Sometimes our body whispers before it shouts. Listening closely to the small signs can save us a lot of pain later.
A red, swollen bump on the ear is one of those signs. It often starts small and grows slowly until it becomes tender and hard to ignore.
The ear has thin skin stretched over cartilage, and blocked oil glands there can turn into cysts that fill with keratin.
When a cyst becomes inflamed, it turns red and shiny, and a small dark or yellow opening may appear on the surface.
In older adults the skin heals more slowly, so an ear cyst can stay sore for a long time if it is left alone.
Pressing or squeezing it at home can push the contents deeper and irritate the cartilage underneath.
A doctor can numb the area, open the cyst carefully and empty it, then remove the sac so it does not come back.
Afterwards a small dressing is applied, and the ear usually heals well within a week or two with gentle care.
Avoid sleeping on that side, keep the area clean and dry, and watch for spreading redness or warmth.
Listen closely to what your body is telling you. The videos below show ear cysts being treated by professionals.
