Preauricular Skin Tags: Symptoms and Risks

Preauricular skin tags are small, harmless growths of skin that can be found near the ear. Although they do not typically cause any health problems, they can sometimes be associated with certain genetic conditions. The primary impact of preauricular skin tags on health is often cosmetic in nature, as they may cause self-consciousness or concern for some individuals. However, they are generally benign and do not require treatment unless they become irritated or bothersome.

What are the Symptoms of Preauricular Skin Tags?

Preauricular skin tags may present with certain distinct characteristics that can be visually observed near the ear.

Small pieces of skin near the ear
Flesh Colored or slightly darker
Usually benign and painless
Can be present at birth or develop later

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Preauricular Skin Tags

Preauricular skin tags are generally believed to be caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences during fetal development.

Genetic factors
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Obesity
Diabetes
Certain medications
Environmental factors

Types of Preauricular Skin Tags

Preauricular skin tags can vary in size, shape, and location on the ear or around the earlobe, often appearing as small, soft growths that may be flesh-colored or slightly pigmented.

Isolated Preauricular Skin Tag:

A single skin tag present near the ear.

Multiple Preauricular Skin Tags:

Multiple skin tags clustered around the ear area.

Preauricular Skin Tag with Associated Anomalies:

Skin tags accompanied by other congenital anomalies like hearing loss or kidney issues.

Bilateral Preauricular Skin Tags:

Skin tags present on both sides of the face near the ears.

Syndromic Preauricular Skin Tags:

Skin tags associated with syndromes such as Goldenhar syndrome or BeckwithWiedemann syndrome.

Risk Factors

Preauricular skin tags are more commonly found in individuals with a family history of skin tags or those born with certain genetic conditions.

Genetic factors
Family history of skin tags
Exposure to certain medications in utero
Maternal diabetes during pregnancy
Low birth weight
Maternal smoking during pregnancy

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Preauricular Skin Tags

Preauricular skin tags are typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare provider.

Clinical examination
Physical assessment
Visual inspection

Treatment for Preauricular Skin Tags

Preauricular skin tags are typically treated through various methods depending on the size and location of the tag.

Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen to remove it.
Surgical excision: Cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors.
Electrocautery: Using heat to burn and remove the skin tag.
Ligation: Tying off the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply.
Topical treatments: Applying creams or solutions to dissolve the skin tag over time.