A bump on your earlobe may be a cyst. They are similar in appearance to pimples, but they’re different. Some cysts do not need treatment. If the cyst causes pain or does not go away, you should seek the help of a medical professional. Cysts can affect the earlobe when skin cells from the innermost layer of the skin instead of shedding.
Causes of earlobe cyst
A cyst is a well-defined soft tissue lump most commonly composed of thick white proteinaceous material. Skin cells normally proliferate and migrate towards the surface of the skin before they are shed. In some cases, these skin cells can end up migrating into the deeper layers of the skin and compose the cyst lining just beneath the epidermal layer.
Cysts can also develop if the most superficial part of a hair follicle becomes disrupted. Another name for cysts is epidermal inclusions cysts or epidermal cysts. Cyst removal is one of the many different types of skin lesion removal treatment carried out at the Center for Surgery in London.
Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of epidermal inclusion cysts occurring, including:
- Injury to the skin
Soft tissue injury may result in abnormal skin healing and healthy skin cells can migrate into the deep layers of the skin leading to the formation of a cyst.
- age
Cysts are the most common in men and are rare in childhood, although puberty increases the risk of developing cysts.
- genetics
Several rare medical conditions are present from birth and are associated with an increased likelihood of developing systems, including Gardner syndrome, which is also associated with multiple polyposes in the large intestine.
- acne
Patients who suffer from acne are at higher risk of developing cysts beneath the skin and this is particularly likely in severe cases of acne, also known as cystic acne.
Symptoms
The following symptoms include:
- A small, flesh-colored bump under the skin of the earlobe
- A cyst that is firm and round
- A cyst that may or may not have a central plug, which looks like a blackhead
- Drainage of keratin, a thick, cheese-like substance that can have a foul odor
At times, earlobe cysts can become infected and require medical attention. Signs of an infection may include:
- Redness and inflammation of the area
- Swelling and tenderness or pain
- A boil-like infection from a burst cyst
Treatment
Epidermal earlobe cysts are diagnosed by examination and do not require treatment in most cases. Sometimes, a doctor will take a sample of a cyst, during a procedure known as a biopsy, and examine the sample under a microscope. A doctor may recommend antibiotics in the event of infection. They may also inject a steroid into cysts to reduce inflammation.
While earlobe cysts cannot be prevented, they can be managed at home if there are no signs of infection. Do not squeeze a cyst, as this can cause scarring and lead to infection. A person may want to place a warm compress over the cyst, to promote drainage and healing.
