Quick Action Guide
🚨 CALL DOCTOR IF:
- • Ear pit looks red or swollen
- • Pus or fluid leaks from the pit
- • Area is sore or painful
- • Signs of infection appear
💡 IMPORTANT:
- • Don't put anything in the pit
- • Don't pick or squeeze the area
- • Keep it clean with soap and water
- • Most ear pits are harmless and need no treatment
What is a Preauricular Pit?
An ear pit, also called a preauricular (pree-aw-RIK-yuh-ler) pit, is a small opening — about the size of a pinhead — in front of the ear that some babies are born with. Ear pits are common and usually don't cause problems or need treatment. The pit opens into a thin tunnel (called a tract) under the skin. Germs can get into the tract, causing an infection that leads to swelling, soreness, and redness around the ear pit.
Signs & Symptoms
Appearance
An ear pit looks like a small hole or dimple in front of the ear. It can happen on one or both ears. Some kids may have a cyst — a bump under the skin — near the ear pit, which can get infected.
Signs of Infection
- • Swelling around the ear pit
- • Soreness or redness
- • Pus or fluid discharge
- • Pain in the area
Hearing Concerns
Most babies with an ear pit are healthy. Sometimes, a child with an ear pit may have hearing loss. Most babies get a hearing test as part of regular newborn screening.
What Causes a Preauricular Pit?
An ear pit happens early in pregnancy when a baby is just starting to grow. The parts of the ear don't form quite right and the tract and ear pit are developed. It's unclear why this happens. Ear pits can run in families. Rarely, they're part of genetic syndromes that also cause hearing loss and kidney problems.
Associated Conditions
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
A growth disorder that makes the body and internal organs grow too much or get too big.
Branchiootorenal (BOR) Syndrome
A condition that affects the neck, ears, and kidneys.
How Are Preauricular Pits Diagnosed?
Usually, doctors will see and diagnose an ear pit at birth. They'll do an exam to see if there are any other signs that could mean a genetic condition is causing the ear pit. If you notice an ear pit later on, your doctor can recommend an otolaryngologist (oh-toh-lar-un-GAHL-uh-jist), often called an ENT. This is a doctor who cares for the ears, nose, and throat.
Tests That May Be Done
- • Hearing tests as part of regular newborn screening
- • Additional tests if hearing problems are detected
- • Imaging tests if there's an infection or concern about related conditions
- • Tests for genetic syndromes if there are other symptoms
Treatment & Care
No Treatment Needed
Most ear pits don't need treatment. They are harmless and don't cause any problems. Just keep them clean with soap and water.
Infection Treatment
Call your doctor if the pit gets red or swollen, or has pus coming from it. Your child may need an antibiotic. After talking with your doctor, you can also:
- • Put a warm cloth on the ear
- • Keep the ear clean
- • Give a medicine for pain like acetaminophen to help kids feel better
- • Try to have your child avoid touching the area
Surgery
An ear pit that gets infected a lot can be removed with surgery. To do this, the surgeon takes out the tract and closes the hole.
Care Tips
- • Avoid putting anything in the pits: Don't insert objects or try to clean inside the pit
- • Don't pick or squeeze: This can introduce germs and cause infection
- • Keep clean: Use soap and water when washing the rest of your child's face
- • Watch for signs of infection: Redness, swelling, or discharge
- • Most children with ear pits are healthy: Ear pits are usually harmless and don't affect hearing or health
Common Questions
Q: Do preauricular pits change in size?
A: Ear pits are tiny and don't normally change in size. However, if they get infected, they could swell and get bigger. It's important to talk to your doctor if this happens.
Q: What's a preauricular tag?
A: An ear tag (preauricular tag) is a small bump by the front of the ear that doesn't have a hole or cause problems, like an ear pit sometimes can. Some kids may be uncomfortable with the way the tags look, though, and want to get them removed.
Q: Will my child need surgery for their ear pit?
A: Most ear pits don't require surgery. Surgery is only considered if the ear pit becomes infected repeatedly. An ENT doctor will evaluate and make recommendations based on your child's specific situation.
Q: Can ear pits cause hearing problems?
A: Most children with ear pits have normal hearing. However, sometimes ear pits are associated with hearing loss, which is why newborn hearing screening is important. If you have concerns about your child's hearing, discuss them with your doctor.
Q: Are ear pits hereditary?
A: Yes, ear pits can run in families. If you or other family members have ear pits, your child may be more likely to have them. They're more common in certain ethnic groups as well.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information about ear pits (preauricular pits) and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if you notice signs of infection, redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear pit. Trust your parental instincts—if you have any concerns about your child's ear pit or hearing, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.