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Overview
Ramsay Hunt causes ear pain, blisters, and face weakness.
Early antivirals help.
When to get medical care
Call 911Face drooping with weakness or trouble speaking.
Get care todayBlisters in or around the ear. Face weakness or hearing loss.
See a doctor soonGet seen today instead; don't wait for a regular appointment.
Causes
Causes include shingles and ear infections.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause painful rash or blisters in or around the ear. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome (shingles of the ear)Often needs care today
Shingles that affects the facial nerve near the ear.
What you can do at home
- Keep the area clean.
Medicines
Antivirals and steroids.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Symptoms
The exam
An ear and nerve exam.
Tests
- Hearing test
Prevention
Get vaccinated.
- Shingles vaccine
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.