A lump has grown inside the ear, and it hurts when touched. What's the cause and what should be done?

Generally, a lump inside the ear that is painful upon touch may be caused by improper diet, external otitis, folliculitis, external auditory canal furuncle, or sebaceous cysts. These conditions can be relieved through dietary adjustments, medication, or surgical treatment. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, such as hot pot, barbecue, and spicy crayfish, may cause internal heat, leading to the formation of a lump inside the ear and pain upon touch. It is advisable to adjust your diet promptly, avoid long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, and increase intake of digestion-friendly foods such as corn and cucumber.

2. External Otitis

External otitis is usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections, possibly resulting from swimming, excessive ear cleaning with cotton swabs, or trauma. It is recommended to keep the ears dry and avoid getting water inside. Medications such as hydrocortisone cream, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride ear drops, and mometasone furoate cream may be used as directed by a physician to improve symptoms.

3. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an inflammatory reaction caused by infection of hair follicles and surrounding tissues by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. This may occur due to poor ear hygiene leading to bacterial growth. Under a doctor's guidance, topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid cream or mupirocin ointment can be used for treatment.

4. External Auditory Canal Furuncle

External auditory canal furuncles are typically caused by infections of hair follicles and surrounding tissues in the cartilaginous part of the external ear canal. Factors such as low immunity, improper diet, and unhygienic ear-picking habits may also trigger this condition. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as amoxicillin capsules or ampicillin capsules may be used to help reduce inflammation and fight infection.

5. Sebaceous Cyst

Sebaceous cysts form due to blockage of sebaceous gland ducts, resulting in the accumulation of glandular contents. They may be caused by trauma, infection, or excessive sebaceous gland secretion. Small cysts generally resolve spontaneously, while larger ones can be treated with a sebaceous cyst excision procedure under medical guidance to remove the cyst wall and prevent recurrence.

If symptoms continue to worsen, it is recommended to seek treatment at a reputable hospital to avoid delaying care. During treatment, adequate rest, sufficient sleep, and avoidance of strenuous activities are important for recovery.