An ear (preauricular) tag is a small skin tag or pit in front of the outside part of the ear.
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.
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.
The health care provider will get a medical history and will do a physical examination.
Medical history questions about this condition might include:
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.
Preauricular tag; Preauricular pit
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.
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