Outer ear infection - Infants

Infants (Ages 0–2)Children (Ages 3–17)Adults (Ages 10–74)Seniors (Ages 75 and Older)

What it is

An outer ear infection is an infection in the ear canal, between the outer ear and the ear drum. It can hurt or itch. There may be some discharge, especially after swimming or when water stays trapped in the ear.

What you can do at home

What to do

If you are already seen a healthcare professional for ear infections, follow their advice.
If your child is in pain, follow your pharmacy’s advice. You can give them acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) if there are no contraindications. Note: Ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age.
If your child is in pain, apply a small hot-water bottle or a warm cloth to their ear.
If there is any discharge, gently clean only the outside of the ear with a tissue. Throw away the tissue and then wash your hands.
- Have your child sleep on the side of the ear that has discharge (to help it drain).
- Keep the ear dry and do not put anything (such as hearing aids, ear plugs, ear buds, cotton swabs) in the ear until it has healed.
For outer ear infections that keep coming back, ear drops can be used after swimming.
If your child has tubes in their ears or you think their ear drum is punctured, consult directly with the pharmacist or the healthcare professional who inserted the tubes before using drops.

Avoid

Avoid soap and dry the outside of the ear well after showering or bathing.

When to seek medical attention

You think your child has an ear infection and they have a fever:

Your child is more than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 38 °C or more or an underarm or oral temperature of 37.5 °C or more;
Your child is less than 3 months old and has an underarm temperature of 37.5 °C or more or a rectal temperature of 38 °C or more;

Your child’s symptoms do not improve after three days of treatment.

Call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse, or contact a healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, or nurse practitioner), if any of the signs listed above apply.

When to go to the hospital right away

Your child:

is unusually tired and it is difficult to wake them;
is slow to react;
seems agitated or confused;
is not behaving the same as usual.

Your child is in pain and it isn’t going away. A child who cannot speak may cry more than usual, be difficult to calm, or put their hands over their ears.

Your child is immunocompromised and has a fever.

The ear appears swollen, red, or hot.

Need help?

Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time. 

Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment. 

Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC. 

If you do not have a family doctor, go to https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3.  

Outer ear infection - Infants

What it is

What you can do at home

When to seek medical attention

When to go to the hospital right away

Need help?

See also

Gastroenteritis

Superficial Wound