Inflamed outer ear

[ayoung]

My ear was hurting while laying on it overnight. It was very red this morning and a bit swollen looking. It still hurts. I am just reducing my prednisone and have gotten from 20 down to 12 in the past 3 months. I have PMR but was diagnosed with gca 3 months ago. Anyone have this problem?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you were diagnosed with GCA 3 months ago - why are you reducing AT ALL? 20mg is a starting dose for PMR, it really isn;' reliably enough to manage GCA.

However, it is possible you have an outer ear infection and the doctor is the person to ask. The pred, even at the relatively low dose you are on, would be enough to reduce the symptoms of an infection so it needs eye-balling by a doctor. We can't see anything!

[ayoung in reply to PMRpro]

I am also on Methotrexate, a shot of 7.9 once a week for gca.

Thank you for your quick reply. I will see my doctor.

[SheffieldJane]

This does sound like a middle ear infection. I used to get them a lot until Pred seemed to see it off. It was caused by Psoriasis in my ear becoming infected. Antibiotic/ antifungal ear drops used to nip it in the bud. During the worst bout my ear completely closed up, like a small red cauliflower. Touch wood it hasn’t reoccurred since I have been taking Prednisalone. It was very painful. It needs prompt treatment. Having my ears washed out on a regular basis, kept me clear for 2 years. Then the NHS didn’t think it was a good use of resources after my lovely ENT specialist retired - back it came, until PMR and Pred.

[Annie3737]

Hello ayoung very interesting reading about your painful ear. I too have had bouts of a very painful ear over many years. Three times it has been examined by two docs. and the practice nurse. Nothing untoward found on each examination. Months go by with no problem, and then suddenly I wake up with it and can not touch my inner or outer ear. I was diagnosed in 2015 with GCA . Now tapering predisnolone and am down to 3 mg. Hope the painful ear is nothing to do with GCA .