Lumps & Bumps Behind Your Ears? Here’s What You Need to Do

Bumps on the road are troublesome enough to deal with. Sometimes, you call them speedbreakers. Although speedbreakers are meant for your safety, it’s a completely different story when it comes to discovering lumps or bumps behind your ear. Let’s talk about why these bumps surprise you, what signs to look for, and simple things you can do to deal with them.

Why You Have Ear Bumps: The Causes

It might or might not have made sense to you when your friends surprised you with ‘birthday bumps’ on your special day. But there’s a reason why bumps show up in your ears. Let’s look at some common ones:

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: They’re like guards in your body, always on high alert, taking immediate action on a nearby infection or inflammation. In most cases, it’s just your body handling a pathological (disease-oriented) issue. So, there’s nothing much for you to worry about. Relax, take a chill pill, and sit back as Game of (Lymph) Nodes unfolds in your body.
• Sebaceous Cysts: ‘Sebaceous’ refers to oil or fat in skin cells. ‘Sebaceous cysts’ are small sacs filled with fluid which show up as uninvited bumps on your skin. They often come from blocked hair follicles or glands. They’re usually harmless, but might bother you a bit. See your doctor if it gets too bothersome.
• Pilar Cysts: These are harmless growths around hair follicles. They don’t usually cause trouble, but they might make you curious or concerned.
• Infections: Sometimes, infections in your ear or scalp can make lumps behind your ear. Getting rid of the infection is important to make these bumps go away.
• Skin Tags: These are like tiny flaps of skin. They're harmless, but if they bother you, a doctor can remove them.

Signs to Watch For

While not all lumps show clear signs, here are some things to watch for:

• Pain or Tenderness: If you feel discomfort around the lump, it might mean there's an issue.
• Size Changes: If the lump gets big quickly or stays large, it's a sign to pay more attention.
• Skin Changes: If the skin over the lump turns red or warm, there might be an issue underneath.

What You Can Do

• Wait and See: For many lumps, especially swollen lymph nodes, it's often okay to wait. They might go away on their own as your body deals with the issue.
• Warm Compress: Putting a warm cloth on the lump can help, especially for cysts or swollen lymph nodes. It's an easy way to ease any discomfort.
• Antibiotics: If an infection causes the lump, your doctor might give you antibiotics. These medicines help your body fight the infection and make the lump go away.
• Minor Surgery: For lumps that stick around or bother you, a small surgery might be an option. This is often the case for cysts or skin tags. Removing them ensures they won't come back.
• Ask a Doctor: If you’re not sure, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can check the lump, do tests if needed, and guide you on the best steps based on what they find.

Conclusion

Finding a lump behind your ear can be as scary as realizing you’re about to get bombarded with ‘birthday bumps’ on your special day. But with some knowledge, you can learn to handle it better. Whether it's there for a short time or stays longer, talking to a doctor and being aware can help you deal with it. Every lump has its story, and understanding it with a doctor's help leads to a healthier and bump-free life.