Perforated ear drum and washing of hair

[handlemecarefully]

My 18 month old dd was suffering from a bad ear infection last week when her ear drum perforated (last Wednesday night). How long must I leave it before I wash her hair? - its looking a bit lank by now but I don't want to accidentally introduce water into the inner ear via the perforation...?

My dd now 9yo, suffered with perforated ear drums since she was 9mths, has it healed up yet. If not try dry shampoo, I think you can get it from Boots.

You poor thing handlemecarefully - have you had any sleep at all over the last week?

Thanks Ailsa, I've not heard of dry shampoo - I'll look out for that.

Carla - not a lot!

dd has grommets - post-surgery the ENT consultant recommended making ear plugs out of blue tack (really!) for hair-washing. Maybe that's something you could try?

2under2 - you've just reminded me - my gp said the same, def. don't use cotton wool because bits come off and irritate the ear drum. DD1 had her adenoids removed when she was 4½ as she had recurring infections that antibiotics weren't touching. She still has anuual check ups now.

The blue tack is quite a good idea. I'm at work today so I'll be on the scavenge for some