When we think of a rare trait, we tend to go big and imagine the kinds of attributes that might make people stop and stare.
Many times, though, an unusual trait is hiding in plain sight — it's just so small that most people don't even realize it. In fact, you might not even know that you have it yourself.
One such feature is called the perauricular sinus. That's the fancy technical term for a tiny hole at the top of your ear, right at the border where the ear meets the temple.
From a distance, you might just think it was a simple birthmark, or possibly a piercing without any jewelry in it (and in a place where you'd never be able to use an earring back).
But it's neither of those things. It's actually a small hole in the ear that forms during fetal development. They're also hereditary, which means that if someone you're related to has one, yours or your children's chances of having one are increased.
So what are they? Well, no one really knows, but there are a number of myths and legends surrounding this rare trait. Do you have one?
[H/T: Wimp, Aunty Acid]
A perauricular sinus is a tiny hole that appears on or near the ear close to where the ear joins up with the face.
Typically found on the right side, these holes appear in anywhere from 1 to 10 percent of the population, and are more common in certain areas of the world or in people with certain ethnic backgrounds.
They look like holes, but often don't go all the way through. They can just be a dimple, a dent, or even a raised nodule, in which case it's called a perauricular cyst.
They're harmless, although they can sometimes trap bacteria and get a little infected. But with proper care, any infection will usually clear right up.
Surgery can be used to correct a perauricular cyst that causes repeated issues.
This feature is hereditary and forms in utero with the rest of the baby. It's technically a "defect," but most people think they're sort of cute!
While most people only have one, there are some who can have one on each ear.
Perauricular sinuses are also more common in people with African and Asian heritage, with up to 10 percent of the population of Asia and parts of Africa having them.
In cultures where they're more prevalent, there are even some superstitions about them. For example, some people believe that they attract wealth.
It's believed that the holes form as a result of a slight defect in the pharynx, and some theorize that they might actually be an ancient remnant of gills.
Do you have one of these tiny little dimples? Have you ever even checked?
Take a peek in the mirror and see if you have one.
And if you know you do, have you ever heard any superstitions about it? Let us know!
And SHARE to see how many of your friends have this rare trait.
