Otitis externa is an infection of the skin of the ear canal and is common in children and adults. It occurs more commonly when water enter the ear canal, such as after swimming. When the ear canal is wet for long periods of time, the skin becomes soft and 'soggy' which makes it an ideal environment for infection. Otitis externa is usually one-sided.

Symptoms of otitis externa:

  • Pain and tenderness in the ear canal
  • Itchiness
  • Foul smelling yellow or green pus in the ear canal
  • Reduced hearing/'blocked ear'
  • Noises inside the ear, such as buzzing, humming or ringing (tinnitus).
When should you worry?

If your child has any of the following:

  • Is going blue around the lips
  • Has pauses in their breathing (apnoeas) or has an irregular breathing pattern
  • Too breathless to talk/eat or drink
  • Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
  • Becomes extremely agitated, confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the 'Glass Test')
  • Has a fit/seizure
  • Is under 1 month of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above






You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Develops swelling behind the ear or increasing pain/redness behind the ear
  • Develops dizziness or is losing their balance
  • Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up)
  • Is complaining of a severe headache and neck stiffness/pain or discomfort with bright lifts (photophobia)
  • Is having breathing problems, such as rapid breathing, shortness of breath or laboured breathing (drawing in of muscles below the lower ribs when they breath in)
  • Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or no urine passed for 12 hours)
  • Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain
  • Is between 1-3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100°F or above; or 3-6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C / 102.2°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations).
  • Signs of otitis externa and fever of 38.0°C or above
  • Is getting worse or if your are worried






You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS Wales 111 

If none of the above features are present







Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, ring your GP surgery or contact NHS Wales 111 

Treatment

Most children with otitis externa do not need antibiotics. That's because research has shown antibiotics make very little difference to how quickly your child gets better. If you think that your child has otitis externa, you should consider using 2% acetic acid ear drops (e.g. Earcalm), which is an effective treatment for otitis externa. These are available without a prescription from your pharmacist. If your child is still no better after a week of using acetic acid drops, they should see a GP who may consider starting them on antibiotic ear drops.

If your child has redness extending to the skin around the ear (cellulitis), go and see your GP as they may need treatment with oral antibiotics. In addition, if your child has any features of severe infection (amber or red features above), they will need to be urgently seen by a healthcare professional who may decide that your child may benefit from antibiotic treatment.

You can help relieve symptoms by:

  • Giving your child paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids

Prevention

It is not possible to prevent ear infections; however, you can do things that may reduce your child's chances of developing the condition.

  • Avoid cleaning your child's ears with cotton buds - this may damage and irritate the ear canal and also push wax further into the ear. Wax is designed to come out by itself.
  • Try not to let soap or shampoo get into your child's ear canal.
  • Try to keep your child's ears dry; if water gets in, tip it out. This can be extremely challenging in young children!
  • Ensure your child is up-to-date with their immunisations
  • Avoid exposing your child to smoky environments (passive smoking)

This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

NHS 111 Wales

Website: NHS 111 Wales

NHS 111 Wales (Option 2) telephone service is available 24/7 and can be used for urgent mental health advice and support.

 

Meic

Website: www.meiccymru.org

Meic is the helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales. Chat online, freephone 080880 23456, or text 84001.

 

 

C.A.L.L. Community Advice Listening Line

Website: www.callhelpline.org.uk

Provides a confidential mental health listening and emotional support line which is open 24/7. Call 0800 132 737 or text ‘help’ to 81066.

 

 

Shout

Website: www.giveusashout.org

Text ‘shout’ to 85258 anytime, day or night.

 

 

Childline

Website: www.childline.org.uk

If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

 

 

Samaritans

Website: www.samaritans.org/wales/samaritans-cymru/

Call 116 123 free, anytime, day or night.

 

 

Papyrus

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK. We are open 9am–midnight every day.

 

 

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) for men

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Need help? Call our helpline 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year on 0800 58 58 58.

 

 

DAN 24/7 - Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

Website: www.dan247.org.uk/

Freephone 0808 808 2234, or text DAN to 81066.

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  • Try to stay calm.
  • Tell them you are there for them and that you are not upset or angry.
  • Tell them you are pleased they have told you they are having thoughts of harming themselves and that you are able to help them through this time.
  • Listen to what they are saying even if they are venting anger or other negative emotions at you.
  • Listen without interrupting.
  • Validate their thoughts and feelings – they are real and important.
  • Try to be emotionally available and present for your child.
  • Once things appear to be settling please encourage your child to relax as the day/ evening progresses and make some suggestions for things you can do together to distract them from their thoughts (see below for some ideas).
  • Try to proactively manage any potential conflicts or arguments within your immediate environment.
  • Be mindful of excessive use of mobile devices but that young people really need to feel connected to others at times of distress.

If you are concerned that your child/ young person is at risk of harming themselves, please ensure the following:

  • All medications (prescribed/ over the counter/ vitamins) are removed and/ or locked in a strong lockable medical box or locked cupboard.  Medication needs to be stored in this way in all houses where the young person stays, including grandparents, foster carers, step parents and residential homes.
  • All sharp objects, such as knives and razor blades, to be removed and/ or stored securely.
  • Ensure the young person has not got a stock of medication or sharp objects in their room or amongst their property.
  • Other environmental risks in your home should be considered, e.g. removing ropes, ties, dressing gown ties.
  • Do not allow your child/ young person to go out alone or with friends during times of distress and when they are voicing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
  • Monitor your child/ young person’s mood and behaviour closely.
  • Increase your presence and supervision of your child at home, if needed remaining awake or checking on them during the night.
  • Ask them about thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
  • ​​​​Look out for any warning signs in your child/ young person that they might be struggling.

  • Distract yourself - watch a film or TV programme, play a computer game that absorbs your mind, or read a book you’re really interested in
  • Get creative – drawing, mindful colouring, taking photos, listening to music, singing
  • Get moving – walk, run, dance, do an exercise or yoga video
  • Comfort yourself – have bubble bath or shower, eat something you like, stroke a pet, cuddle up tightly in a blanket, rock/ hug yourself, spray a favourite perfume

 

Alternatives to self-harm when the urge to harm is very strong:

  • Hold ice in your hand for as long as you can
  • Step under a cold shower briefly
  • Run your hands under cold water
  • Snap an elastic band against your wrist
  • Hit a cushion against the wall or bed
  • Punch a punch bag or pillow
  • Go for a fast paced walk or run up and down the stairs several times
  • Tear or scrunch up paper

Improving the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of expectant mothers, infants, children and young people throughout Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Area.

(N.B: The Family and Therapies team at ABUHB is NOT responsible for the content on the webpage links that we refer to in our resource sections and linked information to external sites. All information was accurate and appropriate at the time the webpage was created.)

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