Ear - Pulling At or Rubbing
Definition
- A child who pulls, tugs, pokes, rubs or itches the ear
- No crying or report of ear pain
Causes
- Main cause (infants): Normal touching and pulling with discovery of ears. This is usually not seen before 4 months of age.
- Main cause (older children): Mild swimmer's ear. This can be caused by:
- (1) water trapped during swimming or showers OR
- (2) soap or shampoo OR
- (3) cotton-tipped swabs.
- Can also be caused by a piece of earwax in the ear canal.
- Rubbing the ear is common in younger children (under age 2 or 3). Simple ear pulling without other symptoms such as fever or crying is harmless. These children rarely have an ear infection.
When to Call Us for Ear - Pulling At or Rubbing
Call Us Now (night or day) If
| Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If
| Parent Care at Home If
|
CARE ADVICE FOR EAR RUBBING OR ITCHY EAR CANAL
What You Should Know:- Most of these children have discovered their ears and are playing with them.
- Some have an itchy ear canal.
- Ear pulling can start when your child has a cold. It can be caused by fluid in the middle ear. Less often, it's caused by an ear infection. If this is the case, your child will develop other symptoms. Look for fever or increased crying.
- Ear pulling without other symptoms is not a sign of an ear infection.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
- If touching the ear is a new habit, ignore it. This helps prevent your child from doing it for attention.
- For an itchy ear canal, use half-strength white vinegar. Make this by mixing the vinegar with equal parts warm water.
- Place 2 drops in each ear canal once daily.
- Do this for three days.
- Reason: Restores the normal acid pH.
- Caution: Do not use eardrops if your child has ear drainage or ear tubes. Also, do not use if your child has a hole in eardrum.