Ear tag

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Newborn ear anatomy

An ear (preauricular) tag is a small skin tag or pit in front of the outside part of the ear.

Preauricular tag; Preauricular pit

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

In most cases, these are normal. However, both preauricular tags and pits can be associated with other medical conditions. It is important to point out skin tags or pits to your child's health care provider during the routine well-child examination.

• An inherited tendency to have this facial feature
• A genetic syndrome that has preauricular pits or tags as one feature
• A sinus tract problem (an abnormal connection between the skin and tissue underneath)

Review Date: 05/13/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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