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My 4-year-old Has A Middle Ear Infection & Pimples, Please Suggest Remedy
My 4-year-old has a middle ear infection (has tubes) and now has what appears to be pimples on the outside of her ear and just below her ear near her cheek. What causes this and how do I treat them ?
posted on
Tue, 21 Sep 2010
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 21 Sep 2010
Answered on
Fri, 15 Jun 2012
Last reviewed on
User's Response
Dr. Sumit Bhatti's
Response
Do these pimples itch, pain, ooze or have crusting or scabs? Are they inflamed (red) and are they around both ears? They may represent dermatitis due to chronic exposure to ear discharge (from the middle ear infection through the ear tubes). Is it possible for you to post a close up photograph? Meanwhile you may use a local ointment containing an antibiotic, anti-fungal and steroid.
User's Response
methtoo's
Response
They are red with white heads and are painful. There are 4 around the infected ear. I suspect they are from the discharge. When the first two appeared I applied aquaphor more or less to protect them from the discharge. One is clearing up already. I applied antibiotic ointment this evening plus she's now on an oral antibiotic because the ear drops didn't fully resolve the infection. Hopefully between the two it will clear up. I'll keep an eye on them.
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There is possibility that she has a viral infection of the middle ear called Ramsay-Hunt syndrome which can also involve the external ear. This requires specific anti-viral therapy with possible drugs like Acyclovir. There can be complications if left untreated and the infection be be recurring frequently. Do get your child examined by her Doctor and as necessary the required treatment will be given to prevent recurrences. Keep your child well hydrated and fed with healthy diet.
There is possibility that she has a viral infection of the middle ear called Ramsay-Hunt syndrome which can also involve the external ear. This requires specific anti-viral therapy with possible drugs like Acyclovir. There can be complications if left untreated and the infection be be recurring frequently. Do get your child examined by her Doctor and as necessary the required treatment will be given to prevent recurrences. Keep your child well hydrated and fed with healthy diet.
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Dear patient,
Often a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. middle ear infection should be treated promptly. THe best would be to visit a paediatrician who would put your child on antibiotics. If left untreated the middle ear infection can affect hearing and may require surgical intervention. THe pimples would also be caused by bacteria that are affecting the ear and will be treated simultaneously.
warm wishes
Dr.Neerja
Often a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. middle ear infection should be treated promptly. THe best would be to visit a paediatrician who would put your child on antibiotics. If left untreated the middle ear infection can affect hearing and may require surgical intervention. THe pimples would also be caused by bacteria that are affecting the ear and will be treated simultaneously.
warm wishes
Dr.Neerja
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