Red and Swollen Skin at the Corners of the Mouth, Pain Inside the Ear: What’s Happening?

Question

The skin at the corners of my mouth has become red and swollen, and I’m experiencing pain inside my ear. What could be the cause?

Answer

Based on the described symptoms, this might be a sign of tonsillitis. Here are some treatment suggestions: For tonsillitis, you can try traditional Chinese medicine treatment: if there are symptoms like slight fever, no sweating, and floating pulse, you can take Mahuang Decoction internally; if the fever is more severe but chills are mild, you can take Yin Chiao Powder internally, or use Niu Huang Jie Du Pill, Jie Du Xian Yang Pill, or Liu Shen Wan internally. Locally, you can apply Bing Po San or Xi Lai San to the throat. Acupuncture at facial carotid, Hegu, and Shaoshang points, or performing mandibular angle occlusion can help reduce inflammation, especially for pain relief. Questioner’s Follow-Up: Thank you! But I’m not very clear. If there’s no throat pain or fever, how could it be tonsillitis?