Cuts and Wounds of the External Ear
Children may get minor cuts, wounds, and lacerations to the external (outer part) ear while playing, climbing, or during sports activities. Most of these injuries can be handled at home with simple first-aid treatment.
First-aid for superficial cuts and wounds
- Calm your child and let her know you can help.
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding.
- Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound. Remove any dirt particles from the area and let the water from the faucet run over it for several minutes. A dirty cut or scrape that is not thoroughly cleaned can cause an infection or poor healing.
- Apply an antibiotic cream or lotion.
- Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or gauze pad. Change the dressing often.
- Check the area each day and keep it clean and dry.
- Avoid blowing on the abrasion, as this can cause germs to grow.
- Any wound to the cartilage of the ear that is more than just a superficial cut or laceration should be evaluated by a physician to decide if stitches or further treatment are needed.
- Bruises, blisters, or swollen areas caused by trauma may be treated by placing an ice or cold pack on the area every one to two hours for 10 to 15 minutes for the first 24 hours.
- A direct blow or blunt trauma to the ear that causes a large bruise or hematoma (collection of blood and fluid underneath the skin) should be evaluated by a physician immediately to decide if further treatment is needed, such as draining the hematoma.
- Use a sunscreen (sun protection factor, or SPF, at least 15 or greater) on healed cuts and wounds to help prevent scarring.
When should I call my child's physician?
Specific treatment for cuts and wounds of the ear that require more than minor treatment at home will be determined by your child's physician. In general, call your child's physician for cuts and wounds of the ear that are:
- Bleeding heavily and do not stop after 5 to 10 minutes of direct pressure. If the bleeding is profuse, hold pressure for 5 to 10 minutes without stopping to look at the cut. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, put a new cloth on top of the old one. Do not lift the original cloth.
- Deep or longer than = inch.
- Caused by a puncture wound, or dirty or rusty object.
- Embedded with debris such as dirt, stones, or gravel.
- Ragged or have separated edges.
- Caused by an animal or human bite.
- Excessively painful or if you suspect a fracture, head, or bone injury.
- Showing signs of infection such as increased warmth, redness, swelling, or drainage.
Call your child's physician if you are concerned about the wound or have any questions.
Preventing ear injuries
Here are some guidelines to help prevent ear injuries in your children:
- Teach your child not to poke or place objects in the ear, such as cotton swabs or pencils.
- Make sure your child wears protective ear guards or helmets for sports activities that could cause injury.
- Have your child's ears pierced professionally and follow the care instructions carefully.
Reviewed by: Steven D. Handler, MD, MBE
Date: April 2009