What is inside a Preauricular pit?

A preauricular pit is a small hole in front of the ear, toward the face, that some people are born with. This hole is connected to an unusual sinus tract under the skin. This tract is a narrow passageway under the skin that can cause infection.

Where does a preauricular sinus lead to?

The opening has also been reported along the postero superior margin of the helix, the tragus or the lobule [1]. Preauricular sinus may lead to the formation of a subcutaneous cyst that is intimately related to the tragal cartilage and the anterior crus of the helix.

What is a Preauricular fistula?

Introduction: Preauricular fistulas are not uncommon congenital disorders in children. They are associated with imperfect auricle formation as a consequence of incomplete fusion of the auditory hillocks of the first and second branchial arches.

Is a Preauricular pit bad?

Untreated preauricular sinus itself does not directly lead to any life-threatening conditions. Complication associated with it includes: Facial swelling with red painful skin (facial cellulitis) Painful swelling with redness of the ear (Perichondritis)

Why does my preauricular pit smell?

A preauricular sinus appears as a very small pit just in front of the external ear (see figure 1). Most people with preauricular sinuses are completely asymptomatic. However, these sinuses can drain a foul smelling discharge, and when this happens, they are prone to chronic infection.

What causes a preauricular pit?

Preauricular pits form during development in the uterus. They likely result from imperfect fusion of the auricle, which is the visible part of the ear. The auricle forms during the sixth week of gestation. The pits may be inherited, which means that they can run in families.

Why does my preauricular sinus smell?

Does preauricular sinus affect hearing?

Preauricular pits are congenital, meaning children are born with this malformation when ear development goes awry early in gestation. However, the malformation is not associated with hearing impairments, and only rarely associated with a genetic syndrome involving other problems.

How is preauricular sinus treated?

Preauricular sinus may occur sporadically during the development of an embryo or it may be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with reduced penetrance . Less often, it occurs as a feature of another condition or syndrome . Treatment may include antibiotics for infection and/or surgery to remove the sinus.

Why does my Preauricular pit smell?

Is there such a thing as a preauricular sinus?

Preauricular sinus and cyst. A preauricular sinus is a common congenital malformation characterized by a nodule, dent or dimple located anywhere adjacent to the external ear. Frequency of preauricular sinus differs depending the population: 0.1–0.9% in the US, 0.9% in the UK, and 4–10% in Asia and parts of Africa. Preauricular sinuses are…

What causes discharge from A preauricular sinus infection?

Patients affected with preauricular sinus usually presents discharge on the infected area. The discharge can be caused by infection or desquamating epithelial debris. According to studies, the common pathogens that cause the infection are staphylococcus, streptococcus, peptococcus and proteus.

Are there any syndromes associated with preauricular pits?

Associated syndromes 1 Asymmetric earlobes and an abnormally large tongue in addition to pits in front of the ears can be a sign of… 2 Holes or pits in the side of the neck, pits and/or tags in front of the ear, hearing loss, and kidney abnormalities can… More …

Can a cyst be removed from A preauricular sinus?

Most preauricular sinuses are asymptomatic, and remain untreated unless they become infected too often. Preauricular sinuses can be excised surgically, but often present a high risk of recurrence. Causes. Preauricular sinuses and cysts result from developmental defects of the first and second pharyngeal arches.