EAR INJURY Injury Definition Injuries to the outer ear, ear canal or eardrum. Types of Ear Injuries Bruises and scratches of outer ear. Blood clot of outer ear. Ear canal bleeding due to scratch of ear canal (caused by cotton swab, fingernail, or medical ear exam). Punctured eardrum due to long-pointed objects (caused by cotton swabs, pencils, sticks, straws, wires). WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR EAR INJURY Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If You think your child has a serious injury Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches Outer ear is very swollen Pointed object was inserted into the ear canal Clear fluid is draining from the ear canal Walking is unsteady Severe pain Age less than 1 year old Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If You think your child needs to be seen Few drops of blood from ear canal due to minor injury, cotton swab or ear exam Injury caused an earache or crying that persists Hearing is decreased on injured side Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If You have other questions or concerns. Parent Care at Home If Mild ear injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen. Back to Top HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD EAR INJURIES Bleeding: Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding. Cleansing: Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. Antibiotic Ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment to any cuts or scrapes. Cover large scrapes with a Band-Aid. Change daily. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief. Expected Course: Minor ear injuries heal quickly, usually in 2 or 3 days. Call Your Doctor If: Pain becomes severe Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms Back to Top Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2005 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP Reviewed 8/2005 Revised 8/2005 View Index of Topics