[Elana05]

Hi Everyone,

This is a shot in the dark I know...

Have you ever had the allergy of red and itchy ears? My ears have been this way for about four days now. They're driving me nuts! I have tried taking Benadryl and using a topical Hydrocortizone cream but nothing really seems to help. They'll stop itching for a little while and then turn red and start right up again. Oh boy are they itchy.
I think I have ruled out an allergy to my detergent (I use a super mild one and very little of it) as well as fragerances (I don't use them). I don't wear earrings...
I have never had any food allergies. But I have given up nuts just in case.
The funny part is that I feel like my old pup. She used to have awful skin/ear allergies. Oh well - maybe people and dogs aren't that different.
I am now beginning to think it may be a seasonal tree pollen allergy? Anyone ever have this as a symptom of seasonal (spring) allergies? No other symptoms - just itchy, itchy ears (outer ear). Thanks for any help or advice you can pass on...

Elana

[serafim_etal]

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.

[Leed]

I have a friend who has this SAME thing, and she has psoriasis. Her doctor prescribes her prescription cream for this. You might ask your doctor about this. It CAN spread!! Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

[Elana05]

Hi All,

Thanks SO much for all of your replies... Well, I think I know what caused it! I am pretty positive it's a rash caused by a virus. I looked online (i know i know) but I found several references to a rash that begins behind the ears and moves downward accompanied by flu-ish, run-down feeling and swollen glands etc. I had all of those things. It moved from my ears to my face and trunk but seems to be dissipating. I'm taking some Zyrtec for it and it seems to be helping...