How to Deal with Swollen Earlobe?

We usually do not pay much attention to our earlobes, but when they become swollen, it can be quite concerning. There are many reasons that can lead to earlobe swelling, and generally, it is due to an infection in a sebaceous cyst, causing local soft tissue swelling in the earlobe. For this situation, topical ointments can be used to alleviate the symptoms, and after a few days, the swelling in the earlobe will disappear.

Sebaceous cysts protrude from the surface of the skin and are commonly found in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, face, chest, and back. They usually grow slowly, and when not infected, patients generally have no symptoms. The cysts are spherical, either single or multiple, and vary in size from a few millimeters to nearly 10 centimeters. They have a medium hardness and elasticity, are slightly raised above the skin surface, adhere to the skin, and are not easily movable. The surface is smooth and has no fluctuation. The center of the cyst has a small opening like a pinhead-sized umbilical hole.

Canceration of sebaceous cysts is extremely rare, but they are prone to secondary infections. If infected, they may cause inflammatory reactions such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain. The cysts can rupture under external force and temporarily disappear, but they can form scars and are prone to recurrence. The most commonly used radical treatment for sebaceous cysts is surgical removal under local anesthesia.

Sebaceous cysts are small lesions on the body surface, and the surgery is relatively simple, which can be performed in an outpatient setting. The cyst should be removed as completely as possible without leaving any residual cyst wall to prevent recurrence. Since sebaceous cysts often occur on the face, surgical removal should take into account cosmetic considerations. Small incisions can be used to remove sebaceous cysts on the face and neck, and the skin can be sutured under no tension to avoid the formation of visible scars and achieve a cosmetically pleasing result.

Antibiotics should be used appropriately before surgery to control infections and after surgery to prevent inflammation. Sebaceous cysts that are already infected should be surgically removed after the infection is controlled. For local infections that cannot be controlled or have progressed to abscesses, incision and drainage may be necessary.

CO2 laser and electroionic minimally invasive methods are considered good options for treating cysts without infection. These methods are preferred due to their simplicity, small incision size, minimal bleeding, no need for suturing, minimal scarring, and low recurrence rates, especially for the treatment of sebaceous cysts on the face.