Introduction
Sometimes, when you touch your earlobe, ear fold, or behind your ear, you may notice a small, hard bump. You might wonder, what is that? And if you press it, you might even feel some discomfort. To satisfy our curiosity, I looked into this, and it turns out there’s an explanation!
1. Possible Cause: Sebaceous Cyst
The most common cause of these bumps is a sebaceous cyst. Sebaceous glands are found all over your body, including in the ear, and their function is to secrete oil. However, when excess oil blocks the gland’s duct, a sebaceous cyst may form, creating the bump you feel. 
2. Why Does This Happen?
Here are some possible reasons for the formation of these small bumps:
1. You’re Too Young
Young people tend to have more active sebaceous glands, which produce oil at a higher rate. This can lead to blockages, forming a hard bump.
2. Lack of Ear Hygiene
Poor ear hygiene is another common cause. If you don’t clean the areas around your ears and behind them regularly, oil may accumulate. Many people unintentionally touch their face or ears with dirty hands, which can further clog sebaceous glands, leading to bumps.
3. External Factors
For people who wear glasses, it’s important to regularly clean the legs of your glasses. The glasses legs can accumulate bacteria and dirt, which can be transferred to your ear when worn, potentially causing sebaceous cysts.
3. Worse Case: Infection and Abscess
If the bump becomes infected, it may not just be a sebaceous cyst—it could turn into an abscess. An abscess may cause inflammation and pus, requiring medical treatment.
4. Bumps Behind the Ear: More Possibilities
If the hard bump isn’t on your earlobe or inside your ear but instead behind your ear, it could be something different. Here are a couple of possibilities:
1. Mastoid Process (Temporal Bone Prominence)
If the bump feels hard and is located behind your ear, it could simply be the prominence of the mastoid process. This is a part of your temporal bone, which protrudes behind the ear. The size of the mastoid can vary, and in some people, it’s more prominent. If you have a noticeable bump here, it’s likely harmless.
2. Enlarged Lymph Node
If the bump feels warm, painful, or swollen, it could be an enlarged lymph node. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and are located around the ear. When an infection occurs in the body or nearby organs, lymph nodes can swell as they try to block bacteria. If this happens, you may experience discomfort when eating, drinking, or swallowing. If it persists, it’s a sign to visit the doctor.
Conclusion
If you notice a small, hard bump near your ear, it’s likely one of these common conditions. Take care of your ear hygiene, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if the bump doesn’t go away or becomes painful.
