One hot ear

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.

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

I have just started having this problem, I have a long line of allergies and allergic reactions, so when this first happened I thought it was one of those. I took benedryl but it didnt help eventually it went away. Now it has been happening off and on for a few months, it vaires in ears also, the first time it was my right this most recent one was my left it seems like it moves or has both ears hot. For me I think its a chemical imbalance, since Im allergic to alot of things I dont eat like I should leading to my hormones and chemicals in my body to get off center. Ive noticed other things that are linked to chemical imbalances in me also. Other then what Ive said and what the doctor told me due to my eating habits. I have no idea what this is or how to stop it, my doctor said as long as he cant find anything life threathening its nothing to worry about. =OP I hate that, and I wish there was a way to stop it from burning and getting so red. If anyone finds out anything please let me know.

My three year old son gets a bright red burning ear and the temp is extreme however aprox every 4th 5th time his ear also swells to the point i think it will explode. This lasts for 6-12 hours and disappears. This has been happening for 1 1/2 years now, with 5 kids he is the only one.

Wow, I get this too. I can't believe other people do as well, I felt like a freak. I'm only fifteen, and this has been heppening for a little over a year. It usually happens at night, but sometimes in my afternoon classes too. I think it could be due to stress, like most of you. I've also been diagnosed with Anxiety and Bipolar, do you think that could effect it at all?

It doesn't bother me all that much, but it's just kinda annoying.

Hello everybody, I discovered this site some time ago and have been following the debate as to what the cause of RES may be with much interest. I have suffered from what seems to be the same condition for several months now and in both ears simultaneously. It was happening on a daily basis, sometimes more than once. It would be coupled with a sort of throbbing sensation in my neck, below my right ear. Aside from this I have suffered from social phobia since my teenage years (I am now 32 years old) and had just finally decided to see a doctor about this. At the same time I brought up the issue with my ears as I felt they were in some ways connected. My social phobia meant that I was under enormous stress on a daily basis and the redness of my ears seemed directly related to how stressed I felt. I became more concerned and preoccupied and self conscious with how my ears looked and this made my phobia even worse. The doctor prescribed me Propranolol which, if I take as prescribed (40mg 3 times daily), ensures not only that my social phobia is at least under control, but that my ears don't get red at all! I sometimes still feel the throbbing sensation in my neck but when I look in the mirror my ears look normal. In fact, sometimes they now look very pale. My point here with the Propranolol is that it is very often used for people with high blood pressure and so perhaps this is a further clue as to the root cause of this problem. I'm no doctor, but it certainly seems to be very much connected to the central nervous system and how it responds to certain conditions. Thanks for your time.

I also experience the redness of both of my ear after having sex with my wife for some months now. I tried to find answer to this. I read one item that is scary, the article said that red ear is a symptom of "Thalamic Syndrome", where there is a blockage in your artery going to the brain.

hello! i also have a hot red ear, and left, if anyone can help me, please, write to me, thanks

Do you think anyone reads all this?

Hey guys, I'm fifteen at the moment and I've had this red ear problem since I can remember. It's usually my left ear; however, sometimes (like right now as I'm typing this) it's my right ear. I really don't know what's up, and it's really bothering me. I don't experience any pain; just the burning sensation and my ear turning bright red.

I don't have high blood pressure, and I don't have ADHD. I'm not stressed-out at all...and I'm pretty sure that I don't have any brain damage.

I was thinking that it was the weather, since it usually occurs when the temperature drops and/or is humid out. But, I also get the red ear after I take a shower.

Steph from Seattle, WA

i too have this problem since 1yr ago....
when it burns , i got this terrible headache , and i mean REALLY TERRIBLE , i cant concentrate at all with the pain.
i really hope this is nothing serious other then a hot burning ear. im going for a full body check up tommorow. doctors that i told of this problem thinks that im trying to be excused from the army. this is driving me mad -_-

I am so happy that I have found others with the same condition as me, for so long I thought I was being paranoid. I have been suffering from the dreaded one hot ear syndrome for about a year now, at first I thought it was nothing.. too much drink or something, but since that faithful sunny June day back in 2005 I have been having relapse nearly on a daily basis.
I think for me it is something to do with sex - I am homosexual and I lead a very sexual active life. I find that after I am with a woman my right ear becomes really hot and very irritating.

I have been trying to remind myself to google "hot red ear" for the past few months... unbelievable what I have found tonight! This posting is so comforting, yet alarming at the same time. In my sanity, it seems like nothing, just an oddity. However, I suffer from OCD and anxiety and that part of me is a little nervous about what this all means. For me, my right ear (always my right) gets really hot and really red at very random times. It's usually when I am stressed or very busy. I find myself getting it almost always at night, usually before going out for the evening. there is nothing I can do to cool it down, it just happens by itself, over time. Usually ignoring it is the best way to make it stop. The more I think about it, the longer I have it. So, if I was to diagnose myself, I would say that it's just a way of my body telling me that I'm "overdoing" it. What perplexes me is why it's happening to little children- you would think that their stress level would not be high enough to cause this sort of thing. Hmmm, what a mystery. Well, at least we know we're not alone, although I can't say that that brings me much comfort at the moment. I recently asked my ENT about a pain that I feel in my jaw on that side of my face and he said it is related to TMJ, so maybe this is an extension of that (like written in an early posting). I also have been diagnosed with early signs of Graves disease, so I wonder if there is any correlation to the thyroid? I have an appt. with my endocrinologist next month, so I think I will mention it then. Good luck to everyone... I'll be checking back, so keep posting!

My life is something unbelievable, really

I have one red ear that is very hot. I'm also tired, cranky and whingey. Are all of these symptoms linked or am I just moany?

For The last 3 months, every single day
i have this red ear(BOTH EARS).I don't know why.
I feel like beating myself up.
Any suggestion please let me know.

My 8 year old son recently started having this problem... both ears; always after a shower and always at bedtime (it doesn't seem to be assoc. w/ hot shower as it lasts too long). He has many allergies (incl. foods) and has been complaining of neck pain too. He's sleeping now but I can't wait to have him try the tongue trick next time to see if it helps. Episodes don't seem too painful now, but will they increase in intensity? I'm going to try to reduce sugar intake and increase water to see if that helps

Forgot to mention that he also has asthma and takes meds for that daily

I have to join in... Yes my ear (right ear) turns bright red and hot aswell, at least once every other day. I can't figure out what causes this as it happends so randomly. I did some research and found that-upper cervical disorder and temporomandibular joint disorder can cause these symtoms. I also read it can be related to migrains. I'll head to my Chiropractor and keep you posted. If anyone finds a fix please let me know!!

PS- What is this tounge thing everyone keeps talking about???

This is part of the TONGUE TRICK conversation.

Peter - 23rd November 2004 [«« Reply to this]
Try pressing your tongue up against the roof of your mouth towards the back so that the tongue almost "folds backwards". According to the chinese this will help the "energy flow" flow past instead of getting stuck around the head.
rudy red ears - 28th September 2006 [«« Reply to this]
about how far back to you go? do you go, "like straight up" or do you try to reach as far back as possible with the tongue? do you press hard? do you simply fold it all the way like a ball?please help!!!!!
Peter Bengtsson - 30th September 2006 [«« Reply to this]
as far back as possible and not hard at all. Don't fold it back. It should still point up to the roof of the mouth.
Anonymous - 5th November 2006 [«« Reply to this]
The first time I tried it, my ear got hotter. Then I tried it again, and it worked really well!

I too have the red ear syndrome, and I am so relieved to find that there are others out there like me. I have read through all the comments and its a little unearving to find that it may be caused by a blockage to the heart..... but then I remember that I also have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and it may even be linked to all of this. On a brighter note, whenever I get the red/hot ears it is when I am tierd and stressed. Sometimes I go to the gym and after a good workout I realize that the ears have gone back to normal. I worry that it is blood pressure, but it may also just be the things we eat or our ways of life. I really wish I had the answer. Ill keep checking in..... Hopefully sometime soon, someone will find the answer to our hot ears.

All four of my children have this. I have been dealing with this as a mother since they were about 4yrs.

It has been very hard to deal with emotionally you don’t want to see your child in pain and think there is nothing you can do about it. I would feel their ears and it would be almost as hot as a burner on the stove. It is so bad that I actually was afraid that this is how people spontaneously combust!!
Also, this heat is so close to the brain area and I don’t know what’s going on internally temp wise.

At first when they were around 4 it was just their ear or ears turning red when it was going to precipitate (rain,snow) outside. They got the reputation in our family of being more accurate than the weather forecasters, depending on the shade of red their ear or ears gave off.

As they grew older it would happen in response to stress also. I noticed that it was more apt to happen if it was emotional stress rather than physical stress.

None of my sons can go to the store in the evening, especially Walmart, they always have a Red Ear Attack in that store no matter what time of day we go.

I am a biology student and this whole process was very intriguing to me.

 I have been looking for clues and answers from Drs (who always disregard it; seems they don’t want to recognize the non- "life" threatening things as one of our Drs put it) and non really want to look into what it is, their just guessing too!!

I am not a medical student but I know some of the body processes that I have studied so far and some of them make sense to me in my own conclusions of what’s happening to my sons.
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VERY SHORT ABBREVIATED VERSION of tidbits I have gathered through the years about body processes:

Vasodialation of the blood vessels is a response from certain hormones the body releases into the system in order to keep the body in homeostasis. This process is started through the nerves in the body.



parvocellular vasopressin cells that project to many areas of the hypothalamus and limbic system, as well as to the brainstem and spinal cord. These neurons are involved in blood pressure regulation and thermoregulation.

The PVN receives afferent inputs from many brain regions. Amongst these, inputs from neurons in structures adjacent to the anterior wall of the third ventricle ("AV3V region") carry information about the electrolyte composition of the blood, and about circulating concentrations of hormones
In controlling body temp:

Secretion of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and thyroxine to increase heat production

heat transfer mechanisms the body uses are radiation, conduction and convection and evaporation of perspiration


Optimal "Normal":

The skin temperature of 34 C is a typical skin temperature

The normal core body temperature is 37 C.

The body works best when specific body constants are maintained such as: body temperature of37 o C ; blood pH of7.35 ; blood pressure 120/80 mmHg and 0.1% blood sugar. These constants can vary among individuals, such as: different metabolic rates of individuals affect body temperature ; different situations or demands on body (eg.) exercise ; blood pressure difference between adult and children

The cause of the variable temperature in infants and young immature animals is the imperfect development of the nervous regulating mechanism

 heat production and heat loss vary considerably in different parts of the body

vascularized extremities to conduct body heat to the air

Body temperature normally fluctuates over the day, with the lowest levels at 4 A.M. and the highest at 6 P.M..
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_temperature#Limits_compatible_with_life

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasopressin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrexia


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I know I just want any information I can find to help communicate to someone in the medical field that this is psychologically and physically and socially stressful to my children ...

They just don’t get that instead of sitting around the fire place enjoying the winter weather everyone is sitting around rubbing ice cubes on their ears seeing who can melt them the fastest!!

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/thermo/heatreg.html

one more thermodynamic explaination link

Hi all. I also have had the red ear thing for most of my life. My history is asthma and of course now COPD, a result of smoking for 40 yrs. I am a non smoker now. Had surgery on a ruptured disc in my neck in '93. Otherwise I am as normal as anyone. I had quit taking anything with aspirin in it way back in 3/04 and I had not had any signs of the dreaded red ear until a couple of weeks ago. Had a doctors visit re depression and stress and was put on mirtazapine, a generic for remeron, and within 3-4 days I felt the red ear trying to return. It was nothing like I had experienced before but I knew the feeling. Of course I took myself off of this drug and again there is no sign of the dreaded red ear. I really am beginning to think it is allergy related, whether it be to food, medicines or the weather. I think stress is also a big factor. When I got stressed I tended to use more of my asthma inhalers and at times I would notice the red ear thing. I really enjoy and look forward to all the comments re this problem. Maybe between all of us we can get some kind of a medical diploma for solving this embarrasing and aggravating problem. I have decided to try and handle my stress and depreciation in ways that dont include any more medicines. Will keep you all posted.

I have been having this happen for years. I have noticed that it is triggered by being hot. Sometimes my checks may turn red too. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism which the thyroid does regulate body temperature. Also, I have always had irregular female hormones. I have often associated it as being a hot flash. I have also been diagnosed with dermatographica (not sure I spelled it right), where your skin turns red if touched. Basically I have been told I may have too much histamine. This can also be related to thyroid disfunction or mastocytosis. Mastocytosis causes "flushing" and the treatment is usually antihistamines or steroids. Another related condition that influences histamine release is certain foods, and you don't necessarily have to be allergic to them. Some things like bananas, wine (sulfites) and shellfish are high in histamine and can cause sensitive individuals to 'flush' or have hives. If checked you may not actually have a technical allergy. Although food allergies will definitely cause a whole range of symptoms including flushing and hives. Whether the red ear condition is caused by thyroid, mastocytosis or allergies, I suspect that histamine is related. Anyone that is experiencing this should be check for those conditions, including the more serious, but extremely rare carcinoid syndrome (again this is a cancer causing flushing due to histamine release). Try taking some benadryl to see if it helps. I started taking it only at bedtime every day because of the drowsiness factor and I definitely noticed a change in frequency. I also discovered some food allergies and have removed them from my diet. Be sure to look up 'histamine intolerance' or foods high in histamine on the web and start limiting them or removing them from the diet first. Or at least keep track if the ear turning red may be around the time after consuming these foods. If you eat them every day you may want to cut back. After that try food allergy testing and some of the other conditions I mentioned. Dont rely on doctors to know because I have been to dozens for all my conditions and even mayo clinic and they are stumped. I now have an integrated doctor who is much more knowledgeable about foods and natural therapies who seems to understand. In any case if the ear thing keeps happening on a regular basis there is something the body is trying to tell you. It may be as simple as removing one food from your diet, but you've got to investigate.

I can't believe this many people have it and talk about and nothing even close to a medical diagnosis has been mentioned. Aside for a right ear that gets really hot, turns bright red and feels as though is is being cooked, here are some other factors about me that may be worth mentioning:

This started for me around the time I started taking Adderall for ADD.

It does seem to happen more often when I have eaten junk food and when I am getting less sleep because I am busy with work.

Sometimes my feet and hands turn bright red but they never burn like my right ear.

I have developed athletes foot. Probably because my feet sweet all of the time from the heat.

I sometimes feel pressure on the right side of my head (above and behind my ear).

I sometimes get really light headed. Sometimes feeling like I have verdigo. Sometimes seeing stars like I got hit really hard, sometimes seeing clouds or black shapes.

My right eye often feels as though it has a lot of pressure pushing on it.

Chris,

You should see a doctor right away. Those are signs of a stroke (pressure behind the eye, dizziness). That is extremely dangerous and especially since you're on that type of drug. I take it too and my bp is border level high but I try to manage it.

hmmm Ive had this for a while too

i seem to get it after work or after I take a shower, it seems that when a more stressing situation is over it comes up for me I have a bit of acne that comes and goes over time, I believe im Hypoglycemic
 but no other health problems that I know about

I had a couple small head injures through my life so far, but nothing requiring anything more than stitches

The commonalities Ive found through this list so far that Ive noticed

Im O blood type
It comes during or after stressful situations

I made a Yahoo! Group Everybody join to help cure the red ear problem thing

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/redearfounder/

I have had red year for years and my sister told me it can be a sign of dairy intolerance. For other reasons I gave up dairy products for a year and it went away completely during that time. Now I'm back on dairy as I found the soya I'd been replacing it with to be a greater evil, and the red hot ear is back with a vengeance!

I was told by my doc to take some Mucinex (an expectorant) for my coughing etc. for the COPD, Two days after taking the tablets my red ear was back. Havent had time to look up what is in this medicine but I would almost bet it has some histamine or something of that nature in it. I quit taking it as soon as I felt the heat in my ears and the hot or red ear is no longer bothering me.I enjoy and appreciate all of the comments and info.

i have also been getting a hot ear, it kind of builds up to hot..i think it has to do with stress or blood pressure, when things get too hectic and tiring

I have been struggling with RES for some time now. It seems to be the worst when my emotions are at a heightened level(which seems to be at the worst posible time)

I can feel it start to set in, and once I notice it it just intensifies. It occurs in both of my ears, and occasionally my forehead will break out into a sweat.

I am 25 in good health, participate in cardiovascular activities daily, lift weights weekly, and try to eat healthy.

As there seems to be no real solution I am going to try a new treatment for a month, as I am unsure how long I should continue a habit before it takes full effect.

I am not expecting to find a cure, but If I can find several limiting factors that work with me It will be a blessing.

It is comforting to know that I am not at this alone. I know what you are all going through. I have excused myself to the bathroom to try to cool my ears off but to no avail. It's embarasing, but I would say something we should all focus on is not letting it hold us back. And I often do let it hold me back. I will refrain from speaking up because I'm afraid I will become self conscious and my ears will turn red. I don't want to constantly live with the worry of what others will think of my redness. Yes I will try to figure out how to limit it, and do everything I can, but all the while I am trying to figure out triggers, and limiters I will be learning how to live with it.

Hope we can find some answers, I will post each month if I have any luck. My first treatment is going to be cold showers. Not to cool my ears off immediately, but they seem to have multiple effects:

• Brings blood to the capillaries, therefore increasing circulation throughout the body.
• Cleans the circulatory system.
• Reduces blood pressure on internal organs.
• Provides flushing for the organs and provides a new supply of blood.
• Strengthens the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
• Contracts the muscles to eliminate toxins and poisonous wastes.
• Strengthens the mucous membranes, which help resist hay fever, allergies, colds, coughs

Well a very close friend of mine used to make me nervous by saying "Why do u have so many health problems?". Living in Asia, Men are supposed to have no problems and be strong as Hercules, these are considered to be girly things but findin this page has given me a lot of confidence :)

I remember when i was in 9th grade, i suddenly started having red hot ears, the ears would go so hot that they would look almost purple in color. Had a very bad effect on social life at that time and most imp. of all on my studies. I was the one who in winter was turning on the Fan, putting Cold water on my ears but i was like some sort of a evil spell. One of my ears had to go red hot every winter night(This only happened in winters)for almost abt hr and a half!

Then when i came to univ, i found one other amazing problem to accompany me in summer and then i found out that this new problem has nothing to do with temperature i.e dislocated TMJ. This is very painfull as well, pain everyday in half head, TMJ, neck and sometimes shoulders as well, and limited mouth opening. One thing that is amazing when one problem is making me crazy, the other is not there. Maybe thats a law of nature.

You must be thinking about Doctors, i consulted a lot of them. All of their explanations were absolute crap and nonsense to even a non medical guy like me. I am actually computer and info. systems engineer. For TMJ, they say there is no cure, you can just put splints and there is a surgery that has a success rate of 30%(i cant recall exactly). For them, red ears arent a problem, its very normal!

Well just abt a yr back I went to a HAKEEM(These are doctors found in South East Asian countries like Pakistan who use herbal medicines and have completely different concepts than a MBBS). One reason that i am writing this is to share what i was advised by Hakim. This is not a cure just another temporary relief:

POUR ABOUT FEW DROPS OF WARM ALMOND OIL IN YOUR EARS. Yes few drops of almond oil in ears, NOT at the time of redness(it will only increase it then) but before the time u think it usually happens(e.g. b4 goin to a closed place or for me its usually dinner parties in winter). Now the Oil should be Warm if not a little HOT, remember Cold oil will do no difference. Infact it only increases the problem for me. Try this for a few days and u will see the difference. A few warm almond oil drops in nose also helps in reducing the tension headaches caused by TMJ problem. However, unfortunately this are just temporary reliefs but better to have something than nothing.

Now what i have learnt over the time is Yes people will notice red ears, some will make fun of it but in the end its us whose lack of confidence actually allows them to do so. So have complete faith in urselves, Any sort of health problem part. this one is not our fault. Now i try my best not to give any impression about any uneasiness i am feeling bcuz of this. However i have to thank God, that this Redness has decreased with the course of time, now the redness is less and duration has considerably reduced. I hope it will finish very soon.

I hope this helps someone. Share your success stories as well. Regards.

Well a very close friend of mine used to make me nervous by saying "Why do u have so many health problems?". Living in Asia, Men are supposed to have no problems and be strong as Hercules, these are considered to be girly things but findin this page has given me a lot of confidence :)

I remember when i was in 9th grade, i suddenly started having red hot ears, the ears would go so hot that they would look almost purple in color. Had a very bad effect on social life at that time and most imp. of all on my studies. I was the one who in winter was turning on the Fan, putting Cold water on my ears but i was like some sort of a evil spell. One of my ears had to go red hot every winter night(This only happened in winters)for almost abt hr and a half!

Then when i came to univ, i found one other amazing problem to accompany me in summer and then i found out that this new problem has nothing to do with temperature i.e dislocated TMJ. This is very painfull as well, pain everyday in half head, TMJ, neck and sometimes shoulders as well, and limited mouth opening. One thing that is amazing when one problem is making me crazy, the other is not there. Maybe thats a law of nature.

You must be thinking about Doctors, i consulted a lot of them. All of their explanations were absolute crap and nonsense to even a non medical guy like me. I am actually computer and info. systems engineer. For TMJ, they say there is no cure, you can just put splints and there is a surgery that has a success rate of 30%(i cant recall exactly). For them, red ears arent a problem, its very normal!

Well just abt a yr back I went to a HAKEEM(These are doctors found in South East Asian countries like Pakistan who use herbal medicines and have completely different concepts than a MBBS). One reason that i am writing this is to share what i was advised by Hakim. This is not a cure just another temporary relief:

POUR ABOUT FEW DROPS OF WARM ALMOND OIL IN YOUR EARS. Yes few drops of almond oil in ears, NOT at the time of redness(it will only increase it then) but before the time u think it usually happens(e.g. b4 goin to a closed place or for me its usually dinner parties in winter). Now the Oil should be Warm if not a little HOT, remember Cold oil will do no difference. Infact it only increases the problem for me. Try this for a few days and u will see the difference. A few warm almond oil drops in nose also helps in reducing the tension headaches caused by TMJ problem. However, unfortunately this are just temporary reliefs but better to have something than nothing.

Now what i have learnt over the time is Yes people will notice red ears, some will make fun of it but in the end its us whose lack of confidence actually allows them to do so. So have complete faith in urselves, Any sort of health problem part. this one is not our fault. Now i try my best not to give any impression about any uneasiness i am feeling bcuz of this. However i have to thank God, that this Redness has decreased with the course of time, now the redness is less and duration has considerably reduced. I hope it will finish very soon.

I hope this helps someone. Share your success stories as well. Regards

Why is it that so many people have this problem, as I do, and no ones doctor from what I've read has been able to give them any accurate diagnosis or information??

hi , i have had red ear syndrome for multiple years now,
my left or right get really hot en red but never both at the same time
it does seem to happen more often in recent months

it's not really painfull, but more of an annoyance/irritance for me

until a few weeks ago i just accepted it as something strange that happens to me, untill one night i googled "one red ear" or something simular and found a name for it, it's nice to know that you're not alone

what i have noticed:
it happens:
- mostly in the evening
- when i have had an alcoholic beverage (about 1 to 2 hours later)
- sometimes the left ear, sometimes the right never both
- when stressed at work
- sometimes it helps to put some cold water on the ear (although not always)
- if you start to notice it, it happens more often

i dont know it so rare a desease: if you start to look for it in other people , i seems to see it pretty regulary

don't know about any cure being out there somewhere

i have found a message board on the subject under www.healthboards.com under rare disorders, not many activity there perhaps we could move some discussion that way too

hi , i have had red ear syndrome for multiple years now,
my left or right get really hot en red but never both at the same time
it does seem to happen more often in recent months

it's not really painfull, but more of an annoyance/irritance for me

until a few weeks ago i just accepted it as something strange that happens to me, untill one night i googled "one red ear" or something simular and found a name for it, it's nice to know that you're not alone

what i have noticed:
it happens:
- mostly in the evening
- when i have had an alcoholic beverage (about 1 to 2 hours later)
- sometimes the left ear, sometimes the right never both
- when stressed at work
- sometimes it helps to put some cold water on the ear (although not always)
- if you start to notice it, it happens more often

i dont know it so rare a desease: if you start to look for it in other people , i seems to see it pretty regulary

don't know about any cure being out there somewhere

i found a messageboard on healthboards.com on rare disorders
not much traffic there perhaps we could post some stuff there too

ps if i have dubbleposted sorry, i did not see my message anymore after posting it, after checking back

Why, i am asking why all this happens

I read some of the comments and for me, my ears tend to get hot when I drink sugary drink

I haven't gotten much done. Basically nothing noteworthy going on right now, but shrug. I can't be bothered with anything recently. I guess it doesn't bother me. Maybe tomorrow. I feel like a bunch of nothing.
I haven't been up to much these days. Such is life. I've just been letting everything happen without me these days, but I don't care.
Hi, ich Suche jemanden der mir redaxo aufsetzt und bei der grafik implementierung und den addons hilft. Bezahlung nach absprache danke!

Hi from another sufferer. Has anyone seen this:

http://www.hyperhidrosis.com/facial_blushing.htm

Maybe the hot ear thing is another symptom of this. Does anyone else get the sweating problem? I'm seriously thinking about having this done (after checking out the price first :-).

Can anyone make me a diabolo? or a god?

I believe red ears occur when the body is overheated, its starts circulating blood through the ears since the ears are thin the blood can cool that way. Being as that being in hot rooms, sexual activity or listening to intense music turns my ears red - all those are associated with the body being overheated. Im not 100% sure..

I have one ear that gets really red and it feels like so much heat coming from that one ear. It is never both ears, mostly my left ear. I can't believe there are so many others who have this same problem. I was just concerned that I could have some type of blockage or some medication condition that was causing it. It makes me feel better to know that I am not the only one.

I am a teenager and have experienced hot ears for as long as I can remember. Usually one ear at a time, pretty much always in the evening. I do not drink, It does not seem to be linked to stress. I have no health problems to my knowledge, though I seem to get headaches easily (usually either due to stress or mild dehydration). Hot rooms might trigger it, but it's hard to tell since it makes every room seem hot. Winter seems to be the most common time. Sometimes it is irritating, but fortunately I fall asleep easily now so it doesn't keep me up like it occasionally did when I was younger. I have never given it much thought before, but I just tonight noticed in the mirror that my hot ear was very bright red, and of course ended up at this search engine fav. Hopefully I can remember to ask my doctor about it next time.

Amazing. I'm glad to know I'm not so weird! For at least 8 years I've suffered red, hot ears typically after drinking wine (red, white, no difference) but it also happened last night after drinking a Cosmopolitan. I'm 54, received a medical diagnosis (after brain scan and other testing) of combined ADHD about four years ago. Otherwise, pretty healthy...no high blood pressure, no migraines. I'm allergic to all summer squashes and eggplant, strawberries, kiwis, melons, and walnuts. (Someone once said it was stuff in the "nightshade" family yet I have no problem with tomatoes or cucumbers.) I've also had the red hot ears happen without having had anything to eat. This is such a STRANGE syndrome!

I am just woundering if everyone here uses a cell phone .

i too have this problem. i've been experimenting, and i've noticed i always get red ears whenever it's really hot and i get really anxious or nervous.

Hi guys, well here's a little history for ya. i'm female,25, 3 kids, i smoke (ya i know i'm trying to quit), drink sometimes. Last year after having my baby I got toxemia which led to high blood pressure... which in turn caused a seizure and a stroke. I usually only got red ears when i drank, but now i'm finding that i get them alot more. usually when i'm excited or nervous. yesterday it happened for no reason at all. i took my blood pressure and it wasn't extremely high 130/90, but i also did notice that my heart was racing. as far as i can tell it probably is due to high blood pressure. i also have some bubbling sound in my right ear which noone has been able to tell me anything. it was also followed by a headache that continued for the rest of the night. I am waiting for my dr. to call me back, but I really do believe that it has something to do with hbp. next time it happens check your blood pressure and see if it's abnormal. you can do this at your dr office or even a grocery store. trust me hbp is nothing to mess with!!

All, I am 48, have had the RHES at least since I was 28, there seems to be no real reason for it and I can not predict when it will happen! It will happen in a hot room and spread from my left ear to my left cheek to my right check, then the entire face and then my right ear. I have found a few things that help, but generally they can't be done when this happens and it happens everyday, several times per day. If I can get to a car during the episode and have the air on HIGH and point directly at my left ear, after about 20 minutes, it will go away... but who can do that several times a day and work! Other thing that helps, when I travel is to return to the hotel room and trun the air conditioner on HIGH and lay my face (on the left side, on it), this too can take away the problem, but if I am rushed, it doesn't work and lastly, If I take like 3mg to 6 mg of Alprozalm a day, it controls it, but that stuff is not good for you at all. I have been in generally good health all my life, I don't drink, smoke or anything like that. I do have an undiagnosable left leg pain that is with me every moment of every day and extends the entire lenght of the leg including the hip. I have seen several specialists over the last 30 years for this, and they see nothing significant on any test.
I am at a complete loss to know the casue of either of these, and I don't believe that they are connected in any form.
I do wonder though, if the main blood vessel or artey that goes to the ears (there seems to be several blood vessels, but only one that is very large compared to the others) was to be rerouted via surgery to another internal blood flow vessel, would that fix the problem. Has anyone every considered this thought? The ear would still get blood because of the other vessels, but this one is the one that seems to start and gets RED HOT then to the ear then they get so HOT they become PURPLE and PAINFUL!

I am shocked to hear that so many people have this same condition. My son who is 8 years old gets red ears when he is playing video games or other games that make his adrenaline go crazy. It also happens when he is stressed out.
I thought maybe it was his blood pressure. He hates his red ears and we are going to try the tongue trick next time it happens we'll keep you posted :)
I was getting a little nervous but now I see it is a common thing. Thanks so much for posting this page. I am sure LOTS of moms are thankful!

i think we are all hypochondriacs _spelling..i have the same thing but you guys make me think im really sick.

My ear occasionally turns red suddenly with an intense heat. But just as often it is my face. Today around 2:30 pm I felt a sudden onset of heat straight to my face, almost stinging. My face has been red for over to hours although it is starting to lessen. Its only slightly painful, more like a burning feeling. Eyes are irritated, throat a little as well. Anyone else also have the flushing in the face?

About 5 years ago now I damaged my left ear shooting guns without earplugs and have suffered from tinnitus since. The red hot ear (left side) started about a year later, and I just assumed it was related. Reading all these posts I see it could be anything causing RHE. I am 28, ADD, unknown blood type, network administrator, drink coffee and alcohol occasionally, and also suffer from lack of sleep. I find the only thing that makes the redness and burning go away is exercise. If I go out and walk briskly for about 1/2 mile or 2 laps around your average store parkinglot, the redness goes away. My personal belief is that this condition is related to poor circulation. I noticed alot of the people posting here are very right brain (intellectual) which is synonymous with physically dormant. Get out of your chair and get some exercise once a day people and see if it helps. Just my .02 cents, good luck to you all!

Hi all (again from many posts ago). Exercise certainly helps, good for circulation etc, etc.
But, if you have a big presentation or something and you fear the 'red, hot, ear thing' may occur try having a dispirin/aspirin mixed with lemon juice (only). This has worked for me over the years. The 'red, hot, ear thing' will re-occur when you least expect it (well for me anyway, and only in winter when its cold outside and I come into a very warm or hot room) but the lemon juice with aspirin/dispirin has given me temporary relief particularly if I have to present something in front of a group of people or attend a function etc.

Hope this may help some.
regards to all

Hi all,
I've always gotten a red and hot ear when I'm run down (tired) or just coming down with a cold. I think it's always the left, but I'm not positive.

It also happens sometimes with alcohol, mostly at night. It's not really a problem for me (actually the pre-sickness hot ear is useful for letting me know when I should get some extra rest). :)

As for commonalities - it is interesting - I also am O+. I've noticed a bunch of posts from people with anxiety/stress issues - but keep in mind that it could be that only anxious/stressed folks are taking the time to research this. I just happened to be bored and wanted to see if anyone else has this. It's interesting!

If you have any other symptoms (pain, etc.) or are really worried you should go to the doctor, but (in my unprofessional opinion) the occasional hot ear itself is not dangerous. Just a quirk of the body.

Good luck to all!

Hi there,
I'm a medical student from London with the exact same red ear syndrome. I've had it for 8 or so years now and both my ears flush bright red nearly every evening, burning like wildfire in the process.

I was previously diagnosed with a TMJ (Temperomandibular joint) dysfunction that caused terrible headaches to be associated with the red ears, so, I would venture that there is a degree of TMJ involvement in this horribly irritating condition. For the bad news, treating the TMJ did nothing for the ears but worked fine with regards to pain.

I have suffered from the Hot Ear Syndrome since I first had an allergic reaction to a zinc suppliment for which my whole body turned hot and red. The truth of the matter is that "hot ear" IS NOT connected to ADHD because I do not have ADHD. I am an O+ blood type and the temperature has changed from hot to cold outside in just a matter of a couple of days. However, I have been told by several doctors that "hot" ears is a sign of rising blood pressure. I have also been told that since I have a reaction to medium to high amounts of zinc, the hot ear could be attributed to something that I may have eaten that contained zinc (i.e. salads, salad dressings). I have been told by a doctor that any zinc I take into my body is absorbed into the blood stream. If I happened to take in too much zinc, then I get the hot ear. More or less like a warning. After about an hour, the heat and redness goes away and everything goes back to normal.

This is the explaination I have been given by my family physician, allergists, and E.N.T. doctors. I hope this will shed some light on the issue.

My son gets red hot ears. It varies from ear to ear and has no apparent reason, he has had it for a number of years, ever since I can remember. I think it just bothers him if its mentioned by someone, but it doesn't affect his daily life. But what scares me is all these people saying it does...maybe it will change and be daily and bother him. I have been trying to look up info on Vascular Hemihypertrophy...I had a brother that had that and my mother said his ears would do this too. Its harde to read the info on this disorder

I think some folks are describing what might be 2 different kinds of 'hot ear' problems. I am 28 years old, and began having 1 hot ear, always the right one, while I was pregnant 2 years ago. It seems to be nearly random, as it plagues me regardless of lack of caffeine/alcohol consumption. The heat is so intense I use ice packs or frozen peas to reduce the discomfort. Like a few mentions above, I also suffer from TMJ disorder and pain, and these two seem to flare up around the same time, though not always together. I also have been dismissed by doctors which is very disappointing, pehaps I should print off all of these posts and bring them in next time I see him!!