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cwillie Asked November 2015

Any ideas how to stop a pressure sore on the ear?

My mom has had a "little sore" that would come and go on the top of her ear for many years. Now that she is in bed a lot it is constant and I have come to realize that this is a pressure sore. I am at a loss how to stop it, I've tried placing a doughnut shaped foam cushion under her head but if she moves just a fraction her ear is no longer in the hole, and she doesn't like lying on her other side for long.

cwillie Nov 2015
Stacey, great minds think alike. I tried the little corn rings but they wouldn't stay in place :(

staceyb Nov 2015
How about trying one of those tiny adhesive donuts that people use for corns on their feet and toes, that is if they are NON-medicated, and her skin can tolerate the adhesive. You are well versed in skin Cancer, I know, but do still have it evaluated by her Dr, non the less, as they may be able to "freeze" it, and perhaps it will then heal completely for once and for all.

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GardenArtist Nov 2015
You're right; and I think it relates to the thinner skin of older people. I've even noticed this on one of my ears.

Did some quick checking and found a whole list of ear skin issues at NIH:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2267455/. It's long, but comprehensive.

I'm wondering if some cotton fixed with the light medical tape applied at night might help? I'd still get it checked out though.
But your post is a good reminder to pay attention to ear skin.

cwillie Nov 2015
This is in the inner fold along the edge of her ear, and I'm pretty sure it is related to her lying on it. I was surprised to read that it is fairly common even in younger people, there is even a name for it. Of course the advice is to stop putting pressure on the ear, but I have not been very successful in doing this.

GardenArtist Nov 2015
Does she wear glasses or use oxygen? My father has gotten little scabs on his ears from friction of the oxygen cannula when the little foam wrap comes off, as well as from glasses that eventually worked out of a proper fit and caused chafing.

I would get it checked out though as Jessie suggests before trying anything else.

NYDaughterInLaw Nov 2015
It may not be a pressure sore but rather a skin cancer. Tips of ears are a common place for skin cancers to develop. Skin cancers often look like sores and bleed. Take her to a dermatologist and get a biopsy. There are three types of skin cancers with basal and squamous cell being the most common. Skin cancer is highly curable if caught early. Good luck!

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