I have pretty bad seasonal allergies...every season! This time of year could be pollen, or it could also be mold, usually considered a winter allergy but often hits me in early spring. What happens is all the moisture from rain and/or snow causes molds to grow in the ground (not "just" mushroom baring, but other molds as well). When it gets warmer, the molds go crazy, the wind picks up and starts blowing them around...my allergies go nuts.

Itchy ears are an early symptom for me. My ears don't usually get red, but they do itch all around the outside and in the ear canal. I'm sure you know that rubbing and scratching will make it worse and cause skin irritation...could that be the cause of the redness? If benedryl and cortisone cream help a little then I am even more convinced it is allergy related, but I would recommend seeing a doctor about it. Just a general family doctor would be sufficient at this point I think. It's worth trying some rx strength allergy meds. There are rx strength creams that can be used as well. The ear itch is pretty maddening! Good luck.