The lobe is a part of the organ of hearing that consists of soft tissues that are pierced by a network of nerve endings and small capillaries. Due to this, this zone is characterized by increased sensitivity to the effects of both external and internal factors. If the earlobe is swollen, it is necessary to find out the cause. This pathological condition can develop under the influence of many provoking factors. The most likely ones are described below.
Puncture
Ear piercings are the most common cause of hearing damage. In this case, after a puncture, the inflammatory process in the tissues can develop in both a child and an adult.
The causes of the pathological condition are as follows:
- Using non-sterile tools by a specialist. Due to this, pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the wound.
- Inadequate treatment of the puncture site at home. If the earlobe is swollen, this may indicate that an infection has been introduced into the unhealed wound. The master always warns that at home it is necessary to treat it with antiseptic agents until complete healing. If, after a puncture, the earlobes in the child are swollen, most likely he touched the wounds with dirty hands.
- Violation of lipid metabolism of a local nature. Against the background of this condition, clogging of the sebaceous glands occurs around the wound, due to which the development of the inflammatory process is started in them.
If, after a puncture, the earlobe is swollen, it is necessary to consult a specialist who performed the procedure. He will examine the affected area and recommend anti-inflammatory ointments.
In order to accelerate the healing process and prevent the re-development of the pathological process, it is necessary to treat the lobe with medical alcohol and hydrogen peroxide as often as possible. If swelling and soreness do not disappear against the background of home treatment, you should consult a surgeon. The doctor will open the soft tissues and clean them from purulent accumulations.
Insect bites
Mosquitoes, gadflies, midges, etc. often choose sensitive parts of the body. After their bites, the soft tissues swell and redden. If the earlobe is sore and swollen, you should always pay attention to the accompanying symptoms. As a rule, after a bite, a person feels itching and burning of the skin in the affected area.
In most cases, puffiness and other unpleasant conditions pass independently in a short period of time. To facilitate well-being, you can use medications. Currently, the pharmaceutical market produces a large number of drugs that alleviate the symptoms after insect bites. The most popular are: Moskitol, Fenistil, Nezulin, Psilo-Balm.
Furuncle
The abscesses often cause changes in the size of the organ of hearing and the occurrence of uncomfortable and painful sensations. If the earlobe is swollen in a child or an adult, it is necessary to exclude the presence of a boil, since this pathological process most often requires medical intervention.
The following symptoms are alarming:
- On palpation of soft tissue, palpation is felt.
- The skin in the area of inflammation acquires a red tint.
- The earlobe is swollen and continuously hurts.
- As the inflammatory process progresses, the body temperature rises locally.
- In the center of the swelling, purulent contents can be seen. It gradually accumulates, then the boil is opened independently (but not always).
Even if the clinical manifestations have disappeared, a small amount of pathological contents still remains inside the soft tissues. In this regard, it is necessary to continue topically applying medications.
The treatment regimen includes the following items:
- Treatment of the affected area with raster chlorhexidine, boric alcohol or zinc ointment. These funds have an antiseptic effect.
- The use of antibacterial ointments. Examples of funds: Gentaxan, Levomekol.
- Treatment of the lobe with anti-inflammatory drugs. Most often, doctors recommend using the following remedies: Diklak, Desitin, Sinaflan.
- Treatment of the lesion with ointments based on nystatin. This is necessary in order to prevent the accession of another pathogenic flora.
If conservative methods of treatment do not lead to a positive result, surgical intervention is indicated. During the operation, the doctor opens the soft tissues, cleans them of pus, conducts debridement and sutures the lobe.
Dermatitis
With this disease of the skin, the shell and the area behind the ears can also swell. With dermatitis, you should immediately consult a doctor. If the earlobe is swollen against the background of the course of the disease, only a specialist can tell what to do about it. This is due to the fact that the development of the disease can be triggered by the vital activity of viruses, fungi and bacteria. Depending on the infection, the treatment regimen may also be different.
Symptoms of dermatitis include the following conditions:
- The skin becomes red.
- Severe swelling.
- Itching
- The affected area seems to be on fire.
- On the surface of the skin in the area of the focus of the pathology, bubbles form. Over time, they burst, and in their place remains a wet surface.
- Gradually, the sores become covered with crusts, which subsequently completely dry up and disappear.
To identify the causative agent, the doctor takes cells from the affected area by scraping. Based on the results of laboratory diagnosis, a dermatologist makes an antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral treatment regimen.
Allergic reaction
As soon as a swelling of the earlobe appears (after a puncture or a change of jewelry), it is necessary to immediately exclude the contact of soft tissues with jewelry. Many women suffer from contact allergies, which is why they are forced to constantly wear gold, platinum or silver.
An undesirable reaction to jewelry is manifested as follows:
- The earlobe was swollen at the puncture site.
- The skin becomes red.
- Concerned expressed itching and urticaria.
The main measure in the treatment is the change of jewelry for earrings made of precious metals. If unpleasant sensations do not recede, it is recommended to take any antihistamine for 5 days, for example, Zirtek, Zodak, Claritin.
Atheroma
This term refers to a pathological process accompanied by the growth of a cyst against the background of clogging of the sebaceous ducts. Atheroma is very easy to confuse with a boil. The main difference is the growth of the cyst is not accompanied by painful sensations. On palpation, you can feel a small capsule. For a long time, it does not cause a person any discomfort.
If atheroma is inflamed, the clinical manifestations are as follows: swelling, redness, pain.
Unlike a boil, a cyst cannot open independently. It is possible to get rid of it only during the surgical procedure. The doctor opens the soft tissues, cuts out the atheroma, sanitizes the cavity of the pathology focus and sutures the lobe.
Acne
Acne occurs when excess fat and dead cells begin to accumulate in the pores. Pathological contents - a favorable environment for the life of bacteria. In this regard, acne is often inflamed, which is accompanied by swelling and the appearance of painful sensations.
The patient may be confused: what to do, swollen earlobes with acne? First of all, pay special attention to these places when carrying out hygiene procedures. In addition, the lobes should be regularly treated with salicylic acid. In severe cases, it is necessary to consult a therapist. He will prescribe retinoids and antibiotics.
Injuries
The earlobe may swell as a result of a violation of the integrity of the skin. Bruises, cuts and abrasions often cause swelling and pain.
In most cases, unpleasant symptoms disappear on their own within a few days. If the wound is deep, it is necessary to regularly treat it with drugs or consult a hospital in order to avoid the development of the inflammatory process. As you heal, you need to treat the lobe with antimicrobial and antibacterial drugs.
Bruises also should not be ignored. If the resulting hematoma is not treated, it can lead to a violation of normal blood circulation and deformation of the lobe and cartilage. A natural result is a change in the appearance of the auricle. If, after receiving an injury, the lobe is not only swollen, but also has become too red or, conversely, a white shade, hurry to the clinic.
Finally
The external part of the organ of hearing is an extremely sensitive area. The lobe can become inflamed and swell under the influence of many provoking factors. If such a condition occurs, it is necessary to regularly treat the skin with antiseptic agents. If the pain, redness and swelling do not disappear in a few days, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will carry out diagnostic measures and prescribe suitable medicines. The reason for contacting a doctor is also discharge and dense neoplasms.