Ask the experts: What can I use instead of Q-Tips?

To the ear of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Wax neurotologist he speaks anything.

Photo via istock.com/picamaniac

Now you've probably heard the report of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. You know, the cotton swab him told to stop, seriously, once and for all.

This is not new advice, of course. You've probably heard (and ignored) similar things for years. And we have it, die hard old habits. Therefore, we asked Mr Felipe Santos, neurotologist Massachusetts eye and ear when it is really necessary to remove the swab, and can be used instead.

Question: Is there - is safe way to clean your ears?

Answer: Yes, but you probably do not need.

details:

First things first: Do not clean your ears usually necessary Santos said. The wax is actually a good thing, free to keep your ears bacteria and to protect the skin of the ear canal. "I do not really recommend doing nothing," he said. "It is not a reflection of poor hygiene. It is simply the best left alone."

Okay, but if you really want, really? However, they are not using a cotton swab, Santos said.

"The head of a Q-tip is about the diameter of the ear canal, so everything is in front of the Q-tip will go further into the ear canal," said Santos. "Over time it builds increasingly in the deep ear canal, and that's when patients develop deductibles." In order to clean the ears and yeast infections, ear canal or damage to the eardrum cause and dry skin in the ear.

Cleaning is generally required if the earwax damage your ears or cause itching regularly; if you have ear discharge; if you have certain medical conditions; or when you create an excessive amount of wax, as told by a doctor. If you are one of these fields, Santos said that some reliable options. (And no, none of them includes Q-tips).

the use of over-the-counter ear drops is recommended that the so-called cerumenolytics, or a few drops of mineral oil. "Soften the wax lubricant, so it is not in the ear canal and the stick harden," says Santos.

Hydrogen peroxide is a safe option at home, although Santos warns that sometimes may exacerbate the problem of skin dehydration. "If the issue is actually eczema or dry skin that hangs over the wax, you can use your tail a bit chase at the end," he said. If you do not experience drought, but hydrogen peroxide is probably okay.

Last but not least, he "never, under any circumstances," said Santos was at the station Earcandles , a practice, a special candle and place it in the ear, the flatter a vacuum effect would create wax. Perhaps not surprisingly, Santos said it is ineffective and potentially dangerous. "Can be dangerous, and we have seen patients who have suffered burns in the ear canal and eardrum," DIT said. "I really can not be recommended."

The end result:

Stay away from cotton swabs. Burn out the candles. If you really need your ears clean, relief is just a few more drops.

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