Preauricular tag or pit

Alternative names:

ear tag

Definition:

A small skin tag or pit in front of the external ear.

Considerations:

Skin tags and pits just in front of the opening of the external ear are commonly seen in newborn infants.

In the majority of newborns with preauricular tags or pits, these lesions are not signs of associated syndromes or conditions. However, both preauricular tags and pits (most often pits) can be associated with various syndromes.

Common causes:

• familial (inherited tendency to have this facial feature)
• cat-eye syndrome
• Melnick-Fraser syndrome
• 4p minus syndrome

Note: There may be other causes of preauricular tags or pits. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for preauricular tags or pits, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.