Ear tag

Definition

An ear tag is a small skin tag or pit in front of the outside part of the ear.

Alternative Names

Preauricular tag; Preauricular pit

Considerations

Skin tags and pits just in front of the opening of the ear are common in newborn infants.

In most cases, these are normal. However, they can be associated with other medical conditions. It is important to point out skin tags or pits to your child's health care provider during the routine well-child exam.

Causes

Some causes of an ear tag or pit are:

  • An inherited tendency to have this facial feature
  • A genetic syndrome that includes having these pits or tags
  • A sinus tract problem (an abnormal connection between the skin and tissue underneath)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Your provider will most often find the skin tag during your first well-baby visit. However, contact your provider if your child has bleeding, swelling, or discharge at the site.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will get a medical history and will do a physical exam.

Medical history questions about this condition might include:

  • What exactly is the problem (skin tag, pit, or other)?
  • Are both ears affected or only one?
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Does the child respond normally to sounds?
  • It is now standard of care to have a hearing screen in the newborn nursery. An abnormal screen with the presence of an ear pit or tag should lead to a follow up hearing screen with an audiologist.
  • Babies that are born at birthing centers without hearing screening or at home should have hearing tests completed to check their hearing especially if there is an ear tag or ear pit present.

Physical exam:

Your baby will be examined for other signs of disorders that are sometimes associated with ear tags or pits. A hearing test may be done if the child did not have the usual newborn screening test.

References

Balest AL, Riley MM, O'Donnell B, Zarit JS. Neonatology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 2.

Demke JC, Tatum SA. Craniofacial surgery for congenital and acquired deformities. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 187.

Patterson JW. Miscellaneous conditions. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2021:chap 20.

Review Date: 4/25/2023
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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