Preauricular tag or pit

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Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Newborn ear anatomy

An ear tag is a small skin tag or pit in front of the external ear.

Ear tag

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

These are isolated, normal findings in the majority of cases. However, both preauricular tags and pits can be associated with other abnormalities. 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 which has preauricular pits or tags as one feature
• A sinus tract abnormality (an abnormal connection between the skin and underlying tissue)

Review Date: 10/27/2005
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.