This is the therapy for a bump behind the ear

Treatment for a bump behind the ear depends on the trigger responsible for the swelling. Since in most cases it is an accompanying reaction of the lymph nodes, the therapy depends on the causative inflammation. In the case of a cold or other virus-induced diseases such as Pfeiffer’s glandular fever, treatment is only carried out by taking it easy on the body and drinking enough fluids.

In the case of an infection caused by bacteria, such as an inflammation of a tooth, treatment with an antibiotic may be appropriate. In the case of bumps behind the ear, which occur without any apparent cause, it is often best to wait and see. If the bump does not change and does not cause any discomfort, treatment is often not necessary.

In many cases, the bump will disappear by itself. However, if this occurs due to illness, various treatment measures may be necessary depending on the diagnosis, including surgical removal of the lump. Only a large abscess (encapsulated, purulent inflammation) may be relieved directly by a puncture under sterile conditions by the doctor.

These are the accompanying symptoms

The most common accompanying symptom of a bump behind the ear is pain. Both lymph node swelling due to an inflammation and an encapsulated inflammation of a hair root (abscess) are usually accompanied by throbbing pain, which is intensified by touch, pressure and movements of the head. Further accompanying symptoms can be redness and overheating of the swelling.

In the case of an abscess, whitish or yellow pus can also shimmer through the taut skin at the bump behind the ear. If fever is an accompanying symptom, unwanted weight loss occurs or you sweat unusually heavily at night, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. In connection with the bump behind the ear, it can be a sign of an infectious disease requiring treatment or even a malignant disease.

Even though bumps behind the ear are often painful, in some cases they occur without pain. There are several possible causes. For one thing, it can be a benign proliferation, which for example originates from fatty tissue and is then called a lipoma.

This can be recognised by its soft, springy consistency. Apart from other possible harmless causes, a bump behind the ear, which occurs without pain and with no recognisable trigger, should also be considered as a serious disease. In particular, if the bump is getting bigger and bigger or has existed for several weeks, a doctor should be consulted for clarification.

Even if potentially dangerous diseases such as an infectious disease or cancer are very rare, the chances of recovery are highest if therapy is initiated in time. In most cases, however, the all-clear can be given and the bump behind the ear does not need to be treated or further attention. Only if it is perceived as disturbing can surgical removal be considered in some cases.