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Suggest Treatment For Cyst In Ear Lobes

Posted on Mon, 8 Sep 2014

Question: Hello, I have been diagnosed with cysts in my ear lobes, (2 or 3 in each) I've have this issue since childhood. Although a majority of the time they stay very small and barely noticeable, there are times (3 or 4 times a year, with no describable trigger.) where they get large, irritated, and painful. Sometimes they get so large that the skin will break, and they will begin to drain. In the past I have attempted to drain the cysts completely, but they always come back without fail. My question today is, would it be safe to get my ear lobes pierced, or would this be a high infection risk? They are at the moment in their tiny and barely noticeable phase. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Better to avoid till the issue is resolved

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.

It is better to avoid piercing till the issue is resolved permanently.Anyhow,this actually depends on exact site of the cysts.If they are not closer to the piercing site,need not worry-you can pierce when the cysts are not actively infected.

Now regarding the treatment of cysts:
Presence of swellings in and around the ear lobes with repeated attacks of enlargement,pain and drainage(repeated infections) indicates cysts formed from congenital fusion anomalies like preauricular cysts.This can be well treated permanently by a minor surgical procedure to remove the cysts in total,along with the entire cyst wall.Drainage without removal of the cyst wall will cause recurrence.You can seek the help of an ENT surgeon for this.

Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,Dr Aslam.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

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