Enlarged Lymph Nodes
As a 20-year-old female not taking any medications at the moment, I wanted to share my recent health issue. Approximately three months ago, I experienced contact dermatitis due to hair dye, which caused swelling in my ears and oozing bumps along my scalp. After visiting the doctor, I was treated with prednisone and amoxicillin/clavulanate for a week, and thankfully, the symptoms subsided. However, just a week post-recovery, I noticed that the lymph nodes behind my ear became swollen. Specifically, the nodes located posterior to the auricle have remained enlarged and firm ever since. Could this be a result of the earlier contact dermatitis?
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 2:20:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
Enlarged lymph nodes can be a normal response to various infections or skin conditions, but it's important to monitor them, especially if they've been swollen for an extended period. In your case, the swelling behind your ears could be related to the earlier contact dermatitis, as lymph nodes can enlarge in response to skin inflammation or infections nearby.
However, persistent enlargement for over three months warrants attention, as it can indicate ongoing inflammation or other underlying conditions, though many cases resolve without treatment.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes, such as new lumps, pain, fever, or other systemic symptoms (like fatigue or weight loss).
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Gentle Care: Avoid touching or manipulating the swollen nodes, as irritation can exacerbate inflammation.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Adopt a healthy diet and ensure you stay well-hydrated, as overall wellness can aid in recovery.
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Follow-up: Since the lymph nodes have remained swollen for several weeks, it may be wise to revisit a healthcare provider if they don't reduce in size over the next couple of weeks or if you develop new symptoms.
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Self-examination: Periodically check for any additional lymph node swelling in your neck or groin area.
If you have any concerns about other related symptoms or want to ease your worries, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is beneficial. They can offer further insights based on your health history and any new developments.
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