Why Do Some People Have This Tiny Hole Above Their Ears? Here's What It Actually Is
No, it's not a piercing hole.
By Tamara Jayne — 15 Aug 2023, 11:23 AM
Have you ever wondered what are these intriguing, minuscule holes that some people have near the entrance of their ear canals?
Chances are, you've noticed someone has them, or maybe you have them.
These inconspicuous tiny holes are usually found where the face and the ear cartilage meet.
They are known as preauricular pits, also referred to as preauricular cysts, fissures, or sinuses.
A small segment of the population are born with preauricular pits
While some people might have them on both ears, they usually only affect one.
These small openings are technically birth defects that are connected to an unusual sinus tract underneath the skin.
According to Healthline, these holes occur if the ear doesn't fully develop during the first two months of gestation.
In general, they are not a sign of anything weird or a symptom to be worried about. But in some cases, they can get infected.
If you or someone you know has a preauricular pit and experiences pain, redness, or discharge from the area, it's recommended to seek medical advice to prevent and manage potential infections
If it gets infected, your doctor may prescribe you with a set of antibiotics.
However, in some cases, if the area gets infected repeatedly, your doctor may recommend surgically removing the pit and the tract underneath it.
The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care.
