What is a sore soft painful bump behind your ear near the back of earring?

There are several possibilities for a sore, soft, painful bump behind your ear near the back of your earring. some of the most common include:

1. Infected ear piercing;

If you have recently gotten your ears pierced, it is possible that the piercing has become infected. This can occur due to improper cleaning or aftercare, or if the piercing was done with unsterile equipment. Infected piercings may exhibit symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and discharge.

2. Swollen lymph node:

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that play a crucial role in our immune system. They can swell in response to infection or inflammation in nearby areas, such as the ear. A swollen lymph node behind the ear can be felt as a sore, soft bump.

3. Sebaceous cyst;

Sebaceous cysts are noncancerous growths that develop from sebaceous glands, which produce oil for the skin. These cysts can occur anywhere on the body, including behind the ear. Sebaceous cysts typically feel like soft, movable bumps and can become painful if they become inflamed or infected.

4. Abscess:

An abscess is a collection of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. Behind the ear, an abscess can develop from an infection of the skin, lymph node, or surrounding tissues. Abscesses are often painful, swollen, and warm to the touch.

5. Mastoiditis;

Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid air cells, which are located behind the ear. It can occur as a complication of untreated or severe middle ear infections. Symptoms of mastoiditis include ear pain, swelling behind the ear, fever, and hearing loss.

If you are experiencing a sore, soft, painful bump behind your ear near the back of your earring, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you suspect it may be an infected piercing or a more serious condition. They can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.