The small hole or dimple often seen just in front of the upper ear (where the cartilage meets the face) is called a preauricular pit (or ear pit).
People who have a preauricular pit have a common, harmless congenital feature with a few specific characteristics:
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What it actually is: It is a tiny opening to a narrow, skin-lined tunnel (a sinus tract) that tunnels under the skin. It forms during embryonic development (around the sixth week of pregnancy) when the tissues that make up the outer ear don’t completely fuse together.
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Genetics: They can run in families and may appear on one or both ears (though they are more commonly on just one side).
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Health Impact: For the vast majority of people, a preauricular pit is entirely harmless, causes no hearing issues, and requires no medical treatment.
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Potential Risks: Because it is a tiny opening leading to a tract, it can occasionally trap bacteria, leading to a localized cyst or infection (which causes swelling, redness, or discharge). If infections happen repeatedly, doctors sometimes recommend surgical removal of the tract.
Aside from keeping it clean during normal washing, healthcare providers generally advise leaving a preauricular pit alone and never trying to squeeze or poke anything into it.
