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There's a lump at the entrance of the ear that hurts when pressed; what could be the cause?

Nov 10, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
The sebaceous glands around the entrance of the ear canal may become blocked due to excessive oil production, forming a small lump. When this lump is pressed, it can cause pain and discomfort, presenting as a small bump near the entrance of the ear canal. It is important to keep the entrance of the ear canal clean to prevent oil buildup. Gently clean the skin around the ear canal entrance with a mild facial cleanser, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal itself.

Generally, a painful lump at the entrance of the ear upon pressing may be caused by factors such as skin damage at the ear canal opening, sebum blockage, folliculitis, external otitis, or sebaceous cysts. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific cause in order to achieve effective results. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment. Details are as follows:

1. Skin damage at the ear canal opening: Physical injury to the skin at the ear canal entrance, such as a scratch caused by improper ear cleaning, may lead to local inflammation and pain. Such injuries are usually minor but can cause pain, discomfort, and localized redness and swelling. It is important to keep the ear canal entrance clean and dry and avoid further injury.

2. Sebum blockage at the ear canal opening: Sebaceous glands around the ear canal may become blocked due to excessive sebum production, forming a small lump. When pressure is applied to the lump, it may cause pain and discomfort, manifesting as a small bump near the ear canal entrance. It is important to maintain cleanliness at the ear canal entrance and avoid sebum accumulation. Mild facial cleansers may be used to clean the skin around the ear canal entrance, but it is important to avoid inserting anything into the ear canal itself.

3. Folliculitis: Folliculitis is an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infection of hair follicles, typically presenting as red papules or pustules centered around the follicles. When the follicles at the ear canal entrance become infected, small painful lumps may develop, accompanied by localized redness and swelling. Anti-inflammatory treatments such as mupirocin ointment, erythromycin ointment, or fusidic acid cream may be used under a doctor's guidance.

4. External otitis: External otitis is an inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the external ear canal, which may be caused by bacterial or fungal infections. The inflammation causes swelling and pain of the external ear canal skin and may lead to the formation of small lumps, accompanied by itching in the external ear canal. Medications such as erythromycin ointment, tetracycline hydrochloride ointment, or ofloxacin ear drops may be used under medical supervision for their anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Sebaceous cyst: This condition occurs when excessive skin sebum production leads to pore blockage, causing sebum to accumulate and form a cyst. When a cyst develops at the ear canal entrance, it may cause pain and discomfort, and may even discharge pus if ruptured. If the cyst is small and not infected, observation and regular follow-up may suffice. If the cyst is large or already infected, surgical removal under a doctor's guidance is recommended, such as incision and drainage, sebaceous cyst excision, or electrocauterization.

In daily life, maintaining local cleanliness and dryness is an important method for preventing and treating these conditions.

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