Ear Pit: Preauricular Ear Pit- I have always noticed this very small hole at the front of my left ear that was present since my birth. I asked my mom about it a long time ago, and she said that she had asked the doctor when I was born & he said that it was probably just a genetic thing, and it was nothing to worry about.
What does a Preauricular Ear Pit Look Like?
It is very small, and hardly noticeable. It actually looks as if I had my ear pierced, but I assure you I did not. I have even been asked that a couple of times in the past by people who noticed it.
Preauricular Ear Pit Drainage?
The strange thing is, sometimes whenever I press my finger below the hole, a small amount of fluid (about the quantity & consistency of pus from a pimple) comes out. I know, sounds gross. It usually never hurts or anything like that. I just press my finger, and a little bit of fluid comes out every once in a while.
So I usually clean it out every so often with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to keep it clean. I recently poured some alcohol in it, and it burned like crazy for like 5 minutes.
Recently, I was thinking, “What the heck is this small hole in front of my ear anyway?” So I hopped on Google & found out that is is actually called a “Preauricular Ear Pit.”
What is a Preauricular Ear Pit?
Apparently, it is a fairly common defect that occurs during fetal development. Lucky for me, it is a very minor & insignificant deformity (both cosmetically & health-wise). The skin actually didn’t close right there like it was supposed to at some point in fetal development.
Most ear pits also connect to the sinuses inside of the face. According to some medical articles, most ear pits tend to be only about 1 inch in depth. They are lined with skin cells, and are at risk for becoming infected if bacteria build up over time. I suppose since my ear pit does leak fluid, it may have a small infection. Although, it has done this for years, and has never been swollen or hurt, so I don’t know if it is technically “infected.”
Not only that, but to my surprise you can actually have ear pits surgically removed/excised (I know, weird). They actually cut out the entire thing & then suture up the skin. Hopefully, I will never have to do that, but it is recommended if you have multiple severe infections in them. A picture of what my ear pit looks like is below. It is a little red due to my just picking at it:
Picture of a Preauricular Ear Pit (Hole in Front of Ear):
What Is the Big Deal About Having Ear Pits, Ear Tags, Ear Cysts, etc?
Another thing that really shocked me is the fact that apparently people who have ear pits & other strange ear conditions are at a much higher risk for other anatomical congenital disorders.
The reason is the gene that malfunctioned is also responsible for the development of other things. So if you have an ear pit (or two), there is a possibility of another anatomical abnormality being present. This isn’t always the case and some people are perfectly healthy, but it is possible.
For example, one article showed a high correlation between renal abnormalities (kidneys), and ear pits. Some people who have ear pits are actually born without kidneys, just one kidney, or other renal abnormalities. Can you believe that stuff! Crazy.
Anyways, it kinda freaks me out now, but I don’t think there is anything else that is abnormal about me (at least I hope not). Hives & holes are about enough already!
Are Ear Pits Linked to Cholinergic Urticaria in Any Way?
I am always looking for a scapegoat for my hives condition. It is always possible that the ear pit could in some way be connected to the hives (such as a genetic disorder, or if I am missing some parts lol).
But I don’t think at this point it is causing the hives in any way. Unless, of course, any of you also have one of these, then I might suspect that there could be a connection.
There does seem to be a connection with Keratosis Pilaris & Cholinergic Urticaria. So if any of you happen to have an ear pit, an ear tag, an ear cyst, etc., by all means please let me/us know in the comments below or on the forum.
Updates on Hives, Probiotics, Vinegar, Neighbors, & More
As I said in the last post, I am ditching the vinegar treatment. It is over, and it didn’t help do anything but make me smell like a pickle. So enough of that stinky mess!
The probiotics are doing well with my stomach, although it did get a little upset the other day (I think it was from eating some sweet tarts). But I will continue to take them until they are gone. They appear to be doing nothing for the hives.
The hives have been normal lately, and I have only had very minor attacks that just start to prickle & itch. One thing I always hate about cholinergic urticaria is that even when I don’t have an attack, my skin always feels “Icky.” It just always feels uncomfortable, and sometimes I get chills from uncomfortable fabrics, and in general it is very uncomfortable. I hate that feeling.
It was nice and sunny with temperatures in the mid 80’s there for a while, but for the past few days it has been cloudy & rainy. As I mentioned in my last post, it looks like it will be nearly impossible to get regular sun exposure at my apartment, and instead I will have to get it when I can.
I have new neighbors on one side now, and they apparently have some video game with drums attached to it (like guitar hero but with drums or congas). I have heard it all day long, and I am about to go crazy. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap….bang, bang, bang, bang… It sounds like they are in the same room with me.
I joke with my wife about my fantasies to get a rocket launcher or bazooka & one day and just blow away both sides of the apartment when I lose control. Relax, I am just kidding about it. I am a peace lover. But it is funny to imagine it for a second.
It always gives my wife a good laugh as I put up my arms as if holding a big bazooka, and then make sound effects that match it…pshhhew kapow, boom (hehe). Could you imagine what it would be like to suddenly have a huge missile burst through your walls with debris going everywhere. Then I would poke my head through the hole and kindly ask, “Could you please be quieter?” LOL.
I especially do this when they have some kid over that cries non-stop all day. It reminds me of that movie “Dumb & Dumber” with Jim Carrey & Jeff Daniels. They are in a van driving, and Jim Carrey goes, “want to hear the most annoying sound in the world? Whaaaa, Whaaaa, Whaaaa.” That sound should be played constantly to young teens who think it is fun to have unprotected sex. If that sound isn’t the best message for abstinence & birth control, I don’t know what is!
I swear–between the hives, hearing my neighbors sneeze, laugh, and beat drums all day, and everything else it is a miracle I still have my sanity, but I am still sane. How do I know I am still sane? Well because I think I am crazy. My wife said as long as I think I am crazy, I am in fact not crazy. Truly crazy people don’t know they are crazy, and since I suspect I am crazy, I am in fact sane. Does that make sense? That is your twisted dose of logic for today, hehe. So if any of you suspect you are sane, watch out! You might just be crazy after all.
mazefall says
i too have the ear pit in both ears, i thought i was the only one that has it:D
Ben says
Thanks for the comment mazefall.
That is very strange indeed, and I wonder if anyone else has this on here?? If so, then I would definitely think that perhaps there is some connection with this and CU. Or maybe it is just a coincidence?
sonika says
I also have hole in both ear but pit in one ear
Barbara says
Do you both have any problems with them?
Crystal says
I also have the ear pits. One in each ear. I had a lot of ear problems as a child. I always had tubes in my ears and a lot of ear infections. When I was little my mom layed me over her lap and drained them as they too had fluid in them at times. It also had a defined smell to it. At the age of 17 my right ear pit got severely infected. It had a huge abscess on it. They were forced to do surgery on them, drain the infection, and seal the holes. I am now 28 and have ear pain quite often. I have terrible allergies and the last couple days I can smell that distinct smell of the fluid in my nose. It’s odd because I think my body is still producing that stuff. I have vertigo so bad Sometimes I feel like I’m gonna fall over. In fact I have done just that before. I went to the doctor Friday and he said my eardrums were sucked inward. This is the second time this has happened during allergy season. And it hurts very bad. Last time I lost hearing in one ear and it lasted for months. I do not know if I have these problems because of the surgery or if it would be happening other wise. I am just now researching this issue.
Hivesguy says
Wow, Crystal. Thanks for your comment. I’m really sorry to hear of all of your ear troubles. I’ve never had any of the issues you’ve described, but I know how hard and frustrating it must be dealing with it.
I pray you get to feeling better soon.
Katecie says
My friend had a vertigo treatment at Mayo Clinic. They put her on a board, turned her upside down and side to side. It realigns the tiny hairs or cyrstals in your ears. She no longer gets bad vertigo.
chad says
I have an earpit too. I get hives sometimes, born with jandice if that helps. I do have kidney pains when I eat certain foods like bananas and nuts
Hivesguy says
Thanks for sharing that, Chad.
Justinwayne says
I have it on both ears and I can squeeze it and get tiny bits of puss like come out of it. Is that okay or no and what is it really called. I thought it was a birthmark cause my dad has it on one side.
Hivesguy says
Yes, it seems pretty normal for a small bit of puss to come out when squeezed.
Weebene says
My mother has the hole in her ear…along with her sister. Two of my daughters were born with it. So far it has caused no issues. Interesting about hives. My youngest without the holes is allergic to cold. The body can de such an amazing thing
Andrea says
My son was born with ear pits on both ears and a skin tag on his right ear which I had removed when he was six months old. Do I need to worry about this.
analiza says
my daughter have it and its infect now she need to oparation to removed the tract inside. according to the doctor.
Barbara says
hey ben!
i have an ear pit AND hives also!! i’ve had chronic hives for almost 15 years and for the most part i’ve been able to keep them under control by taking 10mg of zyrtec or claritin along with 30mg of tagamet. this was what an allergist prescribed for me, but lately it hasn’t been working so well. after doing a ton a research on the internet (God bless all the information we have at our fingertips!!) i think i might have a gluten allergy too.
starting today, i’m fasting to clear my system of all toxins and then will slowly reintroduce foods, one at a time, to see which ones i’m allergic too. painstakingly slow, but i’m praying for success and results. i simply can’t stand being woke up at night with hives and itching all during the day.
our foods, cleaning products, and enviroment in general is loaded with toxins which i believe have caused my immune system to fail and result in hives. i’m thinking by fasting my immune system will “re-program” itself and i’ll be better able to tolerate certain foods.
i have also committed to using homemade “green” cleaning products and to eat only fresh, organic, non-processed foods in hopes of eliminating toxins from my body and enviroment.
i’m so glad i ran across this blog… while i’m sorry that other people have this same condition, it’s comforting to be able to share with others who know how just how miserable hives are.
God Bless!
Ben says
Hello Barbara,
That is really interesting how you too have an ear pit & chronic hives. I have had my hives on/off for about 7 years now, and they are very frusrating to deal with.
I am sorry that the Zyrtec hasn’t been working too well for you lately, and I hope you are able to get some relief soon. I too have experimented with diets, and I definitely have some food intolerances that I have to monitor.
I also agree wigh the toxins that are everywhere these days. It really is ridiculous the amount of chemicals that we encounter on a daily basis.
Thanks so much for the great comment, and I hope your hives go away soon!
Cami says
I’m 15 years old and I have it in both ears. I don’t have any problems with it aside from really gross leakage at times. I kinda like the pits though; I think they look cool
admin says
Hey Cami! Thanks for your comment. Yeah I have one (that is cool you have two) and they do seem harmless. My wife and I just had a son and we were wondering if he would have one. He doesn’t but he got her ears though haha. I don’t get drainage in mine but I can see how you would.
Roget says
Hi, i’m Roger, I have two pits and would love to get them removed.
Kate says
Interesting my 8year old has an ear pit and chronic hives as well. I also suspect a gluten intolerance as well.
AlexC says
Hello everyone, I have Keratosis Pilaris on my thighs and upper arms and my son (3yrs) has ear pits and rashly/scaly skin. We think it may be Ecema but we’re not certain. His doctor prescribed triamcinolone acetonide cream usp, 0.1% and it helps with the rashly spots but it doesn’t cure it. We’re looking for something that will cure the skin issue. He has a minor egg white allergy and we haven’t given him any nuts except for an accidental pecan (a few days ago) because his older sister (6yrs) has a dangerously serious peanut/tree nut allergy. Side note: she also extremely mild albinism (only symptom is very fair skin and her eyes are more sensitive to bright light than most) and slight nystagmus that has actually faded with time. I feel like I’m describing a family of mutants but they’re really very normal happy kids. We are starting to wonder if my son has a gluten allergy, maybe we’ll test that theory soon. I bring all this up because I came here to find out what the holes in his ears were and if it was something to worry about when I saw it was associated with keratosis pilaris. I thought I would share my family’s medical conditions to maybe help others link these conditions in some way.
Hivesguy says
Thanks for sharing, Alex. I hope your son’s skin gets better soon. That is interesting that KP may be associated with ear pits. Best of luck to your family.
DanielleF says
Hi AlexC,
My son has an ear pit and constant itchy/rashy skin. The only thing that has really kept it at bay is less baths, he only has a shower about 1-2 times a week. I know it seems gross but he suffers ALOT if I wash him more and it takes a long time to make the rashes go away. We have tried just about every cream/lotion/prescription under the sun with no effect until we tried Mometazone and Eucerine mix. My doctor prescribed it but I know you can get just Eucerine at the store. The rashes heal within a day or two with this cream. One thing that has also helped greatly (it’s how we were able to up his showers to twice a week) is Polysporin Eczema body wash. It says that it’s not soap and it seems to have helped alot. We also use Head and Shoulders for his hair or else he gets huge patches all over his scalp that just peel off and look gross to other children. When he was younger and before we discovered these things, he was always just going crazy from all the itchiness and he was scratching himself open and then he was scratching off the scabs, we would have to wrap any areas where he got really scabby. I’d SLATHER him in Polysporin anti-itch gel and that did help as well but it wouldn’t help the rash heal at all, it just alleviated the itchiness. I hope you read this and I hope it helps you out.
Hivesguy says
Thanks so much for sharing that!
athena atkins says
My daughter now 7 was born with it. Looks like I pierced her ear but I did not, I’m always getting asked if I did. Its actually different and cute to me although thankfully to her its like its not there no stinch leakage pain swelling nothing and I’m hoping that remains. Her doctor from birth says no worries he is an excellent doc just hoping it continues to not be an issue. A couple people on my mothers side have also had this with no problems . I’ve heard that itsof aAsian decent which makes no since and recently found that also of Irish decent which stills makes no since seeing my moms family is African and native american and fathers is African and Irish but the other cases of the hole by ear was from my mothers side. Solo who really knows
Hivesguy says
Yes, mine rarely has any issues at all. I’m glad to hear that your daughter’s doesn’t seem to cause her problems either.
Diana says
I was born with one in each ear. Never bothered me until just a few years ago (I’m 47 yrs), when one started the oozzing thing for the first time! It’s usually not a big deal but a few times there has been some reddish blood and it gets very sore. Been reading blogs about it and the surgery sounds scary! Someone even mentioned having a scar. Not sure what to do, but it’s really sore today, it hurt to sleep on my right side last night! Anyone have success with the surgery?
Crystal says
I had the surgery 11 years ago. It was very very painful. I had to have the surgery because I got a huge abscess in one of them. Mine drained since I was born though. And it had a distinct smell to it. I did pretty good after the surgery for a few years but just in the last 4 years I’ve experience problems. A lot of pain where the incision was and inner ear pain. At the moment my eardrums are actually sucked inward as the doc said Friday. This happened once before due to severe seasonal allergies. It is painful and it makes me have vertigo really bad because my equilibrium is off. My advice would be to avoid surgery if possible. Just keep draining them and research if there is a better way to clean them.
Ereka says
My daughter has a pit on her right ear and I’ve always wondered about it but never checked it out. When she was about a year old ( she’s now 4) I cleaned debris and hard pus out of it. Now it just looks like lint collects in it. Reading your comments have been a real eye opener for me. When she was born she had to return for testing because they thought she had hearing problems but passed the tests. She is now in Pre-K and her teacher wondered the same thing but it was then concluded that due to her precocious nature she may have been ignoring the teacher to continue doing what she wanted to do. Other situations have made me decide to have her hearing checked again.
She also had very scaly itchy skin from birth to about 6 months but we couldn’t identify the cause. From time to time she gets little hives but I just kept changing the detergents to milder ones. Her doctor would say it was the hot weather. So reading about the pits/ urticaria and hearing issues have been very informational. Thank you all
Hivesguy says
That is interesting that she has an ear pit along with urticaria. I’m glad it doesn’t seem to get infected any longer. My hearing is fine as well. I hope her hives get better soon!
Aaron says
I also have one in my left ear. At this point the pit is annoying due to the fact that it leaks the drainage fluid atleast 6-10 times a day. Does anyone know what exactly the fluid is or how I can stop it?
Hivesguy says
Hello, Aaron.
As far as I know, the fluid that drains is a combination of pus and/or sinus drainage. You may want to try cleaning it or allowing it to drain regularly. Mine doesn’t really drain, but if I press on it, I can sometimes get a very small amount of yellowish fluid to come out. Mine doesn’t really bother me at all (thankfully).
If yours gets infected or becomes a major problem, you can have surgery to close it. If you continue to have issues, you may want to consult with an ear, nose, and throat specialist. I’d recommend you clean it regularly and keep up with good hygiene habits.
Barbara Locher says
I have an ear pit. No hives. But I do notice that when I push the puss out of it the pressure on my left side of face and naisal releases. I wonder if I should consult my doctor?
Hivesguy says
You definitely could consult a doctor if it is causing you problems. I would imagine that most people with ear pits don’t have major issues requiring surgery. At least, that’s the case for me. But some pits do have sinus, infection, and drainage issues. If you are worried, it wouldn’t hurt to ask your doc about it.
My ear pit was unrelated to the hives condition I had.
God bless
Victoria Vasquez says
Omg.. One of my twins has this on his ear. I noticed it at birth and remember thinking wow that looks like it was pierced. He’s almost 4 months old now and when I squeeze it white creamy stuff comes out. He also has very sensitive skin and gets a rash on his face but I assumed it was baby acne but after reading this I’m wondering if it’s hives.. I’m glad to know that he’s not the only one to have this. I actually thought he inherited it from his dad because he has bad acne on his back and has little holes that also drain white creamy stuff when squeezed. Anyways thanks for your posts.
Hivesguy says
You’re welcome, Victoria. Thanks for your comments. It may just be a rash, as it is common in many babies that are only a few months old. I no longer think my ear pit has any connection to the hives disorder I used to struggle with.
Anyway, I hope the ear pit doesn’t cause any issues, and I hope the rash clears up on your twin’s face.
God bless,
Hivesguy
Tina says
Hi my partner had had a pit on his ear since birth his dad had one as well that never played him up until later in his life when he had a lot of sinus troubles , my partner has never had any problems with this pit until he met me really lol it oozes a very smelly white puss daily and he has had several lots of antibiotics ! He is booked in this week to have it removed by a plastic surgeon as they don’t know how far it has gone into his sinuses !he has to have a full anaesthetic so will let you know how he gets on , strange it’s played him up now he is 50 Years old ! ( today actually ) he has no skin problems but doesn’t have much sense of smell !! My nephew was born with one and had it operated on at a very young age !
Hivesguy says
Thanks for sharing that, Tina.
Definitely let me know how your partner does in his surgery. I said a quick prayer that everything goes well as I sent this comment.
God bless you both!
Tina says
Thanks will let you know how he gets on today x
Tina says
My partner had his op today on his ear pit , it had a big cyst about 5 inches deep he is fine only day stay at hospital ! He had a drain in when he came round but it’s out now and he has a bandage round his head for a few days ! 5 stitches gotta be taken out in a weeks time ! Hopefully he should be ok
Hivesguy says
Thanks for the update, Tina! I’m so glad your partner is doing well and didn’t have to stay many days at the hospital. I hope he continues to heal quickly and has no further issues from the ear pit.
God bless you both.
Sierra says
My son has one he also failed his hearing test in the hospital when he was born then took it again & passed it. He also had a rash for about 6 months on his face that went away with cream now he has developed a rash all over his back. It comes & goes. Crazy reading all of this, when I thought it was nothing!
Alice says
I also have an earpit. My thing is I constantly play with it. I squeeze it to get the junk out and i smell it. To me it smells good. Does anyone out there like the smell?
chad says
that’s pretty gross alice. I can’t say as I do like the smell of that nasty stuff. i just threw up a little bit in my mouth.
Barbara Locher says
Lol too funny!! And no it’s like a booger!! My doctor said its a cyst that drains. So as long as it doesn’t hurt just drain it.
Anna says
My daughter has two pits but seems like the healthiest child 🙂
Porty says
Cause she is
MamaVos says
Hi there. My son was born with two ear pits. He has his two month check up on Monday and will be getting an ultrasound from his pediatrician to check out his kidneys. I was told that ear issues are often connected to kidney issues- hence why he’s getting an ultrasound. Has anybody had a child born with one kidney who also had ear pits? Just curious as to how common this is. Kinda freaking out!
Luvenia Day says
I have earpits in both ears. I have Multiple Scl erosis ( MS ), and gets the heat rashes on my back when I get over heated. A lot of people with MS gets the hives when we get over heated. I get weak in the legs, and can’t take a hot bath or shower.
Nicole says
Hi I just stumbled on your article my baby girl was born 5 months ago with a ear pit I guess I had no idea what it was I decided to Google it just now glad to know what it is
Priscilla says
I have it on both ears. Never meet other like me other than my sister (she has it on one ear and the other just dimple like). My children do not have it though and I don’t know who else in the family has it (other than my younger sister). Parents did not have it. I have to clean them regularly to keep it clean. I measured the depth before, they are about 1/4″ deep.
Macrina Acer says
i have ear pits on both ears, they let pus out and it stinks does it mean they are infected….it itches [when the pus
accumulates] my sister has it on one ears
Anonymous says
i have them on both ears. I also had an extremely rare congential defect called an arterio venous malformation in my pelvis. That has been taken care via multiple treatments but I find it very intesresting that there is a connection between the ‘holes in the ears’ and other defects. Wow.
Tanatswa says
I have one on my right ear, but I get excma not hives (I think that’s how you spell excma)
Anonymous says
MY sister has it in both ears today she was in a lot of pain with her face swallen this is the 3rd time that she had an infeccion shes 48 years old she never had hives THANK GOD or any other anormalitiesand we are SPANISH sso GOD only knowsss where this came from few member of my family were born with this and i always was asking how come my 2 siblings has them not me noww that i learn abour it not sooo COOL FEELING SAD for my big sis today GOD BLESSS
Afsar says
We Guys are in Same Group!! One of my Aunt have this pit, One of my step brother has this, Me have this, My sisters’ Son hav this… Hope its coming through genes. there are no hives for any one…
ruby says
hi..m Ruby, I also have d pit on my left ear hole, it did nt disturb me until I was 12 nd there was a big swelling almost d size on a kidney and it was very painful I had an incision and drainage section and it was fine, until just recently may 15th, it srted again, was given alot of antibiotics by the doctor and there was no changes, so she reffered me 2 an ENT surgeon, wen I met him he told me I would have an incision and drainage section and after four months would go for d surgery, so I had d I and D section and not up 2 a month d swelling is back…its rily painful, had another incision and drainage today, and d ENT surgeon says I have 2 do d surgery as soon as possible, am soo scared, especially after reading miss crystal post, dont knw wat to do…
Porty says
Don’t get surgery your born with it it’s okk I have it too and I have discharge it okk your body releases excess wax fluid from it your ear just makes more fluid than normal that’s all!! Don’t try to cover it or fix it it’s not ment to be coverd
Esmeralda g says
I hAve one on each ear, my brother has one on one ear only & my sister has one by her eye . Pretty crazy. And my niece got one on one ear just like my brother
david woolacott says
Hello my name is David from the UK. I was born with a hole near my ear on either side of my head. I have never known what is was until now from reading this blog I am 46. My parents said it was from forceps delivery (how odd is that). I always thought that maybe it was the physical sign of a sixth sense.
Tristan Thomson says
Wow! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one with this problem! I too have two ear pits, one on both side, and my left one has had quite a few infections (though my right one hasn’t.) What happens is it builds up with puss, for some reason unable to escape. In fact, right now it’s like that and it’s really annoying and quite sore. It looks like it’s about to burst though so hopefully it’ll be over soon. A doctor suggested surgery awhile ago but my mom is against it because apparently it’ll leave an indent in the side of my head so I don’t want that. Luckily, I just saw a doctor recently about it since this is the first time it’s happened in awhile (last year it happened too but before that it hadn’t happened for a good three years. The. It happens twice, both times when in Arizona. Odd, right?) and the doctor said I shouldn’t get surgery, saying it’s unecesary. Once it’s died down this time, I think I’ll do what you did and every so often rub hydrogen piroxide on it to keep it clean. Hopefully, that’ll stop it cause I don’t want surgery. Anyways, thanks for writing this article! Makes me feel better that other people experience this! I’ll write back in awhile and let you know if the piroxide is working. 🙂
Tristan Thomson says
Forgot something: my mom has one on I believe her right ear and my sister on the left. Either way, they are opposite each other which is funny. Not only that, but I’m the only one with both and the only one to ever have an infection. Lucky me!
Porty says
Nope never had an infection either ever
Porty says
Just leave it alone your fine if u get surgery you will make it worse!! Your body leeks out liquid from it cause it needs! to I have it too it’s just excess wax before it turns to wax
Hivesguy says
Thanks for your comments, Tristan. I certainly hope the peroxide works. Keep us updated. I hope you have no more serious issues with your ear pit.
Ben (Hivesguy)
chynna rose says
I am visiting my 22 year old daughter in AZ and she just complained about hives this week. She says this is the second time within a year that the hives have shown up. Glancing at her because it has been some months since her last holiday visit, I noticed her ear pits and thought about the fact that I never really knew what they were. So I do a quick search “Why are some people born with tiny holes at the top of their ears” and WOW! I stumble upon this site. Maybe I needed to see this site in order to give her some insight into this hive thing. I will tell her to ask her doc if he knows of any correlation… it is amazing how many people on this site are commenting that they have both the ear pits and the hives condition. I don’t have the ear pits, but my mother (my daughter’s grandmother) does…. I always thought it might be hereditary. Thanks for this site!
Premson says
Hi all, I really find comfort after reading all your comments.
My younger brother also has the similar problem but his pit is around the neck. Yeah sometimes a puss like thing drains out from it.
Once we tried to block the pit by taking some medications but it just made the pit area bulge in size, so we ignored it. We couldn’t find a good reason as to why it happens in the neck area. What would you like to say about it?
Hivesguy says
Hello, Premson.
I’m not sure why the pit would form there. However, if it causes your brother issues, it may be worth consulting a doctor about it. I hope it doesn’t cause him any major issues.
Anonymous says
The hole is excess for extra wax!!!!!
Porty says
My mom told me this too!! I’m from turkey
Porty says
I too have a small hole on both sides. On the left side it forms liquid once in a while and I get the urge to press it out.”it’s like a sick sense” I think it’s very normal since I have it and it never hurts only thing is when I press the liquid out once in a while when it’s ready it has a stinky smell to it but , you shower everyday anyways :))))) if you guys don’t have a discharge go I front of a mirror and squeeze the hole like a pimple and u will have white stuff come out I’m sure go and see for yourself!
Vanda says
Hi! I have them too,one in each ear,both my father and grandfather got it too,so I guess it runs in the family tree 🙂 I find them cute and yes I have to clean it sometimes, wich I consider to be a normal thing because,after all,these are small cavities/holes that eventually can fill up with all kinds of stuff,not only body fluids but also water and shampoo when we shower for example…
Never got an infection but I have to admit it smells pretty bad :p
As for other related problems I do have very sensitive skin,in the past had lots of rashes and eczemas,connected to very lazy kidneys and a very reactive immune system :/ …wich is more relaxed now since I discovered I am very sensitive to chemicals in general (medicines and pills included).
I reduced a lot on processed/junk food and sweets,almost no doctor prescribed stuff and even make-up and basic hygiene products have to pass my thorough quality inspection…lol!
And I feel and look much better now 😀
Greetings from Portugal!!!
Anonymous says
I was born with a hole in my left ear. It has never given me any problems, until last November (I’m 35). It got really infected and was filled with pus. It was the size of about half of a golf ball. It had the whole left side of my face and ear swollen and extremely painful. I took antibiotics and it finally drained. This past May it came back again. This time it was even more painful. Again, I took antibiotics and the pus and blood (ALOT) came oozing down my face. Right before the first infection in November, I never had anything to come out of it (except the weird odor). When it’s not swollen and severly infected, it still has a small amount of liquid to come out of it. I noticed that it’s starting to get slightly red and swollen again. Although it’s only in the beginning stage, I’m afraid of it getting infected again because it’s so painful, all I want to do is lie down and curl up. I was thinking about having surgery but now since I’m hearing all of these horror stories about after the surgery, I’m not so sure. However, I definitely don’t want to continue dealing with these infections. They’re really painful. I also used to think my whole was so cute. Now it’s nothing but a burden that I wish I never had. I have an 8 year old niece that has one. I hope she doesn’t experience these problems. I remember thinking (before I started having issues) “Awww, she has one just like me!”. Now I’m very scared for her. Thank you to everyone for sharing.
Baz says
I had a pit in my left ear. It used to itch all the time and when touched, it would pass a not very pleasent smell to my fingers. I take it was infected and I had the sugery to remove it. It was about 15 years ago, I am 26 now. The scar is not noticable unless my ear is under close inspection and I have had no problems since the surgery. I had completely forgotten that I ever had anything wrong with my ear. But recently where the pit used to be it is starting to itch every now and again. Any advice?
Anonymous says
I also have the ear pit and was diagnosed with chronic urticaria. I mostly only have breakouts when my immune system is low though but yeah, that’s all.
Snow says
I have them on both ears, I always thought the drainage was due to soap/shampoo getting in the pit…? I can feel when I need to drain them, I get a slight twinge and have to stop what I am doing and release the built up pressure. It is hard to truly explain the sensation but it definitely goes away after I press and drain them. I have struggled with eczema my entire life. My brother has one ear pit, one out of his three children has two pits, none of my three children have any. Definitely runs in my family as do food allergies and bladder issues.
Charlotte Hayes (@Chaaarlotteee92) says
I have just had mine surgically removed because I kept getting infections in it. Also, I did have a kidney reflux which I had from birth until I was about 16. I don’t know if they are connected but it’s quite a coincidence. Good article.
melissa rivera says
I have a daughter that has ear pits and another who has ear tags. No other know conditions associated as of yet.
Joyce says
My son was born with one as well. Like someone said above, we kinda thought it happened during his delivery. He is now 11. He has never had any drainage or pain from it. He had lots of ear infections until he turned 2 & now he just has an over abundance of ear wax in his ears. But… we did find out through some extensive scans that he has an extra set of collecting ducts on the left side of his kidney. Never had any kidney issues but after finding out about ear pits it seems that the 2 may be related.
Kace says
Hi there!
I’m from the Philippines, and I just had a baby. She’s now four months old.
She also has an ear pit to her right ear while on her left is an almost ear pit but it’s too shallow and i guess that doesnt count. 🙂
When she was born I already saw it and just thought it’s just something she got from her father ( her father has both on his ears) since I had no idea what it really was until I was disturbed that her ear would smell bad. Each day I would press the ear or the ear pit I must say to let the fluid come which I courageously sniffed and was dismayed of how it smells.
Up to this time, whenever I miss a chance to press the pus like fluid out, her ear smells bad.
I just worry she might have something serious about it so I asked our little fiend Google about it and was surprised to find your post here. I’m a bit relieved that I have lesser worries since you’ve explained very well the causes and effects it carries.
I just pray nothing serious is up.
Maybe people with ear pits are special. 🙂
Anonymous says
I have one and I also have just one kidney it’s called an horse shoe kidney because it didn’t disconnect from one another