A hard lump below the earlobe can be mumps or inflammation of the lymph nodes. Mumps is a viral infection that causes the parotid gland to appear enlarged and have a hard lump with pain. Since it is near the temporomandibular joint, it causes difficulty in opening the mouth and pain below the earlobe when chewing, and requires antiviral treatment. Recovery occurs within a week or so, and commonly used antiviral medications include oseltamivir or intravenous ribavirin. Inflammation of the lymph nodes is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus haemolyticus, which is characterized by painful enlargement of the lymph nodes, reddening of the surface and abscess formation. Oral antibiotics for treatment, such as cefradine, levofloxacin hydrochloride, cefixime, etc., treatment for about a week can be reduced.