CellulitisĬellulitis is a type of bacterial infection of the skin. If the symptoms get worse or spread to the neck, face, or throat, a person should seek immediate medical attention, as they may be having an allergic reaction. Oral antihistamines or hydrocortisone creams can help relieve symptoms of a bug bite. Bug bites may cause other symptoms, including itching, pain, and redness. In some cases, a person will be able to see a visible bite or dot at the center of the swelling. Bug biteĪ mysterious swelling in the ear that appears overnight may be a bug bite or insect sting. getting hit on the ear with a ball or other object during sportsĪn injured earlobe may swell and be painful or tender to the touch.an ear piercing ripping through the earlobe.wearing earrings that are too big for the piercing.InjuryĪ small injury or trauma may be enough to irritate and inflame the earlobe because bacteria can enter the body. If someone keeps track of what products cause their symptoms, it can help a dermatologist determine the ingredient that causes the reaction. It may also start to flake or shed and look very dry. These reactions can make the skin red, inflamed, and itchy. The skin on the ears can also react to lotion, perfume, or another body product. Avoiding jewelry that contains irritants can help prevent symptoms and allow the ears to heal. Nickel earrings may cause one or both of the earlobes to swell, as may other non-hypoallergenic metals. Contact dermatitis can develop over time as the skin has increased exposure to the jewelry at issue. This is typically due to an allergic reaction by the skin to some types of jewelry. Allergic reaction or contact dermatitisĬontact dermatitis is another common cause of a swollen earlobe. If a piercing is infected, the earring or other item in the ear needs to be removed, and the person will need to treat the infection with antibiotics. People should see a doctor if their symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are severe.

Infected ear piercings can also cause the earlobe to swell, even if the person has had a piercing for many years.

People with gauges or plugs in their ears may notice swelling each time they stretch the ear. Most people who get their ears pierced will notice pain and swelling for up to a week, sometimes more. A new piercing is an open wound, and swelling is part of the body’s natural reaction to any damage. Piercings are a common cause of swelling in the earlobes. Swollen earlobes can be the result of a number of circumstances, including: 1.

Painful lump in earlobe