There's a lump in front of the ear that hurts when pressed.

A lump appearing in front of the ear that is painful upon pressure may be related to factors such as sebaceous cysts, folliculitis, or preauricular lymphadenitis. Active treatment through surgical drainage and medication is required. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Sebaceous Cyst

This is a relatively common benign retention cyst in clinical practice. When affecting the ear area, it causes a localized lump. If not properly treated promptly, an inflammatory reaction may develop, leading to symptoms such as tenderness upon pressure and fever once infected. Surgical incision and drainage should be considered to promote recovery.

2. Folliculitis

This is a purulent inflammatory reaction resulting from bacterial infection of hair follicles, presenting locally as red rashes or pustules, which are painful when touched. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as ichthammol ointment, fusidic acid cream, or clindamycin phosphate gel.

3. Preauricular Lymphadenitis

This is an inflammatory change in the lymph nodes. Local inflammation can cause lymph node enlargement and degeneration of connective tissue in front of the ear, forming a firm mass, often accompanied by discomfort such as redness, swelling, and tenderness upon pressure. Treatment under medical guidance with medications like cefalexin granules, roxithromycin granules, or cefradine capsules is necessary.

Besides the above-mentioned causes, similar symptoms may also result from conditions such as mumps, temporomandibular joint synovial cysts, or generalized lymphadenopathy. If any bodily discomfort occurs, timely consultation and examination at a正规 hospital are essential to determine the appropriate treatment and promote recovery.