Red Ear syndrome should consider a rare condition. So, several conditions can cause red ears and a red scrotum. This article will discuss red ear syndrome as a secondary condition and the treatment options. Also, Wollina U. has described her experience with red ear syndrome. This case report includes in the Acta Clin Croat and J Dermat Case Reports. Stepien A. has reported a case report of red ear syndrome.
Erythromelalgia Can Cause Red Ear
The main symptoms of erythromelalgia are pain, heat, and skin redness. The syndrome usually affects the hands and feet, although it can affect the other parts of the body, including the ears. Some people have it as a symptom of a broader disease, such as an immune disorder. Erythromelalgia and red ear syndrome are confusing, but the two are not mutually exclusive.
Although there are no specific treatments for this condition, some people with this disorder may be at risk of serious complications. Various medications may cause erythromelalgia. A recent study of 32 pediatric cases found that symptoms were intermittent in 26 of the patients, while in eight cases the symptoms were chronic. Interestingly, all patients had broader symptomatology, with the exception of isolated auricular erythromelalgia, which was diagnosed in two patients.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome has many possible causes, including tumors of the adrenal glands or benign or malignant cancers of the lungs. Either one can lead to the overproduction of cortisol, a stress hormone, contributing to the condition. Also, this condition affects different parts of the body, including the skin. A common symptom is weight gain. A secondary symptom is redness.
Treatment of Cushing’s disease consists of surgical removal of the tumor. An experienced pituitary surgeon can cure up to 90% of patients with a small tumor. The surgical procedure, known as transsphenoidal microsurgery, can repeat if the tumor is large or difficult to remove. Radiation therapy may also be used to treat remaining tumor cells. However, radiation therapy takes time to have an impact. While waiting for radiation, patients may take medications to inhibit the adrenal glands.
Upper Cervical Disorders
While the exact cause doesn’t know, one hypothesis suggests that red ear syndrome is a result of irritation or dysfunction of the upper cervical spinal nerves. Symptoms include intermittent redness in the ears, which can also extend to the adjacent cheek. Two-thirds of cases involve one ear, while one-third are bilateral. Pain is generally described as annoying burning or stinging, and it can be mild, moderate, or severe. Sometimes, there is the watering of the eye.
Several physical changes are associated with this condition, including shortness, webbedness, limited movement, and pain. Often, a change in position places pressure on the cranial arteries, resulting in weakness. Other symptoms can include confusion, vertigo, and lightheadedness. So, symptoms can vary depending on the specific type of disorder. For more information, visit upper cervical disorders and red ear syndrome.
Atypical Trigeminal And Glossopharyngeal Neuralgias
Symptoms of atypical trigeminal and glossopharyngeal in red ear syndrome may be similar, though the former may be more severe. The pain is usually a sharp stabbing or electrical shock. The episodes may last a few seconds to a few minutes. A diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia makes based on clinical presentation. High-resolution CT imaging of the neck can identify an Eagle syndrome or styloid process. If these find, the syndrome may diagnose as trigeminal neuropathic pain.
Atypical trigeminal and glossopharyngeal symptoms may be difficult to distinguish from other facial pain. Often, the patient will have recurrent episodes of intense, short-lasting pain in their jaw, eyes, and lower face. The pain will come and go rapidly and last for a few seconds or minutes before disappearing.
