I was surprised when I first noticed a very small indentation—or sometimes a little “pit”—just where the top of the ear cartilage meets the face. At first glance, it might even look like a weird piercing, but it’s actually a natural, congenital feature. Medically, it’s called a preauricular sinus (or preauricular pit), and although rare, it’s found in a small portion of people worldwide.
How Common Is It — And Why Does It Happen?
When I dove into the research, I learned that this little hole isn’t just a random quirk. It appears because, in early fetal development, certain parts of the ear don’t fully fuse. Specifically, during the early weeks, the tissues that form the outer ear sometimes leave behind a small tract under the skin. That tract can open at the surface, creating this tiny pit. Interestingly, this feature is more common in some populations than others. For example, people of East Asian descent have a higher occurrence, whereas in some Western countries it’s much less frequent.
Is It Dangerous — Or Just Strange?
For most of us, the preauricular sinus doesn’t cause any trouble. It’s usually harmless and stays dormant for a lifetime.
But in some cases, that little tract under the skin can become infected. When that happens, it might swell, hurt, or leak fluid. If it becomes a recurring problem, doctors might prescribe antibiotics to manage the infection. In more serious or repeated cases, a surgical removal of the sinus may be considered to prevent further health issues.
Could It Be a Remnant from Our Ancient Past?
One of the most fascinating theories I found connects this tiny hole to the distant past of our species. Evolutionary biologists—like Neil Shubin—have suggested that it might be an evolutionary leftover: a remnant from when our distant ancestors had structures more like fish gills.
During embryonic development, certain vertebrates use arches (first and second pharyngeal arches) that later form various structures in the head and neck. In fish, similar structures become gills. While this idea is pretty wild, it’s not proven—and for now, it remains a scientific hypothesis rather than a confirmed explanation.
Cultural and Spiritual Interpretations
Beyond biology, there are also spiritual and cultural interpretations of the little pit. In some traditions, people believe that having this hole is a sign of luck, abundance, or even special intuition. Some think it gives a person a “gift” in how they perceive or sense the world. Others view it as a connection to their ancestral or evolutionary roots, almost like a hidden symbol of where we came from.
When to Worry (and When Not To)
If I were to give advice based on what I found, here’s what I’d suggest:
- If the pit is never bothering you (no pain, no drainage), there’s probably no reason to treat it.
- But if you notice redness, swelling, or any kind of discharge, it’s smart to consult a medical professional. These could be signs of infection.
- Avoid poking or trying to insert any jewelry there—because that increases the risk of infection.
Final Thought: A Tiny Mark, But Big Meaning
That little hole above the ear may be tiny, but it carries more meaning than you’d expect. It’s not just a harmless birthmark—it’s a reminder that our bodies are shaped by both genetics and evolutionary history. Whether you view it as a fascinating biological quirk or a spiritual symbol, it’s one of the many subtle ways our bodies reflect who we are—and where we’ve come from.
