What Causes Painful Hard Bump Behind Left Ear?

Posted on Tue, 9 Sep 2014

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

Tue, 9 Sep 2014 Answered on

Wed, 1 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a small hard bump behind my left ear that is painful to touch. Appeared 1.5 days ago. I am also having persistent headaches and fever which are alleviated after taking paracetamol. But as soon as the meds wear off the headaches and fever come back.

Answered by Dr. Naveen (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
May be Acute post-auricular lymphadenitis...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I will try my best to help you with this problem.

The description mentioned by you could be related to the acute post-auricular lymphadenitis (infected post-auricular lymph node).

Lymph nodes are like policemen in the body, which props up to indicate that there is an active infection going on in the surrounding region. In the absence of ear discharge or infection in the ear canal, the post auricular lymph node is usually noticed when there is an infection in the scalp (such as folliculitis, dandruff, etc.) or the ear pinna. The pain and fever is also an indication of the active infection.

Do not worry! With appropriate medicines you will definitely feel better. Broad spectrum antibiotics such as a combination of amoxicillin & clavulanic acid or cefuroxime are beneficial in treating this condition. Discuss about this your doctor. Also OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac can provide quick relief from the pain and the fever.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju