What causes a hard lump inside the earlobe?

A hard lump inside the earlobe may be caused by auricular osteophyte, pseudocyst of the auricle, local furuncle, keloid, or other conditions.

1. Auricular osteophyte (bone spur).

If the auricle is irritated by inflammation, bone overgrowth may develop, leading to a hard lump within the earlobe. As the condition progresses, localized pain may also occur.

2. Pseudocyst of the auricle.

When there is inflammatory infection between the auricular cartilage or eardrum, a pseudocyst of the auricle can easily develop, resulting in a hard lump inside the ear. This lump may occasionally cause pain upon touch.

3. Local furuncle (boil).

If hygiene of the earlobe area is neglected and local inflammation or infection occurs, it can easily lead to the formation of a boil. This causes redness and pain in the earlobe, and a hard lump may be felt upon touching.

4. Keloid.

When the earlobe suffers trauma, excessive fibrous tissue growth during wound healing may result in keloid formation, causing a hard lump inside the ear area.