Bushra Griffith
If your baby's ear smells like cheese, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including excessive earwax, hygiene, or an infection. While it may be tempting to jump to conclusions, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause and receive proper treatment. In the meantime, there are a few home remedies that can help alleviate the smell, such as softening the wax with baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, or mineral oil, followed by irrigating the ear with warm water. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regularly cleaning behind the ears and avoiding the use of pore-clogging products in the area, can help prevent the recurrence of the cheesy odor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Excessive secretions, poor hygiene, infection, or a combination of these factors |
| Infection type | Middle ear infection (otitis media) |
| Infection cause | Bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi |
| Infection symptoms | Irritability, tugging at ears, unpleasant smell, discharge, fever, headache, trouble hearing, difficulty balancing, diarrhea, loose stools, pain when swallowing, hearing loss |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, analgesics (e.g. acetaminophen, Advil, Motrin), antibacterial/antifungal/anti-inflammatory creams, ear drops, home remedies (e.g. baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, mineral oil, warm water), microsuction ear cleaning |
| Prevention | Breastfeeding for at least 6 months, holding baby upright when feeding, weaning off pacifier after the first year, washing hands frequently, avoiding hair/skin products near ears, maintaining hygiene behind ears |
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Baby ear infections
A foul odour emanating from your baby's ear could be a sign of an ear infection. This is often accompanied by a high fever, pain, and pus or fluid discharge from the ear. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health complications. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect your baby has an ear infection.
Ear infections in babies are common, with five out of six children experiencing at least one infection by their third birthday. The medical term for this condition is otitis media (OM), specifically acute otitis media (AOM) when referring to the most common type of ear infection in babies. AOM occurs when fluid becomes trapped behind the eardrum, leading to inflammation and infection of the middle ear. This build-up of fluid can be a result of a cold, flu, sinus infection, or allergies, which block the eustachian tubes that normally allow for fluid drainage.
Babies under six months old are typically treated with antibiotics due to their underdeveloped immune systems and incomplete vaccinations. However, for older babies and children, a "`wait-and-see`" approach is often recommended, as most ear infections resolve without treatment. During this period, over-the-counter pain relievers can be administered to manage any discomfort. If symptoms persist or worsen after two to three days, a doctor may then prescribe antibiotics.
To prevent ear infections in babies, it is recommended to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, as breast milk provides antibodies that protect against ear infections. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, can reduce the risk of respiratory infections that can lead to ear infections. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke and limiting contact with sick children can also help prevent ear infections in babies.
While less common, a cheesy smell emanating from your baby's ear could be due to a build-up of earwax, milk, or other substances. Regular gentle cleaning of the outer ear and the area behind the ear can help prevent and manage any odour associated with these substances. However, if the smell persists or is accompanied by other signs of infection, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice and treatment.
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Excessive earwax
A cheese-like smell coming from a baby's ear could be due to excessive earwax. While it may be tempting to remove the wax, doing so can damage your baby's ears. If you suspect your baby has a buildup of earwax or a blockage, it's best to see a pediatrician.
Earwax, or cerumen, is a waxy oil produced by the ear canal. It is a necessary and critical part of ear health, acting as the ear's self-cleaning system by trapping dirt, germs, and debris, and preventing them from entering further into the ear canal. It also protects the delicate skin of the ear canal from irritation when water enters it.
If you notice your baby sticking their finger or other objects in their ear, it is recommended to ask a doctor to check for wax buildup. Treatment for excessive earwax is generally quick and painless, and hearing can be fully restored.
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Poor hygiene
To address this issue, it is important to maintain good hygiene and care for your baby's ears. This includes regular cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dirt, wax, and bacteria, which can cause irritation, itching, and foul odour. Use warm water and a soft towel or cloth to gently clean the outer part of the ear. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, as this can cause damage and increase the risk of infection.
In addition to poor hygiene, smelly baby ears can also be a sign of an ear infection, fungal infection, or swimmer's ear. Different infections have different smells, so it is important to determine the source of the smell and seek medical advice if necessary. For example, a fishy smell could indicate a fungal or bacterial infection, while a sweet smell could indicate a viral infection.
To prevent ear infections and reduce the risk of unpleasant smells, it is crucial to keep your baby's ears clean and dry. This includes gently cleaning the ears with a soft cloth or tissue after a bath or shower and ensuring that the areas behind the ears and around the folds of the neck are also cleaned, as dirt and grime can accumulate in these areas.
If your baby's ears smell like cheese, it is important to first check for any buildup of dirt, wax, or oil on the skin behind the ears and in the folds of the neck. If the smell persists after a thorough cleaning, it may be a sign of an ear infection, and you should consult your baby's doctor.
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Skin irritation
A cheese-like smell coming from a baby's ear could be due to a variety of reasons, including skin irritation, excessive earwax, or an infection. Skin irritation behind the ears can be caused by various factors, such as skin conditions, hair care products, or jewellery.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap), and contact dermatitis can lead to skin irritation behind the ears. Eczema can cause dryness, itchiness, and redness, and can be exacerbated by weather changes, over-washing, and low humidity. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant, such as skincare or hair care products, perfumes, or nickel in earrings.
Hair Care Products
The use of hair care products, such as shampoo, hair spray, or hair colourant, can also irritate the skin behind the ears. Discontinuing the use of these products one at a time can help identify the potential culprit.
Jewellery
In addition, wearing earrings, especially those containing nickel, can cause skin irritation and even lead to an infection.
To alleviate skin irritation behind the ears, it is important to keep the area clean, dry, and moisturized. Mild corticosteroid creams or solutions may be prescribed by a medical professional if the skin is very inflamed. Additionally, avoiding potential allergens and irritants, such as skincare or hair care products, can help prevent further irritation.
If the skin irritation is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, sore throat, or runny nose, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment recommendations.
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Breastfeeding
If your baby's ear smells like cheese, it could be due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is important to check for any underlying medical conditions, such as a tumour or cyst, which may require specialist evaluation and treatment. In most cases, the cheese-like smell is caused by an ear infection, which can be treated by a pediatrician. Ear infections are one of the most commonly diagnosed illnesses in children and can cause symptoms such as fever, difficulty sleeping, and headache.
Breast milk is a natural source of antibodies that help protect your baby from infections, including ear infections. A major study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who were breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their lives had a lower risk of developing ear infections. This protective effect is attributed to the antibodies and other immune-boosting factors present in breast milk.
To ensure your baby receives the full benefits of breastfeeding, it is recommended to hold your baby upright during feeding, with their head higher than the rest of their body. This position helps reduce the risk of milk flowing back into the middle ear, which can cause infections. Additionally, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently, to prevent the spread of respiratory infections that can lead to ear infections.
While breastfeeding offers protection, there are other factors to consider when trying to prevent ear infections. Keeping your baby's ears clean and dry is essential. Use a soft cloth or tissue to gently clean the outer ear after a bath, being careful to avoid pushing wax and debris deeper into the ear canal. It is also advisable to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke, as this can increase the risk of ear infections.
In conclusion, while a cheese-like smell in your baby's ear may be concerning, it is often treatable with the help of a pediatrician. Breastfeeding for at least the first six months can provide significant protection against ear infections, thanks to the antibodies in breast milk. Combining breastfeeding with proper ear hygiene and avoiding smoke exposure will help create a strong defence against these infections.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese-like smell could be a sign of an ear infection. Infections are caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungi, which are often to blame for the smell.
Other signs of an ear infection include irritability, tugging at the ears, discharge, fever, and difficulty sleeping.
If you suspect your baby has an ear infection, take them to see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antibiotic ear drops.
To prevent ear infections, breastfeed your baby for at least six months, hold them upright when feeding, and wean them off the pacifier after the first year.
The smell could also be caused by excess ear wax, milk buildup, or skin products.
