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Understanding the Unusual Spots in My Friend's Ear

7/11/2025, 3:40:19 AMMale25-34

While I was examining my friend’s ear using a camera, I noticed a couple of peculiar features in her right ear—a few holes along with a red and white spot. She assured me that she wasn’t experiencing any pain, but this was an unusual find since I hadn’t seen anything like it during our last cleaning session. I’m curious about what could be causing this anomaly.

Internal MedicineRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

7/11/2025, 3:40:32 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to be concerned when noticing something unusual in a friend's ear. The presence of holes and red and white spots can be due to various factors, and it's positive that your friend isn't experiencing any pain.

Explanation

  1. Possible Causes:
    • Earwax or Skin Issues: Build-up of earwax can lead to irritation or changes in the appearance of the ear's skin. Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can also manifest in the ear.
    • Infections: Although typically associated with pain, some infections can be silent without discomfort.
    • Congenital Anomalies: Some people are born with minor irregularities in their ear structure.
    • Allergic Reactions: Reactions to products used in or around the ear (like jewelry or hair products) can cause spots or rashes.

Next Steps

  1. Observation: Encourage your friend to monitor the spots over the next week. She should look for any changes in size, color, or new symptoms such as itchiness or discharge.

  2. Hygiene: Advise her to maintain good ear hygiene without inserting objects into the ear. Gently clean the outer part of the ear with a damp cloth.

  3. Avoid Irritants: If she uses any products around her ears (like soaps or earrings), suggest she temporarily stop using them to see if there's any improvement.

  4. Documentation: Keeping a record of any changes or new symptoms can be helpful for healthcare professionals if the situation requires further investigation later.

If any concerning symptoms arise, like sudden pain, swelling, fever, or additional discolorations, it would be important for her to seek medical advice. Overall, it sounds like monitoring the situation will be a good start.

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