Question
Hey, I'm 22 years old and about 2 1/2 weeks ago started being very sensitive to light, especially at night wile driving and cars are coming towards me in the opposite lane. Then about 2 weeks ago I developed a little pimple looking bump next to my right eye. Its not painful, just reddish and has no 'puss' or anything, but is also not a calcium bump (I get those from time to time). Then, about a week ago I developed this hard painful lump under the surface of my skin. The best way to describe its location would be over the jawbone, under the cheekbone and right in front of the ear. (This is also on the right side and is uncomfortable and then very painful when any amount of pressure is applied to it. I can't even put the phone on my right ear with out cringing.) Oh yea, and its at least doubled in size from when I first noticed it. Now, I was wondering firstly if this would co inside with the problem I'm having with my eyes being sensitive to light all of a sudden? And secondly, if you don't believe so, do you either know what this lump MAY be and if not, what department shall I go to with my question/concern next? Thank you in advance for all your help and I hope I provided enough information for you to give me an accurate reply. I know its best to see a dr, but I don't have vision coverage, so I was hoping I could get an answer on what it MIGHT be, and hopefully its not vision related and I can get to the reg dr monday when I have off. Thank you so much!
Answer
It would difficult to speculate on the exact etiology of the sudden
painful lump in the right preauricular space that you describe (in
front of your right ear). The acute presentation, the tenderness to
touch, and the swelling all indicate an acute infectious or
inflammatory process, of which there are many causes.
Infectious etiologies would include such things as abscess formation
and cellulitis.
A generalized inflammatory or infectious process might sometimes begin
with an inflamed preauricalar lymph node in front of your ear, the
causes of which are many, including sarcoid and other systemic
diseases.
The parotid gland, in front of your right ear, may also become
inflamed or infected.
There are several eye conditions which may cause swelling in this area
and which might also be associated with light sensitivity, most
notably acute viral infection, or pink eye. This infection usually
also causes a red, painful, eye with discharge, but not always.
The best advice that I could give you would be to see an eye doctor
first if your eye is red and painful, if not, it may be best to see a
Family Practitioner or an ENT specialist.
