Question

Why does my four-month-old baby rub their ears while crying, and sometimes even rub them until they bleed?

Answer

When a child cries or becomes upset, if there is eczema around the ears, the itching caused by the eczema may make the child uncomfortable, leading them to rub their ears. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Alternate the use of zinc oxide ointment and suitable children’s moisturizer to treat the eczema around the ears.
  2. If the child is breastfed, the mother should temporarily avoid eating fish.
  3. Hands that have touched fish should not touch the child’s face or body.
  4. Ensure that the child wears cotton clothing and that adults holding the baby also wear cotton outerwear.