Preauricular sinuses are a congenital condition that results from the incomplete fusion of the earlobes during embryonic development in the womb. These sinuses can be referred to by names, including preauricular cysts, pits, canals, fissures, or ear pits. They appear as a small hole or opening near the ear, usually in front of the ear or near the earlobe.

Characteristics of preauricular holes

The preauricular hole has several unique characteristics, including:

• Appears in front of one or both ears
• They resemble dimples and may have unique shapes depending on a person's body anatomy
• The hole can be small and not very visible or, even large
• Some holes only look like small gaps, while others are deeper

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Are preauricular holes harmful?

Preauricular holes are typically asymptomatic and not a cause for concern. They are often discovered incidentally during a physical exam. 

However, sometimes this hole can become a source of infection or inflammation if dirt or bacteria enter it. Usually, infection in this hole is characterized by several symptoms, including:

• Swelling around the hole
• Discharge of fluid or pus from the hole
• Redness
• Fever
• Pain
• Abscess

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When to see a doctor?

If you have a preauricular hole, you don't necessarily need to visit a doctor unless you experience symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge from the hole. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention. Otherwise, maintaining proper personal hygiene is enough to keep the area clean and healthy.

You need to see a doctor if you notice the following conditions:

• Symptoms of infection in the hole such as redness, swelling, pain, discharge, and fussiness (in children)
• There are symptoms of inflammation such as swelling, redness, pain, or pus discharge from the hole
• There are other complaints related to preauricular holes, especially in children
• The formation of an abscess in the preauricular hole requires medical attention to remove fluid from the abscess

Do preauricular hole infections require treatment?

Infections of the preauricular cavity should be treated promptly to avoid complications such as spreading the infection to surrounding tissue or other parts of the body. 

This infection can also develop into complications such as collection of abscesses, spread of infection to the bones to toxic syndrome where bacteria from the infection spread throughout the body and cause severe symptoms such as high fever, weakness, and organ problems.

If you have an infected preauricular hole, the doctor may use a warm compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain. They may also clean the area and decide to prescribe antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection. In the case of an abscess, the doctor may need to drain the infected area to remove pus.

Learn more about preauricular holes and related symptoms through the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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