Baby Ear Tags, Pits & Shape Variations | Parenting Hub
Small skin tags or pits near baby's ear are common and usually harmless. Here's when they need a check or hearing review.
Small ear tags or pits are common and usually harmless, but worth mentioning at your baby's check so hearing can be monitored.
What they are
Pre-auricular skin tags are small soft bumps in front of the ear, present from birth. Pre-auricular pits are tiny pinhole openings in the same area. Both are common and usually harmless.
What to watch for
Mention them at your maternal child health visits — your provider may recommend an ENT or hearing check, as occasionally they're linked with kidney or hearing differences. Watch the pits for any redness, swelling or discharge (infection), which needs a GP review.
When to seek help
- Redness, swelling or discharge from a pit
- Other unusual features alongside (e.g. kidney issues in family)
Common questions
Should the tag be removed?
Removal is cosmetic and usually deferred until later childhood unless it causes problems.