Preauricular Pits and Tag
Preauricular pits and tags are common congenital conditions that appear near a child’s ear, often noticed shortly after birth. A preauricular pit is a small dimple or opening located just in front of the outer ear, while a preauricular tag is a small skin growth or nub. These features develop during early fetal development when the ear structures are forming and are usually harmless. Most children with these findings are otherwise healthy and do not experience problems, but in some cases they may be associated with other anomalies.
Preauricular pits are typically asymptomatic but can occasionally become infected, leading to redness, swelling, pain and drainage from the small opening. Repeated infections or abscesses may indicate the presence of a deeper tract or cyst beneath the skin. Preauricular tags, on the other hand, are usually made up of skin and cartilage and are not associated with deeper structures. Although tags themselves don’t cause infections, some families choose to remove them.
Medical management of an infected preauricular pit includes oral antibiotics to treat the infection. Rarely, an abscess can form and drainage procedures are required. In some circumstances, our providers may recommend a hearing test (audiogram) to ensure normal hearing.
Surgical treatment is recommended in cases of recurrent infections or if the pit is causing frequent discomfort or drainage. Our surgeons perform a procedure to remove the entire tract, reducing the risk of further infection. This is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia and is typically well-tolerated. Preauricular tags can also be surgically removed, particularly if they are large or located in a noticeable area.
Preauricular pits and tags are usually minor findings, but it’s important for parents to monitor them for any signs of infection or discomfort.
If you notice redness, swelling or drainage near your child’s ear please reach out to our team at ENT for Kids to arrange a consultation.