Cotton swabs are usually used for ear hygiene. It is used for removing the earwax that is built up in the inside of the ear, but what you should know is that you need to be very careful while doing this because you can harm the ears.
The Following Are The Dangers of Using Cotton Swabs:
Although people associate earwax with lack of hygiene it is present there to protect the ear. It has antibacterial properties and prevents dirt, dust, bacteria and water from entering in the inside of the ear. While you are removing it with cotton swabs you actually push it deeper in the ear together with the bacteria and fungus which leads to some serious infections and pain.
Cottons swabs can also cause scratching and itching. The more you swab your ears in order to clean it well the more itching you feel.
Here Are Some Tips of How to Clean Your Ears:
- Use cotton swabs to clean only the outer part of the ear and the area around the canal.
- Don’t push the cotton swab deeper in the ear to avoid pushing earwax and bacteria. This can plug the ear and cause you hearing problems and dizziness.
- Use special cotton swabs for children i.e the one that are specially designed to prevent intrusion into the ear canal.
We hope that now, after you read about the dangers, you will think twice before using cotton swabs and that you will be more careful. To avoid all of the above you can use some other alternative options for cleaning ears. One way of doing this is by preparing a mixture of 1 part each of rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and tap water and to add a few drops of it in your ear. Another way is to put few drops of olive oil in your ear. This will soften the earwax and make it easier to come out.
