Occasionally, a person may notice a ball forming behind his or her ear. The latter can have multiple causes and be variously named. One of the best known is the cyst. It is a growth that does not usually have any consequences. What is a cyst behind the ear? How is it treated? What to do in case of infection? Find the elements of answer in this article.
Cyst behind the ear: what is it?
When you notice a lump behind the ear, the chances are that it is a sebaceous cyst are high. This cyst presents a growth that can be seen on the skin or simply on a mucous membrane. In order to be sure, it is advisable to check whether the lump contains gas or liquid, whether it is blood or water.
A cyst behind the ear is a type of abscess that usually occurs due to a hormonal imbalance. It can also be caused by a microbial infection. When the cyst appears behind the ears, it should be noted that it is safe most of the time, especially when the treatment is done quickly. In case of slow action, several complications can occur and may even require the intervention of of a health specialist.
How to treat sebaceous cysts?
Generally, the pimple that appears is not painful and does not cause any side effects. It can disappear after a few dayswithout being touched. In fact, removing it is not a necessity as many people try to do. In fact, breaking or piercing the cyst behind the ear is strongly discouraged. It should be noted that manipulation and rubbing of any kind cause irritation or inflammation on the skin, often leading to infection.
If this happens, the redness of the cyst increases in size and leads to pain which can be excruciating. In some cases, hearing may be affected. Eventually, the abscess ruptures, allowing the infected sebum to flow out. To prevent this from happening, an antiseptic can be applied when the inflammation first starts. However, the best solution is to consult a doctor to receive a customized treatment.
What should be done about infected cysts?
If the cyst behind the ear is infected, it is advisable to visit a dermatologist immediately. The dermatologist is able to offer a medical treatment treatment to eliminate the condition. The treatment may be an antiseptic, a local antibiotic or a combination of both. There are also cases where the antibiotic is administered orally. The treatment is then carried out over a period ranging from 5 to 7 days on average. Sometimes it is necessary to cut the pimple inside or drain it so that it comes out.
What is the technique for removing cysts behind the ear?
When the cyst behind the ear has the following characteristics:
- Non-reabsorption ;
- Cosmetic discomfort;
- Red coloring;
After the diagnosis, the health professional is able to decide on its removal. This will be done through a small surgical operation. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia by a dermatologist. The goal is to incise the skin in order to remove the fluid inside the cyst and sew up the wound afterwards. Once the operation is done, the risks of a recurrence are possible, but remain low.