What Causes A Small Lump On The Left Ear?

Posted on Wed, 12 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 Answered on

Fri, 12 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : don't exactly know how to ask this but have a small lump by left ear that turns crusty and almost black about once a month then the dark layer comes off and area bleeds for a a day or so then just the lump for few weeks till process starts again

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly a chronic infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. This is possibly a chronic infection, sometimes a fungal infection.

2. A close-up image of the lesion will help.

3. When the scab separates , send it for culture along with a swab from the raw bleeding surface.

4. If this is inconclusive, an excision biopsy should help establish a diagnosis and cure this problem.

5. It is also worthwhile in getting an opinion from a Skin Specialist by direct examination.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar