Weird issues with my earlobes

So, it usually starts with this mild, nagging itch just behind my ear—and then, almost like clockwork, a sort of painful, subcutaneous bump starts forming right there. As for the outer ear itself, I get these little swellings along the folds in the back, if you know what I mean. Honestly, I’m struggling to even put a name to it since I’ve never actually had to deal with anything like this before—I didn't even realize it was something people dealt with, really. 😕
The bumps and the swelling tend to cycle around—sometimes it's the left side, sometimes the right. Any idea what might be going on? And let’s just rule out hygiene right off the bat, because I’m pretty meticulous about that. 😁
I also deal with these painless cysts popping up on the back of my neck—which I've noticed seem to flare up whenever I'm stressed—but this whole situation around my ear is just... baffling.