What could these lumps around my ears be?

Question

Every month or two, I get these lumps come up around one of my ears. Usually the left one more than the right one. They come up on the lobe, at the front, or behind the ear. They start out small sometimes hard, sometimes mushy. They are sore and get bigger over about a week. When they get a certain size, I can sqeeze on them and they make a loud popping noise and drain out pus, blood and a clear oily substance. Then they go away and a month or two later, another one comes up somewhere different. I actually had one of these removed when I was 20, but I don't remember whatt it was. The dental hygientist I work with thought they might be sebasious cysts. I probably spelled that wrong. What do you think these could be?

I got my ears pierced when I was about 7, but I don't like earrings so I haven't worn them in years, so it isn't that.

Answer 1

It's sebaceous cysts, and it sounds like they are. The sebum is secreted from the skin's oil glands, and when it gets trapped under the skin, it can get infected and fill will pus if it is not taken care of. Cysts are more bothersome and annoying than hazardous to the health.
It sounds like you have a chronic condition, and I would recommend seeing a dermatologist when the cyst (lump) is well formed, so they can see the condition clearly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_cyst

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/117/112605.htm#SC

Answer 2

I can't remember what it's called but the reason it keeps coming back is because when it pops and drains some of the infection remains and it "grows" again. My mother had something like this on her forearm for years. At times it would get really large and then rupture and subside only to return in about 6 weeks.

You will probably need to have it surgically removed, however, it may be something a broad spectrum antibiotic would be effective on.

Are your ears pierced? You could be reinfecting yourself with your earrings. If so, cleanse your earrings with alcohol before you remove them and before you put them on.

Answer 3

I was going to say cysts, too. I have one behind my ear that is practically nonexistant, but I know it is just a cyst in submission, and someday it might attack... either way, just make sure you keep an eye on them, because that close to your head could be dangerous if there is an infection.

Answer 4

I really don't know, but if it is the cysts, you should try takeing Vitamin E daily for a while. I heard it may help them go away.

Answer 5

Sounds like lymph nodes swelling from creating the antibodies needed to protect you from an infection. An Ear nose and throat Doctor would be the person to see

Answer 6

sounds like cysts to me. the next time you get one go to the doctor and have them check it out!

Answer 7

I don't know what they are but they could be caused by a phosphate deficiency. Look for vitamins with high phosphate content and try them. Couldn't hurt.

Answer 8

pimples no big deal.

Answer 9

The BLACK PLAGUE!!!!!!!!