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Ear - Injury
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Does this describe your child's symptoms?
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Definition
Types of Ear Injuries
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Bruises and scratches of outer ear
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Blood clot of outer ear
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Ear canal bleeding due to scratch of ear canal (caused by cotton swab, fingernail, or medical ear exam)
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Punctured eardrum due to long-pointed objects (caused by cotton swabs, pencils, sticks, straws, wires)
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When to Call Your Doctor
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Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
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You think your child has a serious injury
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Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
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Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches
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Outer upper ear is very swollen
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Pointed object was inserted into the ear canal
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Clear fluid is draining from the ear canal
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Walking is unsteady
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Severe pain
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Age under 1 year old
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You think your child needs to be seen urgently
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
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You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently
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Few drops of blood from ear canal due to minor injury, cotton swab (Q-tip) or ear exam
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Injury causes an earache or crying that persists
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Hearing is decreased on injured side
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
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Parent Care at Home If
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR EAR INJURIES
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Bleeding: Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
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Cleansing: Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.
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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.
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Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen as necessary for pain relief.
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Expected Course: Minor ear injuries heal quickly, usually in 2 or 3 days.
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Call Your Doctor If:
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Pain becomes severe
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Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.