Cyst Behind Ear

Cyst is a collection of dead cells which are observed in the form of lump or bulged area. Sebaceous cyst are the most commonly found cysts which either results from the accumulation of dead cells or from the collection of excess oil (secreted by the oil glands) inside the skin.

Cysts can occur on any part of the ear. It may occur on the ear lobe, inside the ear, behind the ear, in the ear canal or may be on the scalp. These are noncancerous lumps and do not harm till they get infected.

The causes of cyst are still unknown. But following are some of the possible causes.

• It may be because of the excess oil secreted by the oil glands or may be due to the faster production of the oil in the body.
• Excess exposure to the cold environment may also cause cyst formation in the body.

• Blocked sebaceous glands and swollen hair follicles may result in the formation of sebaceous cyst.

• Excessive testosterone production in men can sometimes lead to the formation of cyst.
• Cyst or lumps may also form due to enlarged lymph node.
• Cyst formation is sometimes hereditary too. Gardner's syndrome and basal cell nevus syndrome are responsible for such disorder.

The growth of the cyst is very slow and left unnoticed as many times its painless and diminish in a course of time on its own. But if the cyst gets infected, you can observe normal to severe pain. You will also observe small soft skin lump in or on the ear and a viscous white fluid or sometime keratin oozing out from the cyst.

In case of keratin the cyst is termed as keratin cyst which causes painful earlobe cyst. Cyst behind ear lobe or on head can be easily observed as compared to the cyst inside the ear.

Usually cysts do not require any treatment, they occur and diminish on their own. But if they get infected then you may require medical attention. Following are some of the treatments which can help you to get rid of cyst.

When the cyst are small, then you can go for non-surgical or home treatments. Following are some of them.

• Place a heating pad on the affected place i.e. directly on the cyst. This can also be done with the help of wax. Melt the wax and drop the melted part on the cyst. It can give you relief and will melt the cyst which will further help the body to reabsorb it.

Although this method works but in some cases it makes the cyst worse. So be careful ready for the adverse effects too.

• Take pure turmeric powder and mix little water in it. Apply it on the cyst for 15 minutes and then wash off with oil free acne soap and dry it. Repeat this process for few days till the cyst disappears.

• Dip a cotton in the tea tree oil and place it on the cyst for five minutes. Then wash it off with an oil free acne soap. Repeat this process for few days. Tea tree oil dries the fluid of the cyst under the skin and helps in getting rid of it.

When the condition of the cyst becomes complicated, the doctor may suggest surgery. The surgery is done by making the affected area of the ear, numb. Then a small cut is made over the cyst which allows the fluid to ooze out. The fluid is completely drained and then it is cleaned and washed with the help of iodine solution.

The resulting hole or empty space beneath the skin is filled with antiseptic ribbon. The skin is stitched back if need. The dressing is regularly changed depending upon the surgery. Cure rate of the surgery is 100%.

Now if you observe a cyst formation in or around your ears then take proper care of it. Keep the area clean, and do not try to pop the cyst as it can increase the pain. Do not apply any oily product on the affected area or on the hair as it can make its way to the cyst and can aggravate the condition. If the cyst is still troubling you then go for the treatments given above and consult a doctor if you observe severe pain.