In most cases, lumps or nodules behind the ears are harmless. They may signal a need for medication, as in the case of an infection, but they rarely are a sign of a dangerous or life-threatening problem. Several conditions may lead to knots, lumps, bumps, or nodules behind your ears. In order of likelihood, they are: 1. Infection
Full Answer
Why does my earlobe have a bump?
What causes this?
- Piercing. This is the most common cause of a swollen earlobe for most people. ...
- Allergic reaction. Allergic reactions, especially to certain kinds of jewelry, can cause one or both earlobes to swell.
- Injury. ...
- Hematoma auris. ...
- Mastoiditis. ...
- Infection. ...
- Bug bite. ...
- Abscess. ...
- Carbuncles and boils. ...
- Cyst. ...
What could cause a bump inside the ear canal?
What causes an ear lump?
- Traumatic causes of ear lumps
- Infectious causes of ear lumps. An infection may produce one or more ear lumps, which may represent localized abscesses or enlarged lymph nodes.
- Tumors that can cause ear lumps
- Serious or life-threatening causes of ear lumps. ...
- Questions for diagnosing the cause of an ear lump
What causes an earlobe bump?
What Causes a Lump in Earlobe?
- Acne. Acne is a localized skin inflammation that is caused by overactive oil glands. ...
- Piercing. Lump in the earlobe is a typical result when it comes to piercing the ears. ...
- Allergic Reaction to Certain Metals or Materials. ...
- Trauma. ...
- Folliculitis. ...
- Cancer. ...
- Clogged Sebaceous Gland. ...
- Epidermoid Cysts. ...
What happens if you pop a cyst in your earlobe?
Popping a cyst could lead to infection or scarring. So, it is not recommended that you pop your earlobe cyst. An earlobe cyst resembles a pimple or benign mass in or around the ear. Cysts are noncancerous growths that contain air or fluids and can be present on any part of the body involving the scalp, behind the ear, around the ear, etc.
What is the hard ball in my earlobe?
An earlobe cyst is also known as an epidermoid cyst. These occur when epidermis cells that should have been shed get deeper into your skin and multiply. These cells form the walls of the cyst and secrete keratin, which fills up the cyst. Damaged hair follicles or oil glands can cause them.
How do I get rid of a lump in my earlobe?
While earlobe cysts cannot be prevented, they can be managed at home if there are no signs of infection. Do not squeeze a cyst, as this can cause scarring and lead to infection. A person may want to place a warm compress over the cyst, to promote drainage and healing.
How do you get rid of a hard ball in your earlobe piercing?
Treatment options include:Corticosteroids: This type of medicine can help shrink the keloid. ... Surgery: A specialist can surgically remove the keloid. ... Laser treatment: Laser treatment can help flatten the keloid scar and make it fade.Cryotherapy: This treatment is appropriate to use on small keloids.
Why is there a ball in my earlobe after wearing earrings?
The most common cause is simply increased friction between the ear hole and the earring. This is most easily remedied by putting petroleum jelly on the earring post and then inserting it into the ear. The petroleum jelly will lubricate the earring to reduce friction.
Can I pop an earlobe cyst?
Cysts form from keratin becoming trapped near a hair follicle or blocked skin duct under the skin. The problem with attempting to pop a sebaceous cyst is that it will likely refill because sebaceous cysts have an entire wall. Removing this wall, or sac, will prevent it from coming back.
How long does it take for an earlobe cyst to go away?
A cyst will not heal until it is lanced and drained or surgically excised. Without treatment, cysts will eventually rupture and partially drain. It may take months (or years) for these to progress. Once they rupture, the painful sebaceous cyst will likely return if the pocket lining is not removed entirely.
Why is my ear piercing hard inside?
Keloids are overgrowths of scar tissue caused by trauma to your skin. They're common after ear piercings and can form on both the lobe and cartilage of your ear. Keloids can range in color from light pink to dark brown.
Do piercing keloids go away?
You cannot get rid of a keloid on your own and it won't go away like other piercing bumps, even if you remove the jewellery, however there are different treatments that can be performed by medical professionals.
What does an earlobe cyst look like?
The following features can be associated along with an earlobe cyst: Bump/elevation on the skin around the earlobe. A firm and round cyst with the same appearance as that of the skin around it. Sometimes, it can be filled with pus (if infected) and cause symptoms such as redness, pain and tenderness.
Can an earlobe cyst be cancerous?
Sebaceous cysts are common and harmless but, rarely, a sebaceous cyst can become malignant (cancerous). A sebaceous cyst is possibly cancerous if it has any of these characteristics: A sign of infection such as pain, redness or pus drainage. A fast rate of growth after being removed.
What is a lump in the earlobe?
The lump in earlobe is a localized swelling or bump that could be anywhere on the ear. Nodule, cyst, or tumor are other words to describe the bump. The lump could be caused by many factors. Some examples are inflammation, infections, and trauma ( 1 ). They vary in sizes.
How to tell if earlobe is lumpy?
How to Identify Lump in the Earlobe. The lumps in earlobe are the sacs filled with dead skin cells. The size of the bumps is small and smooth. They are not larger than a pea, but you need to get them checked if they change in size.
What is the inflammation of the hair follicles?
Folliculitis is an inflammation of one or a group of hair follicles on any part of the body. An inflammation happens from microorganisms that enter the hair follicles that have experienced trauma. These are commonly found on the scalp, but it could happen to earlobes also. The reason for an inflammation on earlobe is the type of earring.
How to remove epidermoid cysts?
Epidermoid cysts are tiny bumps that develop under the skin. You can easily remove them using the fingers. Medical attention is needed if the bumps do not go away on its own in a week, as these bumps can turn into cancer.
What are some examples of injury to the earlobe?
Some examples of injury to the earlobe are unsanitary instruments, insect stings/ bites, cuts, and scratches. Trauma can cause a lump as the skin heals on its own. A lump immediately appears with insect stings or bites. Unsterilized piercing needles and dirty earrings can also cause bumps on earlobes.
What are the symptoms of a swollen ear?
Below the some localized, non-threatening symptom: 1 Itching 2 Pain or tenderness 3 Pus or discharge 4 Redness, swelling, or warmth
Can antibiotics be taken with otitis externa?
Antibiotic pills are ideal for swelling, little ear bumps, or pimples. An exception is for a condition called otitis externa. This situation requires corticosteroid ear drops.
What are the lumps in my earlobe?
Lumps that form in your earlobe are localized area of swelling. Other terms that can be used to describe the various types of lumps include bump, nodule, tumor and cyst. These lumps can be as a result of a number of conditions, including infections, inflammation, tumors or trauma. As per the cause, a lump in earlobe may be single or multiple, ...
What happens if you have a lump in your earlobe?
When you develop a lump in your earlobe it can cause you a lot of discomfort and anxiety to want to know what could have caused its appearance. Some lumps in your earlobe are usually not serious but if your condition case you more trouble make an appointment with your physician to find out what could have caused it since there are many different things that can result to these bumps. Since most of these causes are no severe, for that reason many people do not seek medication.
How to tell if a cyst is a sebaceous cyst?
How to identify sebaceous cyst on earlobe. A sebaceous cyst is a sack-like lump in earlobe made of dead skin cells. Usually, it is small, smooth bump under the skin, similar to a blemish. It may vary in color from matching your skin pigmentation to red. Usually they are no bigger than the size of a pea.
What is the best treatment for a pimple on the ear?
When treating pimple on earlobe, you will need to apply the tea tree oil directly on to it . The oil will provide a protective layer for the earlobe and will help in fighting against any infection.
What does it mean when your earlobe is red?
A lump in earlobe, especially if the site turns red, swollen or painful, or drains pus, could indicate a staphylococcus infection or other bacteria. See your doctor immediately; the doctor might choose to drain the bump and send the fluid for testing to determine the type of bacteria present.
Is oil good for ear?
It is beneficial to oil that contains many anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The properties are vital in helping deal with various health problems such as a cough, toenail fungus, acne, and lump in earlobe. It is also great for dealing with sebaceous cyst, which is one of the causes of pimple on ear.
Is it normal to have a lump in your earlobe?
It is usually normal to develop lumps in and around your earlobe called cysts. They are similar in appearance to pimples, but they are different. Some sebaceous cyst in your earlobe does not need treatment. If the cyst causes pain, or does not disappear, you should seek the help of a medical professional.
Answer: Earlobes
Sometimes people develop epidermal inclusion cysts in their earlobes after piercing. These may or may not have some whitish malodorous discharge. They can be surgically removed. Other common lesions are keloids. Keloids are much trickier to fix since any trauma to your tissues is prone to developing a keloid.
Answer: I have a hard bump on my ear lobe. It's been there for a while, and I'm getting worried. How do I get rid of it?
Hard to tell if that is a keloid or a cyst. I recommend seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for full evaluation.
Answer: Earlobe scar treatment
Thanks for sharing. It does look like a keloid (scar tissue) most likely from a piercing in that area. These should be treated with injections. Commonly a steroid injection and / or 5 FU is used. This may be performed 2 or 3 times spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Consult with a board certified dermatologist / plastic surgeon.
Answer: Lump on Ear Lobe
Lumps on the earlobe are often caused by piercing which can result in a Keloid. Keloids are difficult to treat as they are not predictably cured by surgery or injections. Once a keloid as grown to a certain size injection may shrink it but not enough to make it small enough to be acceptable.
Answer: Keloid on Ear
This is a keloid scar and can be treated with surgical removal and/or injections. I suggest seeing a well trained procedural cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer.
What causes a bump in the ear?
There are several reasons for the appearance of a bump in the ear canal. Consider the most common of them: 1 Sebaceous cysts are safe lumps consisted of skin oils and dead skin cells. These cysts are the most common type of cysts seen in the ear. 2 Otitis externa, also called swimmer’s ear, is an infection of the ear canal that can trigger swelling that may seem like a bump in the ear. 3 Excess growth of bone in the ear canal triggers non-cancerous osteomas and exostoses. 4 Keloids, caused by overgrowth of scar tissue, can likewise trigger bumps if you have had an injury to the ear canal. 5 Ceruminoma, a cancerous growth that establishes in the external part of the ear canal, kinds when cancer develops in cells that make earwax. 6 Two types of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell cancer, can cause bumps on the external part of the ear canal after years of sun exposure.
What is the most common type of cyst in the ear?
Consider the most common of them: Sebaceous cysts are safe lumps consisted of skin oils and dead skin cells. These cysts are the most common type of cysts seen in the ear. Otitis externa, also called swimmer’s ear, is an infection of the ear canal that can trigger swelling that may seem like a bump in the ear.
Why does my hearing go down in one ear?
If you observe a decrease in hearing in one ear, a large bump that obstructs the ear canal might be to blame. Hearing loss can also take place if wax builds up around the bump. Otitis externa may be accompanied by itching, drainage, pain in the ear lobe and swollen glands in the neck.
How to tell if a boil is in your ear?
If you are able to see the bump either by looking in the mirror, taking an picture, or having actually a trusted specific have a look for you, you can inspect to see if the bump is bigger, pinkish red, and perhaps has a white or yellow center. If a lesion like this is present, it’s probably a boil. If the boil is really in your ear, you may ...
What is the best treatment for otitis externa?
Corticosteroid ear drops will help reduce swelling brought on by otitis externa, while antibiotics will help control the infection. Doctors treat ceruminoma, basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer with surgery and removal of surrounding tissue and radiation therapy.
What happens if you get a boil in your ear?
If the boil is really in your ear, you may experience pain in your ear, jaw, or head. You might likewise experience some problems in hearing, as the bump may be obstructing your ear canal.
Can bumps in the ear hurt?
Bumps can form at any point in the ear canal. Lumps or bumps might be soft or tough, depending upon the type. Some bumps might hurt, while others may be painless, but can affect hearing if they obstruct the ear canal.
What Counts as a Lump Behind the Ear?
A lump is a small- to medium-sized bump. A lump behind the ear can develop anywhere between the top of the ear down to the lobe. The lumps can feel soft or hard.
What Causes a Lump Behind the Ear?
A lump can form behind the ear for several reasons. The most common causes of a lump in this spot are infections and skin conditions. Less frequently, tumors can develop here.
Skin Conditions
If you have certain skin conditions, you might feel some lumps or bumps in the space behind your ear. Pimples, cysts, and lipomas can all occur in this area.
When to See a Doctor
If you find a lump behind your ear, you might be wondering if you need to seek medical attention for it. While most lumps behind your ear are not serious, there are some cases for which you should have a doctor take a look.
Treatment
Most infections that cause a lump behind the ear will go away on their own. For example, a mild ear infection that causes swollen lymph nodes may resolve on its own. However, bacterial infections will require antibiotic treatment.
Summary
A lump behind the ear can have several possible causes, many of which are not serious. However, if the lump hurts, gets bigger, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it should be checked out by a doctor.
A Word From Verywell
If you find a lump behind your ear, you may not know what it is. Lumps can form anywhere on the body, including behind your ear. Most of the time, the cause is something that is not serious and that will get better on its own or with minimal treatment.
How to get rid of cysts on earlobe?
A cold compress can decrease blood flow to the area, which can ease swelling symptoms. If you suspect you have a cyst on your earlobe, a warm compress can help. If your earlobe is painful, over-the-counter pain medication can also be helpful.
How to stop earlobe from swelling?
It can also help to keep your ears clean. Use a cotton swab or damp washcloth only on the outside of the ear to clean it.
Why is my earlobe red?
A swollen earlobe can be red, uncomfortable, and painful. The typical causes of earlobe swelling are infection, allergies, and trauma. While most earlobe injuries can be treated with over-the-counter medications and home remedies, you might want to see your doctor if your symptoms are really severe.
What happens if you wake up with a swollen earlobe?
If you wake up with a swollen and itchy earlobe, it’s possible you’re being bitten at night by bed bugs or other insects. First aid will depend on the type of insect that bit you.
What is the infection of the mastoid bone?
Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, located in the inner ear. The mastoid bone is structurally unlike other bones in the body. It’s made of air sacs and looks like a sponge. Symptoms of mastoiditis, aside from redness and swelling, include: drainage from the affected ear. pain.
Why do my earrings swell?
Allergic reaction. Allergic reactions , especially to certain kinds of jewelry, can cause one or both earlobes to swell. In most allergic reactions, the nickel in earrings can cause inflammation and swelling. Removing the earrings and choosing to wear those that don’t contain nickel can help with any remaining symptoms.
What is hematoma auris?
It’s most commonly developed in contact sports such as wrestling, boxing, and martial arts. Hematoma auris occurs when blood collects in the outer ear. When the injury isn’t drained properly, it can result in infection and deformity.
What causes a lump in the front of the ear?
They include: Warts. Tuberculosis.
What does it mean when you have a lump in your ear?
A lump in front of the ear can be painful. If you have a lump, it’s important to get it looked at. New lumps anywhere on the body may be a sign of a benign tumor or cancer. Treatment ranges from over-the-counter pain relievers to surgical removal, radiation, and chemotherapy depending on the cause of the lump. 1.
Why is my ear bump swollen?
If the bump in the ear is a swollen lymph node, the lymph node itself is not infected. It is swollen because there is an infection somewhere in the ear or the mouth. The lymph nodes in front of the ear drain this area of the body. —Dr. Lauren Levy
What is the treatment for a cyst in the ear?
Incision and drainage (cutting the lump open) is the treatment for an inflamed cyst. Surgery is for removing both benign (lipomas, cysts) and malignant (cancer) growths in front of the ear and other areas of the body.
Why do lymph nodes swell up?
Lymph nodes are home to the cells of the body that fight infection. When you have an infection, lymph nodes swell up because they are working overtime. The lymph nodes in front of the ear are called the preauricular lymph nodes.
What is a small bump on the side of the face called?
Small pink or red bump. White pus, yellow-white keratin (whitehead), or black keratin (blackhead) in the center. May have pain. Pimples are also called comedones, spots, blemishes, acne, or zits. They are small pockets in the skin filled with dead skin cells, bacteria, oil, and white blood cells (the cause of pus).
What is a white bump on the skin?
In whiteheads (closed comedones), which are small white bumps, the keratin has not been exposed to air. Cyst-like acne lesions are painful, red, angry-looking bumps on the skin. They form when there is a lot of inflammation in the skin. Pus forms from the white blood cells that are in the oil (sebaceous) gland.