Surely you were bathing or combing your hair and you discovered it: a strange bump behind your ear. Usually this type of lump does not itch, it does not hurt, it does not bother, it does not even feel, which makes it more difficult to realize its existence. But now that you know it’s there, you want to do your best to remove it.
The first thing you should know is that, except in very exceptional cases, these formations are not dangerous, but they must be kept under observation to monitor their development. If you wonder Why do I have a lump behind my ear?, this oneHOWTO article is for you, because we will explain some of the most common causes of its appearance, what to do to make it disappear and what are the warning signs for you to seek medical help.
Swelling of the lymph nodes
One of the reasons that can explain the formation of a lump behind the ear is a Swelling of the lymph nodes, which are responsible for defending the body against the presence of microorganisms or harmful substances. When there is a bacterial or viral infection, the lymph nodes swell, and since we have lymph nodes behind the ears, it is normal that when they swell they feel like a kind of lump.
In addition to infections caused by bacteria or viruses, the nodes that are located behind the ears also react to the damage caused by an injury to the neck, becoming inflamed. In any case, it is best to avoid touching them constantly, as that will only lengthen the recovery period. The nodes will deflate on their own after a few days or weeks.
Sebaceous cyst
When one or more skin follicles become inflamed or infected, folliculitis occurs, and the expression of this disorder is the formation of a sebaceous cyst in the affected area. The mass is formed by the accumulation of protein or sebaceous material inside the skin, which cannot come out due to the obstruction of the hair follicle. Generally, the sebaceous cyst is painless, but if it becomes infected it will cause pain and inflammation around the affected area.
Depending on the size of the cyst and whether or not it is infected, minor surgery may be required to remove the lump behind the ear, or treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
A lump behind the ear from acne
The overactivity of the sebaceous glands causes a excessive fat production It accumulates in the pores of the skin and is known as acne. Acne manifests as black, red, or whitish-tipped bumps on the neck, face, or behind the ears, and in the most severe cases, they can become infected due to the action of bacterial agents.
There are multiple factors that affect the appearance of acne: from hormonal problems to stress, through the effect of some medications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a specialist doctor to find the cause of the problem and find the most effective treatment.
In oneHOWTO we give you some tips so that you know how to prevent acne.
Other conditions
There are other disorders that could manifest with the presence of a lump behind the ear, such as thyroid problems, lymph node tumor, toxoplasmosis, scalp infections, dermatitis, or allergies.
For this reason, it is important that once the mass is discovered, it is followed up to determine if there are significant changes that require the intervention of a medical professional, to rule out a major disorder.
Alert symptoms
In most cases, the bumps behind the ears go away on their own. In others, they require the application of medications or minor surgeries but are still harmless. However, you have to pay attention if the following symptoms occur:
- Alteration in the shape or color of the lump.
- If it secretes liquid.
- If it secretes blood.
- If other similar bumps appear.
- If the lump starts to hurt or itch.
In any of these cases you have to go to the doctor immediately.
Home remedies to combat lumps in the ears
When the lumps behind the ears are inflamed or infected, there are Natural medicine They can be used to eliminate the bacterial agents that exacerbate the problem. These are just three ways to do it:
- Apple cider vinegar: This vinegar contains acetic acid, an agent that helps fight bacteria. You can take advantage of this property by smearing it on a clean bandage and applying it to the lump. Leave it for two or three days and when you remove it you will see that a scab will have formed on the bump. Let that layer fall off on its own as the days go by, and when that happens, clean yourself with a mild soap and put a bandage back on, but this time without the apple cider vinegar. In a couple of days, the infection will be gone and the cyst will most likely be gone as well.
- Castor oil: one of the active compounds present in this oil is ricin, which has antibacterial properties, making it ideal for combating toxic microorganisms that cause cyst or lump infection. To use it, soak a compress in hot water, squeeze it out, and then brush it with the oil. Hold the compress behind your ear for half an hour. You can apply this home remedy before going to bed for a week.
- aloe vera: the combination of its sterols, which are chemical compounds with anti-inflammatory action and its antibacterial properties make aloe vera one of the most versatile home remedies. It can be used to remove bumps behind the ears by cutting a stem to extract the gel inside and applying it directly to the bump until it penetrates the skin. You can use it until the infection clears.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I have a lump behind my ear?, we recommend that you enter our category of Diseases and side effects.