Would A Boil Behind The Ear Cause Swelling In The Lymph Nodes Under The Ear?

Posted on Sun, 12 Aug 2018

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

Sun, 12 Aug 2018 Answered on

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : Boil behind ear, can it also cause swelling lymph nodes right under ear?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Probably lymph node

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

In most cases, lumps or nodules behind the ears are harmless. In most cases this is caused by swollen lymph node due to ear or respiratory infection and it should subside when infection heals. Other causes include Mastoiditis, Abscess,
Sebaceous cysts, Lipoma. In these cases, surgical referral would be recommended. If there is redness, pain or rapid growth of boil then you need to see doctor as soon as possible.

Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (24 minutes later)

the boil area hurts abit, but I'm concerned about the slight pain, right below the ear its abit hard compared to the other side where i have no cyst/boil. im concerned about the similar symptoms of hiv

such as swollen lymph nodes

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No concerns about HIV

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

These are not signs of HIV so you should not be concerned about it. It is more likely to be ateroma, cyst or just foliculitis. You can apply mild steroid cream and apply cold compresses. If there won't be improvement, you should see ENT doctor.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad