Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Swollen, scaly earlobe

Almost two weeks ago I woke up with a fair amount of pain coming from my right earlobe. I felt it and it was swollen to about the size of a small marble, red, hard, and painful to the touch. I've occasionally gotten small bumps along the backs of my ears before, but they were really more like pimples than anything and went away within a few days, so nothing really like my current issue.

As of today, the pain and swelling has gone down somewhat. It feels like a firm lump right where my earlobe connects with my head and the skin on and around it has become very scaly and itchy. I'd love some insight as to what this could be and whether it's worth making a doctor's appointment for. Thank you!
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Any pimple like swelling near the ear could occur due to few basic possibilities namely a Pimple itself, infected ingrown hair follicle or sebaceous cyst, ear infection and parotid gland infection (parotitis). Pimple or sebaceous cyst may occur due to excess oil clogging in the skin pore. Ear infections like middle or external ear infections can also cause such pimple like fistulous tract opening which may change size after bursting but tend to remain persistent until underlying ear infection is diagnosed by an ENT specialist.

I suggest you to get it seen from an ENT specialist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.




Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If it was my ear, I'd make that doctor's appointment. You may need an antibiotic to treat that 'lump'...only a doctor can tell you when she/he sees it.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community

Top Dermatology Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions