Ear Canal Trauma
A 10-year-old previously healthy male presents to urgent care with concern for blood from his right ear. About an hour prior to presentation, he was playing in the woods. He believes a branch caught his ear. His Wispr digital otoscope exam is shown. What treatment is indicated?
The child has a mild abrasion to the posterior wall of his external ear canal. No treatment is necessary.
There is no evidence of active bleeding. The abrasion appears superficial. There is no foreign body present. From the video exam, it is clear that the tympanic membrane (TM, ear drum) is uninvolved. No topical or systemic antibiotics are indicated in this healthy child. Return instructions would include worsening pain, fever, changes in hearing, or bleeding.
Here is the complete video exam that demonstrates an intact ear drum:
