Why do children like to touch their ears?

Apr 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Children liking to touch their ears may be caused by factors such as imitation, prickly heat rash, external auditory canal eczema, allergic dermatitis, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prompt treatment targeting the underlying cause can help alleviate discomfort symptoms. If a child exhibits abnormal behavior, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation at a reputable hospital, including appropriate ear-related examinations, to identify the specific cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Generally, a child's habit of touching the ears may be caused by imitation, heat rash, external ear canal eczema, allergic dermatitis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other reasons. Timely treatment targeting the underlying cause can help alleviate the discomfort. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Imitation

Children have strong imitative abilities. If someone nearby frequently touches their ears, the child may imitate this behavior. This is usually a transient phenomenon and does not require treatment.

2. Heat Rash

High environmental temperatures combined with poor ventilation can lead to impaired sweat drainage, causing sweat pores to become blocked and resulting in heat rash. When heat rash develops on the ears, it may cause itching and discomfort, leading the child to frequently rub or scratch the ears. Following a physician's recommendations to apply calamine lotion, talcum powder, or ichthammol ointment can help relieve symptoms.

3. External Ear Canal Eczema

Exposure to allergens in the air or contact with irritating skincare products may cause inflammation of the skin in the external ear canal, leading to external ear canal eczema. This condition causes significant itching and irritation, which may prompt the child to repeatedly touch their ears. Under a physician's guidance, applying boric acid solution, calamine lotion, or zinc oxide ointment can help alleviate symptoms.

4. Allergic Dermatitis

Children with allergic constitutions may develop allergic dermatitis after contact with allergens on the ear, causing symptoms such as itching and redness. These discomforts may lead to frequent ear touching. Under a physician's advice, medications such as calamine lotion or loratadine tablets can be used to reduce allergic reactions and relieve symptoms.

5. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD can cause inattention and excessive activity, which may manifest as frequent ear touching, fidgeting, or restlessness. Following medical advice to use medications such as atomoxetine hydrochloride capsules or bupropion hydrochloride tablets can help alleviate symptoms.

If a child exhibits abnormal behaviors, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation at a reputable hospital and undergo appropriate ear-related examinations to identify the exact cause and formulate a targeted treatment plan.

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