EARS, PULLING AT OR ITCHY

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR EAR PULLING HABIT OR ITCHY EAR CANAL

1. Habit:  If touching the ear is a new habit, ignore it (prevent doing it for attention).
2. White Vinegar Eardrops:  Use ½ strength white vinegar by diluting it with equal parts water.  Place 2 drops in each ear canal daily for three days (reason: restore the normal acid pH).  (Exception: ear drainage, ear tubes or hole in eardrum.)
3. Avoid Soap:  Keep soap and shampoo out of the ear canal.
4. Avoid Cotton Swabs:  Cotton swabs remove the earwax that normally protects the lining of the ear canal, and this leads to itching and irritation.
5. Expected Course:  With this treatment, most itching is gone in 2 or 3 days.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pulling at the ear continues for more than 3 days.
   • Itching continues for more than 1 week.
   • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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 SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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