Cause

• Odor and itching in a child's ear typically results from an ear infection, according to The Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia.
  
  

Symptoms

• Odor usually comes from ear infection drainage, which may appear whitish and possibly blood-tinged, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  
  

Aggravating Factors

• Sometimes, ear infections with odor and itching occur after swimming or heavy sweating.
  
  

Misconception

• Often, ear pain disappears once the discharge and fluid escapes. However, this doesn't always mean the infection has healed.
  
  

Treatment

• An ear infection with odor and itching usually isn't a serious condition. Typically, the doctor prescribes oral antibiotics or ear drops.