EARS, PULLING AT OR ITCHY

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• A child repeatedly pulls, tugs, pokes or itches the outer ear or ear canal.
• Most younger children (under age 2 or 3) who pull or poke at the ear are unable to confirm or deny the presence of an earache.  In a recent study, only 5% of these children had an underlying ear infection.

Causes

• Main Cause (infants): normal touching and pulling with discovery of ears.
• This behavior is usually not seen before 4 months of age
• Main Cause (older children): mild swimmer's ear from: (1) water accumulation during swimming or showers, (2) soap or shampoo retention, or (3) canal irritation from cotton-tipped swabs.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Child is mainly crying and not pulling at ears, see CRYING CHILD OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS OLD.

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

See Other Topics:

• Crying Child Older Than 3 Months Old (Irritability, Fussiness)

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