You might think it’s weird if you find a new earlobe lump or bump but these growths are common. They aren’t usually dangerous but you should have them checked just in case. A medical provider can examine the location, texture and color, when they started, growth history and whether you have symptoms to figure out the cause.
Why earlobe bumps happen
“Piercing is a common trigger for ear bumps,” said Rita Fisler, MD, a dermatologist with Banner - University Medicine. Piercing can trigger scar tissue, cysts and keloids but you can also get earlobe bumps without piercings from skin growths, infection, other types of cysts, inflammation, blood vessel growth and skin cancers.
Dr. Fisler explained more about common types of growths on the earlobe.
Keloid on the ear
A keloid is thick, raised scar tissue that can develop months after a skin injury, including ear piercing. It can feel firm and rubbery and can grow larger than the original piercing or injury. It can be itchy, tender or painful or have no symptoms at all.
Hypertrophic scar
These scars are similar in texture to a keloid, but they don’t grow beyond the original injury, so they are usually smaller than keloids.
Cyst on the earlobe
A cyst is a soft, smooth, round bump under the skin that you can usually move with your fingers. It may have a blackhead-like opening. It’s usually painless but it can hurt if it gets inflamed or infected. You should not squeeze a cyst but if you do (or you did) it may drain thick or cheesy contents.
Some common types of cysts include epidermal cysts, pilomatricomas and myxoid cysts (cysts filled with a jelly-like substance), which can be seen on the earlobe.
A cyst feels like something soft under the skin while a keloid is firm and feels like the skin itself has become the mass. A health care provider can confirm whether you have a cyst, keloid or another type of growth on your ear.
Infection or irritated ear piercing
A bump near a piercing that appears quickly may be an infection or inflammation. Common signs of an infected earlobe bump include redness, warmth, swelling, pain, drainage or crusting. Viral infections on the ears include herpes viruses, molluscum and warts.
Jewelry allergies and reactions
Nickel is common in jewelry and can cause a bump to form due to inflammation. You may also notice itching, crusting and scarring from scratching.
“The tissue can become thick and nodular but it is not the same as a keloid or scar,” Dr. Fisler said. If you have had sensitivities to other jewelry such as necklaces, watch bands or belt buckles and the area has been itching you might have a nickel allergy.
What not to do with an earlobe growth
Don’t twist, squeeze or repeatedly touch the area. “We have all picked or squeezed things at some point in our lives but this is the worst thing to do for a bump on the ear as it can cause more inflammation, infection and scarring and potentially make it harder to remove,” Dr. Fisler said.
Don’t poke a growth on the earlobe with a sharp object like a pin since you could introduce bacteria and cause an infection.
Could an earlobe growth be skin cancer?
Most earlobe growths are not cancer but skin cancer can sometimes appear on the ear as a new or changing growth. “Changes in color, size and shape, bleeding or crusting on the bump without any trauma to the area are all reasons to see a dermatologist,” Dr. Fisler said.
You should also get checked if the spot itches, hurts, does not heal or looks different from other spots. Your risk for skin cancer may be higher if you have a previous history of skin cancer, heavy sun exposure or tanning bed use or if you are taking drugs that suppress your immune system.
When to see a doctor
Get care for a bump you aren’t sure about or that is:
- Growing rapidly
- Painful
- Red, warm, swollen or draining
- Accompanied by fever
- Bleeding on its own (not after squeezing or cutting)
- Changing color or shape
- Raised when it was flat before
- Not going away or coming back after it was removed
A doctor can evaluate your bump and recommend a treatment plan. Keloids are only rarely cut out and, if so, they are typically treated during or after the surgery. Otherwise, they can come back bigger than they were before.
Bottom line
Most earlobe growths are benign and many are linked to piercings, cysts or scar tissue. But a bump that grows quickly, hurts, drains, bleeds, changes color or does not go away should be checked. A primary care provider or dermatologist can confirm what it is and guide your care.
If you have a new or changing bump on your earlobe, a Banner Health provider can evaluate it and recommend the right treatment.
FAQs about earlobe growths
What causes a lump on the earlobe?
A lump on the earlobe may be caused by a cyst, keloid, irritation, scar tissue, infection or other types of skin growth that need to be diagnosed by a provider.
Why is there a bump where my ear was pierced?
An ear piercing bump may be irritation, infection, scar tissue, a keloid or a cyst. A provider can help identify the cause.
Can I pop an earlobe cyst?
No. Squeezing or popping a cyst can worsen inflammation, infection or scarring.
Are keloids on the ear dangerous?
Keloids are not cancer but they can grow, itch, hurt or affect your appearance. A dermatologist can discuss ear keloid treatment options.
When should I worry about an earlobe growth?
Get it checked if it grows quickly, bleeds, drains, changes color, hurts, does not heal or if you have a history of skin cancer.
