Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Preauricular tag or pit

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Newborn ear anatomy
Newborn ear anatomy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Ear tag

Definition    Return to top

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

Considerations    Return to top

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    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

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    Return to top

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.

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. Logo

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 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.