A swollen outer ear (ear flap) on cartilage area -- concerned about condition

Ears, nose and throat
1
Hello! I have a rather specific question about an ear problem that I have had for the past couple weeks, and had also experienced several years ago. There is a swollen area on the cartilage area. Here is a [picture](https://imgur.com/a/eKzi386) where the left side is the unaffected ear and the right side is the affected ear. In case the link doesn't work, I have provided the photo here as well:

image

Six years ago I had this same problem on both ears (thankfully this time it is just one of them). Both times were caused by rubbing and itching my ear, and I am unable to anticipate under what circumstances it will start to swell. Last time I got it checked out by an ear doctor and turns out the swollen parts were filled with blood, so the doctor drained my ears. Then he completely bandaged my head (to keep pressure) and it was really embarrassing so I would rather not have to do that again. Asking for your opinions and expertise - does this seem like something serious that I have to get checked out?
2

hi. I am so not sure of this because of the bleeding you mention but there is a disorder called relapsing polychondritis which affects cartilage in this kind of way. But did you day bleeding was because you were scratching it? Polychondritis can affect cartilage in one or more areas think most common ears and nose.

3

I too, have relapsing polychondritis. Red, hot, sore, swollen & inflamed tissue over the top portion of both ears. I used to think it was caused by damaging the cartilage, after falling asleep wearing my eye glasses. (The ear would get pressed up against the arm of the eye glasses, with pressure from my head on my pillow. This was not the case, with my current flare up, because I have been careful to not even wear glasses to watch TV at bed time. Doctors gave me Ciproflaxin & Prednisone, which got me to about 70% healed within 2 days. Though at 7 days, before the Cipro wasn’t finished, the ears began to get red, sore, and swollen again. The doctor suggested seeing a specialist: ENT (ear, nose, & throat) or a Rheumatologist. I don’t want to waste my time or the $75 copay, going to the wrong specialist, and wonder if any of you had successful treatment, for our common ailment.

4

Hi,
Seems like you have some kind of ear infection. If it is Frequent, i suggest you to see a Reputed ear specialist.

5

Actually, I was referred to an ENT specialist, who confirmed that my condition is called relapsing polychondritis. He said it’s an auto-immune disorder, where my own immune system attacks the cartilage on my outer ear. He gave me a stronger dose of Prednisone, which has worked very well. He wants me to see a Rheumatologist, because they deal with auto-immune issues.

6

Actually, I was referred to an ENT specialist, who confirmed that my condition is called relapsing polychondritis. He said it’s an auto-immune disorder, where my own immune system attacks the cartilage on my outer ear. He gave me a stronger dose of Prednisone, which has worked very well. He wants me to see a Rheumatologist, because they deal with auto-immune issues.