Swelling of lymph nodes in an around the ear region or the upper part of the neck can happen due to variety of reasons. Something as simple as scalp infection, dandruff, pimples, pimples happening even in the pinna of the ear can induce small lymph node swelling there. Eye lash or eyelid infection, stye, even some threading or cosmetic treatment can induce a localised inflammation, infection and reaction wherein the regional lymph node will swell up. As far as it is inert that means it is not growing progressively or not becoming painful you don’t need to worry too much about it. Just keep a watch on the size of the lymph node. You should assess the amount of tenderness there. So in any case of acute infection it will be tender. If the foruncle or the pimple breaks and the infection is over then lymph node also will slowly regress over the couple of weeks. Even if the local infection goes away or you get it treated still the lymph nodes will take a little longer than local infection to subside. Probably in about 2 weeks you see that the size is considerably reduced. On the other hand if you notice a node which is continuously progressing in size or when it was small it was moving freely and slowly it is becoming a little restrictant in its movement or it is becoming progressively painful then it has to be investigated. See what is the cause, where is the primary infection and based on that we can do the treatment. Another problem that can be mistaken for a lymph node is a pre auricular sinus. There is a small birth defect where small balloon of skin is buried under the normal skin of the ear. That will have a small opening in the tragus region or the front of the ear. Most of the times when we try to squeeze that swelling you might find some white cheesy material coming out of that hole. That confirms the presence of pre auricular sinus. The only treatment is to get rid of that balloon of skin entirely including the hole. Then the problem will subside. This has to be distinguished from the pre auricular lymph node and based on the cause again the treatment varies.
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