Including the earlobe, almost any part of the body can develop cysts and other bumps. These cysts typically don’t hurt, aren’t cancerous, and don’t cause any significant issues. Earlobe cysts also called epidermoid or epidermal inclusion cysts, have a slow rate of growth.
Generally speaking, a doctor will only advise removal if there is pain, discomfort, bursting, or infection. Adults often develop cysts on the face, neck, or trunk, which are not heavily covered in hair. Here, we go over the signs and symptoms of an earlobe cyst and what to anticipate.
What is an earlobe cyst?
Earlobe cysts are clumps of dead skin cells that resemble sacs. Under the skin, they appear as tiny, smooth bumps that resemble blemishes. They come in various colors, from red to ones that closely resemble your skin tone. They typically don’t exceed the size of a pea. However, keep an eye on them to see if their size changes. They almost always pose no danger and should only be a minor cosmetic annoyance or distraction. For instance, if your headphones rub against them, they might feel uncomfortable.
Why do earlobe cysts develop?
An epidermoid cyst is another name for an earlobe cyst. These happen when epidermis cells that ought to be shed proliferate deeper in your skin. These cells create the cyst’s walls and secrete keratin, which fills the cyst with the material.
Harmed oil glands or hair follicles may bring them on. Additionally, cysts frequently run in families or can form for no apparent reason. Most people experience them at some point. Both the earlobes and the scalp may develop them. However, they typically don’t warrant worry.
The following are possible risk factors for an earlobe cyst:
- Age: after puberty, most frequently observed
- Genetics: diseases like Gardner’s syndrome are more prevalent in people with a positive family history.
- Recurrent harm: leads to abnormal healing and epithelium growth that is misdirected, resulting in cysts
- Acne: past history of acne
- Malignant conditions: like melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma
How is a cyst in the earlobe treated?
Depending on how severe it is, a cyst may require treatment. You don’t need to treat the cyst if it doesn’t bother you. It ought to go away on its own. If the cyst bothers you, causes a lot of pain, or becomes too big, you might want to have it removed. You should see a doctor if the cyst causes persistent pain or hearing loss to prevent infection.
It can be taken out surgically by a doctor using a local anesthetic. The cyst will be cut and removed, and the doctor will suture the skin. If the cyst returns, which can occasionally happen, it can be easily removed once more.