Community Health Network

Ear - Injury
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Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

Does this describe your child's symptoms?

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)

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	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 upper 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 under 1 year old
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen Few drops of blood from ear canal due to minor injury, cotton swab (Q-tip) or ear exam Injury causes an earache or crying that persists Hearing is decreased on injured side
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	No tetanus shot in over 5 years for DIRTY cuts (over 10 years for CLEAN cuts) You have other questions or concerns
	Parent Care at Home If
	Minor ear injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR 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

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
Call?

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.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 6/24/2008

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online