Ear Odor and Itching in Children: Causes & Symptoms

Ear odor doesn't come from the ear itself. Instead, it comes from fluid and drainage in the ear. Parents with young children should educate themselves about signs and symptoms of ear infections, since they tend to be fairly common in youngsters.

Cause

• Odor and itching in a child's ear typically results from an ear infection, according to The Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia.

Symptoms

• Odor usually comes from ear infection drainage, which may appear whitish and possibly blood-tinged, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Aggravating Factors

• Sometimes, ear infections with odor and itching occur after swimming or heavy sweating.

Misconception

• Often, ear pain disappears once the discharge and fluid escapes. However, this doesn't always mean the infection has healed.

Treatment

• An ear infection with odor and itching usually isn't a serious condition. Typically, the doctor prescribes oral antibiotics or ear drops.