Ear lobe is perhaps quite flexible, although that still does not mean you can pull it all you like. Not only it hurts, doing that can also cause trauma. (A bruise as part of the ear lacerations can also be caused by harsh ear-pulling. Ouch.) Wearing earrings that are too heavy can also overstretch the ear lobes. When that happens, they tend to stretch and swell.

However, there are also other conditions that cause an ear lobe to stretch and swell. This can be really serious, especially if you take it too lightly and delay going to the doctor. If it worsens, it can end up in an ear deformity (or what is also known as ‘cauliflower ear’.) The scarier part? It is permanent.

Since that is he case, then why does ear lobe stretch and swell? How serious is it and does it require medical treatments?

When Ear Lobe Stretches and Swells:

First of all, a lobe, or an ear lobe, is a rounded part on the lower side of your ear. This is also why women (and perhaps some men) love wearing earrings. This practice has been considered harmless, especially if you are considered old enough (like in your teenage years) and it is done by professionals who are considerate with hygiene.

Of course, you need to consider getting yourself for an allergy test, just in case certain materials of the earrings may not work well with your skin. (For example: allergic to gold or silver.) In some cases, some people prefer wearing clip-on earrings or none at all to avoid the possibility of getting allergic.

From the fact above, we can safely say that wearing the wrong earrings is the most common cause for the stretching and the swelling of the ear lobes. However, there are also other causes for this, which include:

1. Otitis externa: the infection in the outer canal of the ear. It is also known as “swimmer’s ear”.
2. Folliculitis: the infection of the hair follicles in the ear.
3. Otitis media: the middle ear infection, acute or chronic.
4. Temporal lobe abscess.
5. Impacted ear wax.
6. Glue ear: a symptom where your middle ear is filled with fluid accumulation.
7. Barotrauma: a sudden change of air pressure from flying or deep sea diving. Not only your middle ears, this can also affect your lungs, sinuses, and gastrointestinal tract.
8. Cholesteotoma: an uncommon middle ear condition.
9. Meniere’s desease.
10. Acoustic neuroma: a tumor in the tube with connects the ear to the brain.
11. Labyrinthisis: an inner ear condition which affects other or various ear structures.
12. Bugs or insect bites.
13. A pimple that grow in the lobe. This usually happens when one’s body produces too much oil. Not only in the face, acne or a pimple can grow in the ear lobe. This is most annoying to anyone who loves wearing earrings, of course.

One you have learned the causes, then what about the ways to avoid getting your ear love to stretch and swell?

Treatments for ear lobe that stretches and swells:

Are there any treatments for the ear lobe that stretches and swells? It depends on how serious the symptoms may be, which include:

1. Not wearing the wrong earrings.

Not all fashion trends can be followed by every body. If your ear lobes are the sensitive type, then wearing earrings, is not considered. If you still want to wear them, then please choose the right material.

2. Antihistamins for the bug or insect bites.

Your ear lobes are itchy from the bug bites or an allergic reaction? Take antihistamins.

3. Antibiotics.

If the swelling comes from the bacterial infections, then take antibiotics. Visit your doctor first to get the right hones.

4. Draining or surgical removal.

Cysts and pimples or acne can cause your ear lobe to swell as well. If it is deep, then draining or surgical removal is needed. What looks to be a pimple or an acne should also not be taken for granted. Not only it causes discomfort and a slight alteration of appearance (although not too obvious…just yet), it might grow into something bigger and more dangerous…like a tumor.

How to avoid having a stretched and swollen ear lobe:

It is true that avoiding is better than curing. To avoid having a stretched and swollen ear lobe, give your ears a break once in a while. Do not wear those earrings all the time, especially if they are heavy and the materials can trigger your allergy.

Another thing that you can do is to keep your ears clean. Use baby oil to clean the lobes after shower, especially since the back sides are not visible and often forgotten. Try not to scratch it if you get bitten by a bug or another insect on that part. If you scratch it, especially too hard, it will swell and possibly leave a mark.