However, because the pit is essentially a tiny tunnel lined with skin tissue, it can occasionally collect dead skin cells or sweat. In a small number of cases, this can lead to:
- Cysts: A painless lump forming underneath the skin near the hole.
- Infections: If bacteria enter the tract, the area can become red, swollen, and painful, sometimes forming an abscess.
If it ever gets inflamed or starts discharging fluid, a quick trip to a doctor or an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist is necessary. They can easily treat an infection with antibiotics. In the rare cases where a pit becomes chronically infected time and time again, a surgeon can perform a simple outpatient procedure to remove the entire sinus tract, solving the problem permanently.
The golden rule: Never try to squeeze, poke, or insert a piercing into a preauricular pit. Just leave it alone and let it be its awesome self.
