[31F] With ear pain, redness, and headache

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described—tenderness, redness, and aching behind your ear, worsened by touch, sleeping, and wearing glasses, along with a headache in your forehead and slight hearing loss—here are some possible explanations:

• Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear): This is an infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that aids bacterial growth. Symptoms include ear pain, redness, and tenderness, especially when touching the ear or moving the jaw.

  • Treatment: Typically involves ear drops containing antibiotics and steroids to reduce inflammation. Keeping the ear dry and avoiding inserting anything into the ear canal is crucial.

• Ear Infection (Otitis Media): This is an infection of the middle ear, which can cause pain, redness, and sometimes fluid discharge. It can also lead to headaches and slight hearing loss.

  • Treatment: Often treated with oral antibiotics if bacterial, and pain management with over-the-counter pain relievers. Warm compresses can also help alleviate pain.

• Contact Dermatitis: This could be a reaction to something that has come into contact with your skin, such as a new shampoo, soap, or even the material of your glasses. This can cause redness, tenderness, and itching.

  • Treatment: Identifying and avoiding the irritant is key. Topical corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and itching.

• Mastoiditis: This is a serious bacterial infection affecting the mastoid bone behind the ear. It can cause redness, swelling, and pain behind the ear, along with fever and headache.

  • Treatment: Requires prompt medical attention and is usually treated with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

1. Keep the Ear Dry: Avoid getting water in your ear while showering or swimming. You can use earplugs or a shower cap to help keep your ear dry.
2. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
3. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
4. Avoid Irritants: If you suspect contact dermatitis, try to identify and avoid any new products or materials that may be causing the reaction.
5. Use MDandMe: Journal your symptoms, track your progress, and get insights. This can be very helpful when you consult your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Increased Pain or Swelling: If the pain or swelling behind your ear worsens or spreads.
• Fever: If you develop a fever (temperature over 100.4°F).
• Discharge: If you notice any discharge or fluid coming from your ear.
• Severe Headache: If your headache becomes severe or is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or vision changes.
• Hearing Loss: If you experience significant or worsening hearing loss.

Remember, while these tips can help manage your symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.