relieve discomfort.

2. Improper Ear Picking: Frequent ear picking or using unclean tools may damage the skin at the ear opening, causing inflammation, swelling, and tenderness upon pressure. It is advised to stop ear picking, keep the area clean and dry, avoid getting it wet, and follow a light diet to reduce irritation.

3. External Auditory Canal Furuncle: Bacterial infection of hair follicles at the ear opening leads to a localized abscess, causing redness, swelling, and significant pain that worsens with pressure. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, ichthammol ointment, or levofloxacin ear drops to alleviate symptoms.

4. Otitis Externa: Bacterial or fungal infection of the skin and mucous membrane of the ear opening and ear canal causes diffuse inflammation, resulting in swelling, pain, and increased ear discharge. Under medical guidance, medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, hydrogen peroxide solution, or ofloxacin ear drops may be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Contact Dermatitis: Allergic reaction due to contact with allergens such as earrings or cosmetics causes redness, swelling, itching, and pain at the ear opening. Patients may follow medical advice to use loratadine tablets, calamine lotion, or desonide cream to improve symptoms.

Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the ear opening, avoid contact with allergens and unclean objects, follow a light diet avoiding spicy and irritating foods, refrain from scratching the swollen area with hands, and reduce stress on the ears to protect ear health.