Earlobe creases
Definition
Earlobe creases are superficial lines in the otherwise smooth earlobe of a child or young adult.
Considerations
The earlobes of children and young adults are normally smooth. Creases are sometimes associated with rare inherited syndromes.
Some studies have found that people with earlobe creases are at greater risk for heart attack than others. More recent research suggests that earlobe creases are more common in older people, and that age, not the presence of creases, accounts for the increased heart attack risk.
Other genetic factors such as race and earlobe shape may also determine who develops earlobe creasing and whether it occurs in childhood or adulthood.
Note: Having one small abnormality in facial features is not uncommon, and is usually not associated with a serious medical condition.
Causes
In children, earlobe creases are often associated with rare disorders. One of these is called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
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