Skip navigation

Ear tag

An ear (preauricular) tag is a small skin tag or pit in front of the outside part of the ear.

Considerations

Skin tags and pits just in front of the opening of the outside (external) ear are commonly seen in newborn infants.

In most cases, these are normal. However, both preauricular tags and pits can be associated with other medical conditions. It is important to point out skin tags or pits to your child's health care provider during the routine well-child examination.

Causes

  • An inherited tendency to have this facial feature
  • A genetic syndrome that has preauricular pits or tags as one feature
  • A sinus tract problem (an abnormal connection between the skin and tissue underneath)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

A health care provider will usually find the skin tag during the first well-baby examination. However, call your health care provider if the child has bleeding, swelling, or discharge at the site.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The health care provider will get a medical history and will do a physical examination.

Medical history questions about this condition might include:

  • What exactly is the problem (skin tag, pit, or other)?
  • Are both ears affected or only one?
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Does the child respond normally to sounds?

Physical examination:

The baby will be examined for other signs of disorders that are sometimes associated with preauricular tags or pits. A hearing test may be done if the child did not have the usual newborn screening test.

Alternative Names

Preauricular tag; Preauricular pit

Update Date: 5/13/2009

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M Quality Logo

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.

A.D.A.M Logo