Why do I have a hole near my ear?

A preauricular pit—also referred to as a preauricular sinus or fistula—is a tiny, abnormal hole in front of the ear. It may appear more like a dimple or a piercing in an odd place. A preauricular pit occurs as a result of fusion problems during the sixth week of gestation, when the ear is developing.

Why do Preauricular pits smell?

However, these sinuses can drain a foul smelling discharge, and when this happens, they are prone to chronic infection. Once infected, preauricular sinuses rarely remain asymptomatic, giving rise to recurrent infections, cellulitis, or even abscess formation, a collection of pus that needs to be lanced.

Can hole in ear be cured?

Most ruptured (perforated) eardrums heal without treatment within a few weeks. Your provider may prescribe antibiotic drops if there’s evidence of infection. If the tear or hole in the eardrum doesn’t heal by itself, treatment will likely involve procedures to close the tear or hole.

Is preauricular sinus rare?

A preauricular sinus is a common congenital malformation characterized by a nodule, dent or dimple located anywhere adjacent to the external ear. Frequency of preauricular sinus differs depending the population: 0.1–0.9% in the US, 0.9% in the UK, and 4–10% in Asia and parts of Africa.

What is a wisdom hole?

A preauricular pit is a small hole or cyst just in front of your ear above your ear canal. This hole marks a sinus tract under the skin that’s in the wrong place. These tracts can vary in size. Some people have a short tract while others have a longer one with lots of branches.

How do I know if my preauricular pit is infected?

Signs and symptoms A visible tiny opening in front of one or both ears. An opening that appears as more of a dimpling. Swelling, pain, fever, redness or pus in and around the pit, signaling an infection, such as cellulitis or an abscess.

Why is pus coming out of my preauricular pit?

An opening that appears as more of a dimpling. Swelling, pain, fever, redness or pus in and around the pit, signaling an infection, such as cellulitis or an abscess. A slow-growing painless lump right next to the opening, signaling a cyst. A cyst also raises the risk of infection.

Why are some babies born with a hole in their ears?

Preauricular pits occur during the development of an embryo. It most likely occurs during the formation of the auricle (the outer part of the ear) during the first two months of gestation. Experts think the pits develop when two parts of the auricle, known as the hillocks of His, don’t properly join together.

Can slapping cause ear damage?

A slap on the ear with an open hand or other things that put pressure on the ear can tear the eardrum. Ear infections. An infection of the middle ear or inner ear can cause pus or fluid to build up behind the eardrum. This can make the eardrum burst.

Is preauricular pit a birth defect?

Preauricular pits are congenital, meaning children are born with this malformation when ear development goes awry early in gestation. However, the malformation is not associated with hearing impairments, and only rarely associated with a genetic syndrome involving other problems.