Ear Tag: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ear Tag?
A pediatrician (a doctor for babies and children) usually finds and checks an ear tag, often at the first well-baby visit. A plastic surgeon (a doctor who does reconstructive surgery) removes one when removal is needed, and an audiologist (a hearing specialist) can check hearing. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is an ear tag?
An ear tag is a small skin tag or pit in front of the outside part of the ear. Doctors also call it a preauricular tag or pit. Skin tags and pits just in front of the opening of the ear are common in newborn babies. In most cases, they are normal. They can sometimes go along with other medical conditions.
Doctors use the name accessory tragus for a common finding at birth that is often called an ear tag.
Symptoms
An accessory tragus is usually spotted at birth, by a doctor's exam or by parents. It looks like a small, skin-colored bump in front of the ear. Most often there is just one, on one side. There can also be several, or tags on both ears. A tag might feel soft or firm. Some appear along a line between the ear and the corner of the mouth.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause of an accessory tragus is unclear. Some causes of an ear tag or pit are an inherited tendency to have this facial feature, or a genetic syndrome that includes these pits or tags. Another cause is a sinus tract problem, which is an abnormal connection between the skin and the tissue underneath. Accessory tragi are found in between 1 and 10 of every 1,000 live births.
How doctors diagnose it
A provider takes a medical history and does a physical exam. The provider will ask what the problem is, whether one or both ears are affected, and if the child responds normally to sounds. The baby is also examined for other signs of disorders that are sometimes linked to ear tags or pits. Diagnosis is based on how the tag looks and where it is, and on the fact that it was there at birth.
Hearing checks matter. An abnormal newborn hearing screen with an ear pit or tag should lead to a follow-up hearing screen with an audiologist. Babies born at home or at birthing centers without hearing screening should have hearing tests, especially if there is an ear tag or pit.
Treatment
Most accessory tragi are clinically insignificant. With no other signs or symptoms, reassurance is the only treatment needed. Treatment might be sought if the tag is irritated or if it bothers the person for cosmetic reasons.
In that case, surgery by a plastic surgeon is advised. The surgeon must remove all of the cartilage under the tag, because it can reach deep into the skin. It is generally advisable to do this before the child starts school. Shaving the tag off, or removing only part of it, can leave a piece of cartilage showing and cause slow healing. If it is removed properly, healing is usually complete and without problems.
When to see a doctor
Point out any skin tag or pit to your child's provider at the routine well-child exam. Contact your provider if your child has bleeding, swelling, or discharge at the site. A hearing test may be done if your baby did not have the usual newborn screening test.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can examine the tag, review hearing checks, and follow your child over time. They can refer you to a plastic surgeon if removal is wanted.
Common questions
Is an ear tag harmful?
In most cases, no. Ear tags are usually clinically insignificant. They can sometimes go along with other medical conditions, so a doctor should check.
Does an ear tag need to be removed?
Usually not. Removal is considered if the tag is irritated or bothers the person for cosmetic reasons.
Can an ear tag affect hearing?
Sometimes, but only in a small number of people. Routine newborn hearing tests are effective at screening for hearing problems.
Are ear tags common?
Yes, they are common in newborn babies.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Ear tag
- National Library of Medicine (PubMed Central) - Answer: Can you identify this condition?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
