Curious about thin-skinned ears---Prednisone?

[Grammy80]

Does anyone else have issues with the edges of their ears getting raw? My pillowcases are quite smooth, and periodically, I have a problem with the edges of my ear bleeding and must keep it covered while I sleep until it heals. I deal with it, heal it, and I'm fine. Then in a few months...I hop on the roller coaster again. I even bought one of those $ 70(US) pillows made in England that has a hole for your ear. My ear is no tiny thing but I couldn't keep it in the hole...so I just wound up irritating my ear on a more expensive pillow~!! (I LIKE HAVING SOMETHING FROM ENGLAND!)

Just the other day, I wondered if it was from almost five years of prednisone; still on 2mg and TCZ. Do I have any mates with red ears? 👂🏼💞

[SnazzyD]

Is it just one ear? Niggly bits on ears that keep healing and breaking down again should be checked. Especially if it is just one ear. It is common spot for skin cancers like the not too worrying but need to be dealt with basal cell carcinoma.

[Grammy80 in reply to SnazzyD]

Good advice. I have an appointment and will have it checked. It is the left ear only, the side I have slept on since shoulder surgery last summer. Some years ago I did develop basal cell on my right ear....when I always slept on my right side. I'm prone to basal and squamous carcinomas and have had 8 small removals over the years. Sounds like it is just me and my delicate ear.

😂🤣💞

[Sophiestree]

not particularly cheap but a 100% silk pillowcase might help a bit . Sounds really uncomfortable. Do you have any honey cream you can put on the ear? I rate the stuff.

[Grammy80 in reply to Sophiestree]

Both good suggestions and thanks to the forum, I do have some Manuka honey. I guess I will just have to baby my ear and get it checked. Thanks💞

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is it the skin or the cartilage that is sore? If it is skin - get it looked at as SnazzyD says.

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

It is just the skin I believe, but will have it checked sooner than I had planned. My ears are prominent enough without them looking like a sculpture with a nip here and there.💞

[Koalajane]

I get eczema on my ear so moisturise it. It never bleeds

[Grammy80 in reply to Koalajane]

There is not doubt I could moisturize more consistently. Thanks💞

[potterylady]

Hi Grammy, I don't have this on my ears, but my skin on my arms and legs is very fragile since being on Prednisone. What about wearing a soft headband that goes around you head, covering your ears?

[Grammy80 in reply to potterylady]

Wow..I never thought of that. That would be much better than Bandaids! Thanks...yes my arms are an easy target too. Thanks again.💞

[potterylady in reply to Grammy80]

xoxox

[Linlang]

pmr free now but I did have sore ears but no bleeding. Went with pmr ceasing. Good luck

[AtopicGuy]

Perhaps a simple infection with staph or strep bacteria? They are very common on everyone's skin and will exploit even a graze. I have eczema, so my skin is very dry and sensitive, even when I'm not on steroids. An occasional dab of antiseptic cream usually sorts it out in a couple of days. Keeping the skin moisturised helps prevent a recurrence.

[Mistyfied]

Hi Grammy80, I have suffered for a few years with similar ear issues, covering my ear with flattened out cotton wool, it helped but would move during the night. Just discovered the pillow with the hole in it . It arrived last week, it’s marvellous so far not having any pressure or soreness on my ear . It’s early days I hope the pain doesn’t come back though ! Hope your ear gets better soon.

[Grammy80 in reply to Mistyfied]

So glad you got relief with the new pillow~!! It is so beautifully made, isn't it? I bet the pain will stay at bay since your ear isn't under pressure. I have an appointment tomorrow to have my ear checked and I'm sure it will be fine, one way or another. Thanks💞

[Mistyfied in reply to Grammy80]

Hi Grammy80 , I agree the pillow is beautifully made. I didn’t order the pillow case that went with it, it was rather expensive, instead I bought a 2 plain pillow cases cut it to fit with the hole , it wasn’t perfect however will make another now I know what I am doing :0) my ear is definitely improving every day. Hope all went well having your ear checked !

[Grammy80 in reply to Mistyfied]

Indeed-$$$, I didn't buy any pillow cases either. My ear checked out just fine, I'm happy to say. She did prescribe a steroid-free ointment and recommended covering it.

Good for you making your own cases~~glad the ear is on the mend.💞

[FowlerVF]

I've had the same. Intermittent sore ear, at the top rim. Scabs and bleeds some times. Gone away now. I was told Winkler's disease. Its another of those little known issues that no-one seems to be sure what its triggered by; but has strong links to auto immune diseases; e.g. GCA and PMR.

[Grammy80]

Sometimes it seems having an autoimmune disease is like a Welcome sign for a host of little issues. C'mon in! Compared to other possibilities....the ear is an irritant only. I get it checked today but even if it has become basal cell (as my right ear did) he'll take a nip and I'll be on my way. Thanks!💞

[AtopicGuy]

If antibiotics and antiseptic cream don't work, it might be due to a virus. Most people carry the cold sore virus (herpes simplex) and the chickenpox/shingles virus (herpes varicella/zoster). We catch these just once and they hide away inside our cells where the immune system can't clear them out. An outbreak happens when we are run down. Steroids and other immunosuppressants can increase the number and severity of outbreaks. Antiviral creams and pills are available.

[Grammy80 in reply to AtopicGuy]

Thank you, I got a topical cream from the pharmacy and wear a soft headband to cover my ear at night. I must say, it is 'lookin' good.' 💞

[AtopicGuy]

Fingers crossed! Once it has healed, try to keep the skin moisturised. Bugs love dry or cracked skin.

[Grammy80 in reply to AtopicGuy]

I'll keep using my 'AtopicGuy' ointment for sure; no bugs, thanks💞