When people think about rare physical traits, they often picture features that are immediately noticeable or visually striking. Yet some unusual characteristics are so subtle that they often go completely unnoticed—even by the individuals who have them. One such example is a tiny hole or dimple located just in front of the ear, near the upper edge. This small opening is known as a preauricular sinus. At first glance, it may resemble a faint birthmark or an oddly placed piercing, but it is neither of those.
A preauricular sinus—also referred to as a preauricular pit or fistula—is a small congenital opening that forms during early fetal development, usually around the sixth week of pregnancy, according to Medical News Today. It develops when parts of the outer ear do not fuse completely as the ear structure forms. This feature is often hereditary, meaning it can be passed down through families. The pit may appear on one ear or both, although having it on both sides is relatively uncommon.
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