Ear - Injury

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Ear - Injury

one

Does this describe your child's symptoms?

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)

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	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 You think your child needs to be seen urgently
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently 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

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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 such as Polysporin (no prescription needed) 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