Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Born With Ear Dimple. What Is It? How Can It Affect Her?
Question: my granddaughter was born with a ear dimple what is it and how can it affect her ?
Hello
Thanks for posting your query.
Congenital ear dimple or pit is a pinpoint hole in front of the ear or above tragus, which is
nondraining and lacks swelling .Generally, they occur in 1 of every 12,500 births.
Patients should be examined for other congenital anomalies like Branchiootorenal syndrome ,
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome ,Mandibulofacial dysostosis and other chromosomal anomalies.
Its not necessary that a patient with ear dimple wil have a syndrome, as isolated ear defects are possible.
It may or may not be associated with preauricular sinus or cyst characterized by a nodule, dent or dimple located anywhere adjacent to the external ear with a inner tract closed at the inner end.
If infected they may show swelling and pus discharge.
If asymptomatic, nothing needs to be done as treatment.
If recurrent infections occur in child, antibiotics, needle aspiration of pus or rarely surgical excision might be needed.
If not syndromic, which can be differentiated by the childs pediatrician by careful examination and investigation, then it has no long term implications or future risks.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards
.
Thanks for posting your query.
Congenital ear dimple or pit is a pinpoint hole in front of the ear or above tragus, which is
nondraining and lacks swelling .Generally, they occur in 1 of every 12,500 births.
Patients should be examined for other congenital anomalies like Branchiootorenal syndrome ,
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome ,Mandibulofacial dysostosis and other chromosomal anomalies.
Its not necessary that a patient with ear dimple wil have a syndrome, as isolated ear defects are possible.
It may or may not be associated with preauricular sinus or cyst characterized by a nodule, dent or dimple located anywhere adjacent to the external ear with a inner tract closed at the inner end.
If infected they may show swelling and pus discharge.
If asymptomatic, nothing needs to be done as treatment.
If recurrent infections occur in child, antibiotics, needle aspiration of pus or rarely surgical excision might be needed.
If not syndromic, which can be differentiated by the childs pediatrician by careful examination and investigation, then it has no long term implications or future risks.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards
.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
