Perforated ear drum

[diggermama]

Morning everyone. DS8 has been in agony last 24 hours with earache, he was practically screaming with the pain overnight. It appears to have burst in the early hours, and now all the pressure and pain has gone. There's a lot of blood and gunk.

What now? I've read NHS guidance which says no swimming or getting it wet during a shower, and that it should heal by itself in a couple of months.

Can anyone reassure me that's the case? Anything else I should be doing?

Oh no, what rubbish timing for your son, I hope he's feeling ok. Yes, it should heal itself over the next couple of months - our GP likes to have a look after that point just to check it has healed ok (but please be reassured that between my daughter and I we've had about 10 perforated ear drums and they've always healed fine 😊). If he's not already on antibiotics then I would suggest you get some - they are always keen to prescribe them for us when this happens as a perforation suggests a serious infection which is often bacterial. If you're in England then you can use the Pharmacy First service if you want to be seen today without an appointment (it's great!). I hope he gets well soon.

Thank you so much, that's really helpful and reassuring