Bumps behind the ear are swellings in the area of the back of the ear muscles. They occur as a result of an allergic reaction, injury, clogged sebaceous glands, or tumor, and can cause a variety of accompanying symptoms and secondary conditions. If treated early, however, they are not problematic and subside after a few days.
What are bumps in the ear?
Bumps behind the ear are swellings or elevations that form primarily on the back of the ear muscles or in the pinna area. The bumps develop slowly and increase in size over the course of days or weeks. As a result of the swelling, pain, burning or general fever symptoms manifest, depending on the cause. Many sufferers initially mistake the bump for a pimple or follicle and attempt to drain the cyst. This can cause the bump to become inflamed and cause an abscess. Bumps behind the ear must be diagnosed and treated quickly to rule out further discomfort or major complications. In addition to medical treatment measures such as surgical opening of the bump or the use of painkillers, various home remedies such as cooling or warm compresses are also used. Bumps behind the ear can be effectively prevented by regular checkups and avoiding dangerous situations.
Causes
A bump behind the ear can have very different causes. Often, the swelling is due to a swollen lymph node that has become inflamed as a result of a cold or infection. Among the pathogens that can cause such swelling are the Epstein-Barr virus or streptococci. Toothaches can also cause swelling around the ear, resulting in a bump. In children and adolescents, a bump behind the ear is often caused by mastoiditis, which may be due to an infected middle ear or a malformation. Painless bumps can be caused by clogged sebaceous glands. Another possible cause is skin tumors or a disease of the lymph glands. If the bump cannot be moved and causes pain when touched, lymph gland cancer may be the cause. Last, a bump can also be caused by an insect bite, injury, or skin irritation. For these causes, a decrease in swelling can usually be observed within a few days.
Diseases with this symptom
- Mastoiditis
- Pimple
- Lymph node swelling
- Pus blisters
- Proliferation
- Cyst
- Hodgkin’s disease
Complications
Bumps behind the ear are usually harmless. Serious complications occur only if the swelling is not treated or is treated inadequately. Then the bump can increase in size and cause severe pain, inflammation, or circulatory problems. If there is an infection, the bump fills with pus. This increases pain and can lead to perforation into the surrounding tissue, resulting in blood poisoning in the worst case. An untreated tumor increases in size and forms metastases in neighboring regions as it progresses. The further the cancer progresses, the less likely a complete recovery is. Eventually, the typical symptoms appear, i.e. malaise, weight loss, organ dysfunction and chronic pain. This is often accompanied by psychological complaints such as depression or anxiety. If there is an underlying injury, an infection may also occur. In addition, scars or sensory disturbances may remain. In rare cases, the injury behind the ear also impairs hearing or causes accompanying symptoms such as concussion and internal bleeding.
When should you see a doctor?
If the bump behind the ear persists for more than a few days or causes severe discomfort, it should be conferred with the family doctor. In general, it is advisable to have swellings and bumps whose cause is unknown or which cause further symptoms clarified by a doctor. This is necessary especially if the symptoms severely affect the well-being or have other effects on health. If a bump occurs as a result of an insect bite, it is best to see a doctor immediately.Medical advice is also needed in case of allergies or injuries, because if left untreated, the bump can become inflamed and cause serious complications. If the bump becomes larger within a short period of time or a throbbing pain sets in, medical assistance is necessary. The same applies if the swelling causes hearing problems, significantly affects well-being or oozes blood. In addition to the family doctor, an internist, allergist or ENT specialist may be consulted, depending on the cause.
Diagnosis
A bump behind the ear is usually noticed by the affected person, who then visits a doctor. The physician performs a careful examination, palpating the cyst. The physical examination often already provides information about possible causes and enables targeted treatment. If no clear trigger can be found through the skin inspection, a biopsy is performed. In this case, the physician removes tissue, which is then examined for possible degenerations. Other diagnostic methods used for unusual swellings or bumps include blood tests to determine protein and electrolyte levels, as well as X-rays, CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging. Depending on the suspicion, the heart, kidneys, liver and immune system may also be examined. Accompanying the physical examination is a comprehensive patient interview, which provides information about any pre-existing conditions or risk factors. Often, the patient can recall an allergic reaction or an injury, which makes it much easier to determine the cause. However, if the bump occurs for no apparent reason, the above diagnostic procedures must be performed. Depending on the suspected cause, the outlook and prognosis can be made.
Treatment and therapy
The measures the physician takes to treat a bump behind the ear depend on the cause. A middle ear infection is treated with antibiotics and pain medication. In addition, the infection must be carefully monitored to detect any worsening of symptoms at an early stage. If an allergy is present, the doctor prescribes appropriate antidotes (such as antihistamines) and recommends that the patient take it easy. If not already done, an allergy test will be performed to determine the triggering allergen. The physician will also give the patient tips on what to do in the event of another allergic reaction. If the bump is due to a tumor, measures such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery or medication may be used. Treatment of a tumor usually takes place in a hospital. A clogged sebaceous gland can be opened directly in the doctor’s office. The doctor will open and drain the bump with a scalpel or sterilized needle. The affected area is then disinfected and the patient is given a mild pain medication. Larger bumps may need to be opened surgically to prevent damage to the ear canals or tissue. Bumps that occurred as a result of an injury usually resolve on their own. The doctor will prescribe the affected person a mild remedy for the pain and recommend general measures such as cooling and strict hygiene. After one to two weeks, a further examination will check whether the swelling has completely subsided. If it has not, a new diagnosis must be made.
Outlook and prognosis
A bump behind the ear is usually unproblematic. Often, the swelling is due to a relatively harmless inflammation or a clogged sebaceous gland. Causes of this type can be quickly remedied with appropriate therapeutic measures, and the bump disappears completely after a few days to weeks. The prognosis is worse if the bump is caused by a tumor. Then, in the worst case, metastasis can occur. In a severe course, metastases form in the internal organs and there is a danger to life. Untreated otitis media can also cause complications, such as hearing loss, superinfection, or falls due to balance problems. Generally, however, the outlook for recovery is good. If the bump behind the ear is examined early and treated depending on the cause, relief can be achieved quickly. Long-term consequences or severe impairment of quality of life are not expected.
Prevention
Allergy sufferers can prevent a bump behind the ear by avoiding contact with insects.In addition, affected persons should always carry an emergency medication with them, which can be applied directly in the event of a sting. Good body hygiene prevents clogged sebaceous glands and thus the development of pimples and bumps. People who repeatedly notice swellings should ask their family doctor or a dermatologist about suitable care products. It is also possible that a certain gel or ointment is responsible for the development of the bumps. A complaints diary helps to identify and eliminate possible causes. In principle, skin changes can be prevented by healthy living habits. Anyone who eats a balanced diet, gets enough sleep and strengthens the immune system by exercising and spending a lot of time outdoors already significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer. Regular screening examinations can detect and treat any degenerations at an early stage.
What you can do yourself
A bump behind the ear should first be examined by a doctor. Depending on what cause the medical professional diagnoses, patients can do a few things themselves to promote recovery. If the bump is due to an allergic reaction, sufficient cooling and heat will help. Immediately after the allergic reaction, the affected area should be cooled with ice cubes or a cold spray. After the redness has subsided, warm cherry pit pillows or packs can be applied. An analgesic ointment such as calendula ointment or aloe vera ointment relieves tightness and reduces pain. Swelling can also be reduced with herbal tea, cottage cheese, soothing baths, oils and other home remedies for swelling. If the bump is caused by clogged sebaceous glands, the skin behind the ear can be loosened with gentle massage. Traction ointment will help the bump mature, which should break up after a few days with proper care. If a tumor is the cause, general measures can be used, such as a change in diet, exercise and avoiding stress. After surgery, the affected area must be treated according to the doctor’s instructions. If further discomfort develops despite all measures, the physician must be informed.