Ear tag

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

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 examination.

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 usually find the skin tag during your first well-baby examination . However, call your provider if your child has bleeding, swelling, or discharge at the site.

Well-baby examination

Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change. Children have more well-child visits when they are younger. This is because development is faster d...

Image

 

Read Article Now Book Mark Article

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

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

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?

Physical examination:

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.