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Warning-sign checks

Earlobe creases: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if ear or facial swelling occurs with trouble breathing, throat tightness, faintness, or swelling of the tongue or lips.

    These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

    An earlobe crease alone is not a heart emergency.

    However, seek emergency help for chest pressure or pain, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    A painless crease that has been present for a long time usually does not need urgent care.

    Seek same-day medical care for rapidly spreading redness, increasing warmth or pain, pus, fever, or swelling around a piercing.

    These can occur with an infection.

    Cartilage infection higher on the outer ear can be more serious than an infection limited to the soft lobe.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    You can mention it during a routine appointment if it is new, changing, or causing concern.

    Arrange a routine appointment if the earlobe:

    • Remains itchy, scaly, tender, or swollen
    • Has a lump or raised scar that is growing
    • Repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or develops an open sore
    • Has been stretched or partly torn by an earring
    • Changes without an obvious reason

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Earlobe creases. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.