Some people may notice swelling in the area under the ear, which can cause anxiety and tension, especially if it occurs suddenly. This swelling is often accompanied by a group of other annoying symptoms. "Dalili Medical" reviews in the following report everything related to swelling under the ear according to what was stated on our website.

**The function of the lymph nodes behind the ear**

 

The lymph nodes are an essential part of the immune system, as hundreds of them are located in different areas of the body, including behind the ears. The lymph nodes behind the ear are located in the area where the sternocleidomastoid muscle meets the mastoid bone. These glands drain fluids resulting from the surrounding cells, such as the cells of the eyes, cheeks and scalp, and also help the immune system get rid of cell waste.

What is swelling under the ear?

 

It is a tumor, cyst or nodules that appear under the ear. The nature of this swelling depends on the underlying cause, as it may be painful or painless, soft or hard, fixed in size or variable. This swelling resembles a sac filled with pus, excess oils, and dead skin cells.

Various types of infections cause the lymph nodes under the ear to swell, resulting in lumps in the form of boils or abscesses. In this case, the swelling is temporary, as it disappears when the cause is removed.

However, if the swelling continues to grow over time, this may indicate a head injury or even a brain hemorrhage, which requires urgent medical attention.

What is under the left ear?

 

Under the ear are the posterior auricular lymph nodes and the skull bones known as the "mastoid". If any of these parts are inflamed, swelling or puffiness may appear in that area.

Is swelling under the ear dangerous?

 

There are several causes that may lead to swelling under the ear, which means that it is not necessarily dangerous in all cases. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to confirm the condition accurately and ensure that this swelling is not caused by a malignant cancerous mass.

**Causes of swelling under the ear**

 

. **Acne** When acne occurs, the pores of the skin become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, creating a layer known as a comedone. When bacteria enter this layer, inflammation occurs, causing lumps and cysts to form.

. **Mastoiditis** Mastoiditis, also known as ear infections, is a bacterial infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear. It usually occurs as a result of an untreated middle ear infection, which spreads to the mastoid bone. This infection causes a swollen lump behind the ear, along with other symptoms such as headache, fever, redness, hearing problems, and fluid coming out of the ear.

. **Middle ear infection** A middle ear infection is caused by bacteria or viruses, which causes fluid to build up in the ear and cause swelling. This infection can be treated with antibiotics.

. **Subcutaneous cysts** Subcutaneous cysts appear under the skin under the ear, and are dome-shaped sacs of fat, often with a black spot at the top.

. **Lipoma** A lipoma is a benign fatty mass that grows slowly and does not spread to surrounding areas. However, pressing on it may cause a slight pain.

. **Lymphadenopathy** Enlarged lymph nodes can cause swelling in the area under the ear.

Infections The body fights infection by sending white blood cells to the affected area, causing it to swell and collect fluid. One such infection is an ear infection that can cause this problem. The skull bone under the ear, known as the mastoid, can also become inflamed, causing a soft, red swelling under the ear. This inflammation is a serious condition.

. Abscess An abscess is made up of dead skin cells and oils, and is usually painless and smooth to the touch. However, if it becomes infected, it can become painful and collect pus, which may require antibiotic treatment or complete removal.

. Benign or malignant tumors In some cases, swelling under the ear may occur as a result of benign or malignant tumors. Pain is not necessarily a sign of cancer, as a person can develop lymph node cancer without feeling any pain, while benign tumors may cause pain. The accurate diagnosis depends on the evaluation of the specialist doctor who takes a sample of the swollen mass.

Lipomas are benign fatty masses that grow relatively slowly and do not spread to surrounding tissues. When pressed, they may cause mild pain.

Enlarged lymph nodes can lead to swelling under the ear, and this occurs when the lymph nodes are exposed to foreign substances.

Skin infections: These include bacterial or fungal infections that may lead to inflammation and swelling of the skin tissue under the ear.

. Common infections: Some common infections can cause swelling under the ear, such as strep throat, ear infections, influenza, tonsillitis, in addition to other respiratory diseases, gingivitis, herpes simplex virus infection that affects the mouth, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.

Symptoms associated with swelling under the ear

Swelling that appears under the ear can be accompanied by a group of symptoms, which vary depending on the medical condition. In general, these symptoms include the following:

Local symptoms

 

Swelling under the ear may be accompanied by some local symptoms, such as:

- Swelling.

- Redness.

- Pain.

- Pus and discharge.

- Itching.

- Feeling hot.

- Headache.

- Cough.

- Unexplained weight loss.

- Chills and fever.

- Sweating.

- Joint stiffness and pain.

- Sore throat.

- Runny nose.

. Serious symptoms that threaten life

InIn some cases, swelling under the ear may indicate a serious medical condition that requires urgent care. Accompanying symptoms include:

- Severe, uncontrollable bleeding.

- Fainting and change in level of consciousness.

- Behavioral changes such as delusions, delirium, confusion, hallucinations, and lethargy.

When should you see a doctor?

 

It is advisable to consult a specialist doctor when some symptoms appear, such as:

- The swelling increases in size over time.

- Feeling severe pain.

- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

- A significant increase in temperature.

- Weight loss without an obvious cause.

- Night sweats.

Diagnosis of swelling under the ear

The specialist doctor usually examines the affected area, in addition to reviewing the medical history and accompanying symptoms. He may also perform some tests, such as:

- Blood tests to check for any infection or inflammation.

- Performing an X-ray or ultrasound to determine the size and nature of the swelling.

- Taking a sample of the swelling for careful examination under a microscope.

What are the possible causes of a painful swelling behind the ear?

 

A painful swelling behind the ear can be caused by several factors, including:

1. **Lymphadenitis**: This occurs when the lymph nodes behind the ear become inflamed, causing painful swelling and tenderness to the touch.

2. **Otitis media**: Otitis media may extend to the nearby lymph nodes, causing swelling and pain in the area behind the ear.

3. **Sinusitis**: Sinusitis can lead to fluid buildup and swelling in the area around the ear.

4. **Skin infections**: Such as bacterial or fungal infections that may affect the skin in the area, causing swelling and pain.

5. **Swellings**: Such as fatty tumors (lipomas) or other skin cysts that may form behind the ear and cause pain.

6. **Injuries and bruises**: Injuries or bruises in the area can cause swelling and pain.

What are the causes of a hard lump or pimple behind the ear?

 

A hard lump or pimple behind the ear can be caused by several possible reasons, including the following:

1. **Swollen lymph nodes**: Swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear may occur as a result of the immune system's response to an infection or inflammation.

2. **Salivary gland inflammation**: Inflammation of the salivary gland in the area can cause swelling and a hard lump behind the ear.

3. **Sebaceous cysts (lipomas)**: Sebaceous cysts may form under the skin in the area behind the ear, resulting in a hard lump.

4. **Sebaceous pimples (blackheads)**: Sebaceous pimples may appear in this area, which usually appear hard and are surrounded by skin.

5. **Other skin cysts**: Some skin tumors such as fistulas or other cysts may appear behind the ear and be hard.

6. **Benign tumors**: The solid mass may be caused by other benign tumors in the soft tissues or bones behind the ear.

7. **Malignant tumors**: In rare cases, the solid mass may indicate a malignant tumor behind the ear, such as lymphoma or skin cancer.

**Treatment of swelling under the ear**

 

Treatment of swelling under the ear is determined based on the diagnosis of the condition and determining the cause behind the swelling, so it is recommended to visit a doctor when symptoms appear. The following are some possible treatments depending on the cause:

- **Abscess**: Some cases may require removal of pus, while other cases require surgery.

- **Subcutaneous cysts**: These cysts usually do not require treatment, but if they cause pain, warm compresses can be used or a doctor can be consulted.

- **Acne**: A dermatologist will determine the appropriate treatment for this condition.

- **Infections**: Itching-soothing creams can be used to relieve symptoms, in addition to using antifungals in the event of a fungal infection.

- **Lymph node swelling**: Treatment depends on the cause of the swelling, and may require antibiotics or a biopsy.

- **Mastoiditis**: This condition may require treatment with antibiotics, and in some cases, a procedure may be performed to drain the middle ear or remove part of the mastoid bone.

- **Otitis media**: Otitis media usually goes away after a few days, but in the case of recurrent infections, fluid may need to be drained from the middle ear.

- **Benign tumor**: It is not usually considered serious, but the condition should be followed up with a doctor.

Tips to relieve swelling under the ear

Home remedies can help relieve swelling under the ear, but it is essential to consult a doctor to confirm the condition accurately before starting any treatment. Here are some tips:

- Use tea tree oil or aloe vera gel to apply to the swollen area to soothe it.

- If you suffer from otitis media, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. You can also heat olive oil with garlic for 10 minutes, then filter it and leave it to cool. Put a few drops of it in your ear, and lie on your side to allow the fluid to come out.

- Massage the swollen area with hot castor oil to relieve swollen lymph nodes.

**Treatment of lymphadenitis behind the ear with herbs**

 

**Garlic**

- Garlic is considered a rich source of natural antibiotics that contribute to eliminating lymphadenitis behind the ear.

- Garlic also helps get rid of many harmful germs and works to cleanse the body of toxins.

- Garlic shows remarkable effectiveness in treating cases of swollen lymph nodes in the area behind the ear.

**How ​​to use garlic to treat lymphadenitis behind the ear**

 

The infected person can eat two to three cloves of garlic, especially if the inflammation is severe. It can also be added to different foods to enhance the benefit.

**Turmeric**

- Turmeric contains natural antibiotics that contribute to fighting germsTheme and inflammation, and helps reduce swelling, fight bacteria and treat infection.

- Therefore, turmeric is an effective natural remedy in relieving inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ear and the resulting pain.

**How ​​to use turmeric to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ear**

Turmeric can be used by mixing a tablespoon of natural honey with a tablespoon of turmeric to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

**Castor oil**

Castor oil is one of the effective natural oils in improving the function of the lymph nodes throughout the body. It is also used to relieve pain resulting from inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ear, as it helps remove toxins and expel bacteria from the body.

**How ​​to use castor oil to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ear**

Castor oil can be used by gently massaging the swollen area behind the ear for five minutes. It is recommended to repeat this process several times a day over the course of a week, until an improvement in the size of the swollen nodes is noticed.