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Lump Behind Ear, Cystic, Pimple, Painful. What Is It?
My 12 year old daughter just discovered a quarter size hard non movable lump behind her right ear. It does not appear to be a cyst or pimple as it does not move and when we pull on the skin, you can clearly see the skin move over it. She says its painful like a bruise. Any thoughts on what this is? Do I need to take her to the doctor immediately or should we wait a few days and see what happens with it?
posted on
Wed, 17 Apr 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 18 Apr 2013
Answered on
Thu, 18 Apr 2013
Last reviewed on
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic Forum
From your description of the lesion , it looks like a swollen and tender post auricular lymph node.
Now coming to the causes, many are possible like infections (bacterial, viral etc) either systemic or scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis (Dandruff) or pediculosis (head lice) can also cause this condition.
It is important how your child is doing clinically. It is ok to wait and watch if there is no fever and cough . You can wait as they regress on their own by few weeks.
But if the lesion continues to persist or there is increase in the size of the lymph node along with development of fever or any other symptoms, then you might need to consult a paediatrician to look for any signs of systemic infection
Hope it helps
Wishing your son speedy recovery
Dr Geetika Paul
Welcome to Healthcare Magic Forum
From your description of the lesion , it looks like a swollen and tender post auricular lymph node.
Now coming to the causes, many are possible like infections (bacterial, viral etc) either systemic or scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis (Dandruff) or pediculosis (head lice) can also cause this condition.
It is important how your child is doing clinically. It is ok to wait and watch if there is no fever and cough . You can wait as they regress on their own by few weeks.
But if the lesion continues to persist or there is increase in the size of the lymph node along with development of fever or any other symptoms, then you might need to consult a paediatrician to look for any signs of systemic infection
Hope it helps
Wishing your son speedy recovery
Dr Geetika Paul
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