Red Ears: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment - Medical News Today

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribe

Human Biology

What causes hot and red ears?

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT — Updated on October 1, 2025

Causes
Treatment
Prevention
When to contact a doctor
FAQ
Summary

A person’s ears can feel hot if they flush with anger or embarrassment, or because a room is hot, or they have been drinking alcohol.

However, ear flushness can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, such as cellulitis.

Red ears are not usually a sign of a serious health condition, although they can be uncomfortable.

Causes of red ears

Red ears can result from a variety of conditions and situations, including:

Red ear syndrome

Red ear and a non-red ear — Giorgio Lambru

Red ear syndrome is a rare condition. It involves reddening and burning on the outside of the ear and can affect one or both ears. The episodes may only last a few seconds or continue for several hours.

In some cases, heat, cold, or rubbing the ear may bring on symptoms. In other instances, the flushing and burning may occur spontaneously.

The cause of red ear syndrome is not clear, but in young people, it can link with migraine.

Cutaneous flushing

Flushing and blushing are common causes of red ears. They result in a sudden reddening of the skin due to an increase in blood flow to the area.

Typically, flushing occurs because of an intense emotional reaction, such as anger or embarrassment.

Flushing can also develop because of a rapid change in temperature, alcohol use, and hormonal changes. Red ears due to flushing may also cause the ears to feel warm.

»Learn more:What can cause flushed skin?

Sunburn

Sunburn may also lead to red ears. Sunburns occur after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Tanning beds also emit UV rays and can cause sunburn. Symptoms of red ears caused by sunburn may also include burning and tenderness.

Depending on the severity of the burn, the skin may even blister and peel.

Skin infection

Skin infections can also lead to red ears. Skin infections, such as cellulitis, typically occur due to bacteria. Bacteria can enter the body through cuts, bug bites, and dry skin.

A bacterial skin infection that leads to red ears may also cause the ears to become swollen and painful to the touch. Other symptoms of infection include fatigue, fever, and chills.

Seborrheic eczema

Seborrheic eczema or seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that can cause red ears.

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, includes red, scaly patches on the scalp. It can also cause flushness on other parts of the body, such as the upper back and face, and may affect the outer ear.

According to the National Eczema Association, the cause of seborrheic dermatitis, not seborrheic eczema, is unknown. It links with genetics and the immune system’s interaction with organisms that live on the skin.

In addition to flushness, symptoms may include itchiness and white, crusty flakes on the skin.

Relapsing polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disease that can cause flushing and inflammation of the cartilage throughout the body. Relapsing means the symptoms return after clearing up.

Relapsing polychondritis most commonly affects the ears, although the condition can affect other areas of the body, such as the nose, eyes, ribs, airways, and joints.

The exact cause of relapsing polychondritis is not fully understood, but researchers think it may occur because of an autoimmune disease.

In addition to red ears, other symptoms of relapsing polychondritis include swelling, pain, balance problems, and hearing impairment.

Treatment

Treatment for red ears will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, treatment is not necessary, such as when red ears are due to flushing.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a person can treat mild sunburns with products available over the counter or online, such as aloe vera lotion or ibuprofen. They can also use a cool, damp towel applied to the skin.

More serious causes of red ears, such as a bacterial skin infection, will usually require medical treatment and antibiotics.

Treatment for relapsing polychondritis usually involves limiting symptoms to prevent damage to the cartilage. Corticosteroids and immune system medications may also help reduce the frequency of relapses and complications.

Various medications can treat red ear syndrome, but there is currently no standard treatment. Some people may find nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) useful.

Medication injected into the greater auricular nerve to block pain can also help. The greater auricular nerve supplies feeling to the outer ear.

A person can treat red ears due to seborrheic eczema with an antifungal cream applied to the skin. If the symptoms are moderate to severe, a topical corticosteroid medication may help.

Prevention

Depending on the cause, there are ways to reduce the chances of developing red ears. Wearing sunscreen and keeping the ears protected with a hat can prevent red ears caused by sunburn.

Frequent and thorough handwashing may reduce the chances of skin infections that lead to red ears. Avoid picking at any scabs or piercings, clean and cover any open wounds on the ears, and moisturize dry skin to help prevent infections.

In other instances, it may not be possible to prevent red ears. For example, it is nearly impossible to stop blushing or flushing. Similarly, a person cannot prevent underlying medical conditions, such as relapsing polychondritis.

When to contact a doctor

Red ears do not always require medical care, but people should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing frequent and bothersome red ears or if they have significant pain or hearing changes.

It is important to seek medical care to rule out a bacterial infection, such as cellulitis, especially if a fever is present. Other signs of an infection include pus oozing from the ears and tenderness or pain.

The outlook for people with red ears depends on the cause of the condition. When red ears occur due to a sunburn or skin irritation, symptoms usually clear up within a short time.

In other instances, red ears can be a symptom of a medical condition that requires treatment. For example, there is currently no cure for relapsing polychondritis or red ear syndrome, but a person can manage symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean when ears turn red and hot?

Ears turning hot and red can be from a variety of reasons, including underlying conditions such as red ear syndrome, sunburn, or from embarrassment.

What conditions associate with red ear syndrome?

Conditions linking to red ear syndrome include:

migraine

trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs)

upper cervical spine syndrome

cervical arachnoiditis or spondylosis

traction injury of upper cervical roots (UCR)

atypical glossopharyngeal

trigeminal neuralgia

temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

thalamic syndrome

Conditions linking to red ear syndrome include:

migraine
trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs)
upper cervical spine syndrome
cervical arachnoiditis or spondylosis
traction injury of upper cervical roots (UCR)
atypical glossopharyngeal
trigeminal neuralgia
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
thalamic syndrome

Summary

Red ears can result from various factors, including anger, embarrassment, a hot environment, or consuming alcohol. Underlying conditions such as sunburn, red ear syndrome, a skin infection, or seborrheic eczema.

If red ears become bothersome, feel inflamed, or accompany other symptoms such as fever or pain, a person should speak with a doctor.

Dermatology
Ear, Nose, and Throat

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Anderson BJ, et al. (2023). The identification and treatment of common skin infections.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10496455/
Guerra KC, et al. (2023). Sunburn.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534837/
How to treat sunburn. (2024).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn
Relapsing polychondritis. (2025).https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7417/relapsing-polychondritis
Seborrheic dermatitis. (2025).https://nationaleczema.org/types-of-eczema/seborrheic-dermatitis/
Sigdel B, et al. (2022). Idiopathic red ear syndrome: A rare case report.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8917311/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT — Updated on October 1, 2025

Latest news

Is sleep the missing piece in mental health?
Is this why dementia affects more women? How menopause alters the brain
Low dose aspirin does not reduce cancer risk in older adults, long-term study finds
Can treating rheumatoid arthritis before it sets in help delay its onset?
Night owls may have a higher cardiovascular risk: Here's why

Related Coverage

Swimmer's ear: What you need to knowMedically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP, MSCP
Swimmer's ear, or acute diffuse external otitis, usually occurs when bacteria from water infect the ear. A person may contract it from spending time…
READ MORE
What to know about ear eczema
Eczema can affect the ear externally or internally. People can usually manage their symptoms by using ear drops or creams and avoiding potential…
READ MORE
What can cause a rash behind the ear?
A rash behind the ear can appear due to a variety of causes. Learn more about the potential causes, their symptoms, and the treatment options here.
READ MORE
How to pop your ears safely
There are several ways a person can try to pop their ears. These include yawning, swallowing, and decongestants. Learn more here.
READ MORE
What to know about hyperacusisMedically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP
Hyperacusis is a hearing condition in which a person perceives sounds to be uncomfortably loud. Learn more about the causes and treatment options here.
READ MORE

Tag » What Does It Mean When Your Right Ear Is Red

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us