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Why you should not use cotton buds to clean your ears

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A cotton bud has different uses, however its initial usage was to clean away dry skin/ wax from your ears which is now not recommended.  

Invented at the beginning of the 20th century by the Polish Leo Gerstenzang (naturalized American) who wanted to help with the care of his young child, he came up with the idea of adding a piece of cotton to a stick. A small everyday object to clean our ears. It is in 1926 that it takes the name of Q-tip (quality stick) and is now a brand under the Unilever umbrella. 

However using a cotton bud to clean your ears bring serious risks that should not be ignored. A Otorhinolaryngologist ( ear, nose, throat specialist) from Paris Harry Maarek, explained in a recent interview why:

“The cotton-rod pushes the wax towards the depth of the ear canal, which is usually discharged naturally out of your ear. He also accuses buds of being responsible for eczema in the duct after repeated rubbing on the skin. It is also important to mention the risks of trauma of the tympanum when the penetration is too deep”

The specialist mentions that a use of the cotton swab can still be made for the auditory ducts, but “only if they are introduced on a single centimeter, that is to say where the Skin coating is more solid. “.

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In addition, he indicates three levels of ear wax production, to which a hygienic response suits everyone: “For low wax production, a simple passage of the little finger covered with a moistened towel is enough. For average ear wax production, the introduction of warm water using the shower head when showering is preferable. For larger wax production, spray cleaners are sold in pharmacies and should be used three times a week. “

Therefore, it is up to consumers to understand for themselves the benefit of reducing the use of the cotton swab with respect for the ears. Prevention messages appear on the packaging. A responsibility to be taken, because there is no question of withdrawing this product from the shops: the market weighs in the United States, nearly $ 200 million per year..

The use of the cotton swab is excellent to clean a baby BEHIND the ears, apply cosmetics (makeup, nail polish) and why not clean (dusty corners and difficult to access), but is not suitable for inside our ears. It remains to be seen whether the image of this product can be changed, for people to no longer associated the buds as an item for ear use. Currently it is a real public health issue, and environmental issue as well as also involving economic stakes.

Sources : Slate — Atlantico