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Anyone have any idea what this could be on my 16 month old's ear?

8 replies

DancingtoDisney · 08/03/2026 19:41

16 month old DD has had a rough winter of constant viruses - the most recent one being this week. Temperature, runny nose, irritable etc. initially we put it down to teething as it looked like some teeth were poking through but I've started feeling similar the last two days too so looks like it may have been a bug! She's been her usual self the last two days, albeit still very snotty.

This morning, I noticed this red mark in her ear as I went to pick her up out of her cot (photo attached). It had definitely not been there during the evening when she went to bed. It isn't raised or bumpy to touch, it's smooth and almost under the surface of her skin. She has a similar mark on her bottom which she was born with! Could this be similar but just presenting now? I'm a bit of an anxious person so trying not to fall down a Google rabbit hole...!

My only worry is that after taking this photo in her bath tonight, I swear it looks slightly bigger than it did this morning. But can't be certain as I didn't photograph it then (really wish I had!!)

Anyone have any idea what this could be on my 16 month old's ear?
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24Dogcuddler · 08/03/2026 19:48

Looks like she might have nipped it pulling at her ear. Babies often do that when poorly or tired don’t they. Could have even done it in her sleep.
I wouldn’t worry unless it spreads or she has any in other places. I’m not medical though.
Just keep an eye on like you are doing.

DancingtoDisney · 08/03/2026 19:49

24Dogcuddler · 08/03/2026 19:48

Looks like she might have nipped it pulling at her ear. Babies often do that when poorly or tired don’t they. Could have even done it in her sleep.
I wouldn’t worry unless it spreads or she has any in other places. I’m not medical though.
Just keep an eye on like you are doing.

Thanks for replying, I wondered that too but it's under her skin - if that makes sense? It's not raised or rough like a scratch or cut would be. It's very odd. It doesn't seem to hurt her either, she hasn't reacted in the slightest she I've touched it. Will keep an eye and see how it looks in the morning 🙏🏼

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ImFineItsAllFine · 08/03/2026 20:43

When my 5 year old had chickenpox he had one spot on his ear that looked quite like that. Looked totally different to the rest of his spots.

Mind you, if it turns out to be chicken pox she'll have loads of spots by tomorrow morning...

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SummerFeverVenice · 08/03/2026 20:45

Draw a ring around it in sharpie. If it grows, off to the GP tomorrow morning.

It could be a tiny bruise from sleeping on her hand by her head, it could be an insect bite.

BertieBotts · 08/03/2026 20:48

It just looks like a petechiae to me (I don't actually know if that's the right term for a singular one). My DC and I have them on our arms. Completely harmless, sort of like freckles.

BertieBotts · 08/03/2026 20:52

Oh god sorry, don't google that. All the results are very alarming but it is definitely the word my doctor used to describe them and specifically told me not to worry about them. For me and DC they are permanent and not a sign of infection.

DancingtoDisney · 09/03/2026 06:36

BertieBotts · 08/03/2026 20:48

It just looks like a petechiae to me (I don't actually know if that's the right term for a singular one). My DC and I have them on our arms. Completely harmless, sort of like freckles.

I have these too and my older DD has one similar! Eek, okay won't Google!!

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DancingtoDisney · 09/03/2026 06:37

ImFineItsAllFine · 08/03/2026 20:43

When my 5 year old had chickenpox he had one spot on his ear that looked quite like that. Looked totally different to the rest of his spots.

Mind you, if it turns out to be chicken pox she'll have loads of spots by tomorrow morning...

We've been on edge for chickenpox as it's been doing the rounds in the school I work at... 😬. She's not up yet so we shall see very shortly!!

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