What causes a hard lump to grow inside the earlobe?

Generally, the formation of hard lumps in the auricle may be caused by excessive sebum secretion, local frictional irritation, sebaceous cysts, auricular pseudocyst, folliculitis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Excessive Sebaceous Gland Secretion: In puberty or individuals with oily skin, over-secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands in the auricle can lead to accumulation of sebum and formation of hard lumps, usually without significant discomfort. Maintain cleanliness of the auricle, wash with warm water, avoid squeezing, and reduce intake of greasy foods to prevent excessive sebum secretion.

2. Local Frictional Irritation: Long-term use of hard earphones or earrings can cause repeated friction on the skin of the auricle, leading to local tissue hyperplasia and formation of hard lumps, which may be accompanied by mild tenderness. Switch to loose and soft earphones or temporarily stop wearing earrings to reduce friction. Topical application of vitamin E cream may help soften the skin.

3. Folliculitis: Inflammation caused by bacterial infection of hair follicles can lead to the formation of red, hard lumps accompanied by pain and redness and swelling. Patients may use topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or oral antibiotics like cefaclor capsules as directed by a physician. Avoid squeezing the lump to prevent spreading the infection.

4. Sebaceous Cyst: Blockage of the sebaceous gland duct leads to sebum accumulation and cyst formation, presenting as a round, hard lump with a smooth surface, generally painless. Small cysts can be observed without immediate treatment; maintain local cleanliness. Larger or recurrent cysts require surgical excision, followed by postoperative use of medications such as erythromycin ointment, amoxicillin capsules, or cefuroxime axetil tablets as directed to prevent infection.

5. Auricular Pseudocyst: Fluid accumulation between the auricular cartilage forms a cyst with a hard consistency, accompanied by local swelling and distension pain. Patients may undergo needle aspiration and compression dressing under medical supervision. Anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisolone acetate injection, cefixime dispersible tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used as directed. Recurrent cases may require surgical incision and drainage with compression fixation.

In daily life, maintain good auricle hygiene and avoid frequent touching or squeezing. Choose appropriate earphones and accessories to reduce local irritation. Do not attempt self-treatment when lumps appear, to avoid infection and delay recovery.