NHS Pharmacy First
Earache treatment in Clapham
Ear infections are common in children and usually clear up in 3 days. Our pharmacist can look in your child's ear with a special light (an otoscope) and advise on the best treatment.
Who we can treatChildren and young people aged 1 to 17
AppointmentWalk in or book ahead
GP referralNot needed
Common symptoms
- Pain inside the ear
- A high temperature (fever)
- Young children pulling, tugging or rubbing their ear
- Being irritable, off their food or not sleeping well
- Difficulty hearing, or fluid coming out of the ear
How we can help
- An ear examination with an otoscope
- Advice on pain relief
- Ear drops to ease pain, if suitable
- Antibiotics, only if they are really needed
The pharmacist will decide what is right for you. Not everyone needs medicine, and some people may need to see a GP instead.
Things you can try at home
- Give children's paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable
- Place a warm or cold cloth over the ear
- Do not put anything inside the ear, such as cotton buds or oils
- Let them rest and drink plenty of fluids
Get urgent help if
- Swelling, redness or tenderness behind the ear
- A stiff neck, or being very drowsy or floppy
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass on it
- Your child seems very unwell or is getting worse
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 in an emergency.
Other conditions we treat
Visiting us
148 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UH. Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm. Step-free access and a private consultation room.
148 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UH. Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm. Step-free access and a private consultation room.
Think you have an ear infection?
Walk in during opening hours or book a time – our pharmacist will see you in private.