Why You Shouldn't Clean Your Ears with Cotton Swabs After Showering and Prevention of Otitis Externa.

After showering, many people have the habit of cleaning their ears with cotton swabs out of discomfort from water getting into their ears. However, research suggests that this behavior can actually lead to ear conditions such as otitis externa.

 

Using cotton swabs to clean the ears after showering can damage the protective barrier of the ear canal and weaken the skin, leading to inflammation. When water enters the ears, it creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause conditions like otitis externa. The skin of the ear canal becomes softer and more vulnerable to damage, and using cotton swabs or fingers to clean the ear can lead to skin damage and bacterial invasion, resulting in inflammation.

 

The habit of cleaning the ears after showering can lead to ear conditions such as otitis externa, so it's important to be cautious.

 

Otitis externa is an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infection of the ear canal from the entrance of the ear to the eardrum. Acute otitis externa, in particular, can cause severe pain, swelling of the ear, discharge of pus, or a decrease in hearing ability. If these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention from an otolaryngologist is necessary. Delaying treatment can lead to chronic otitis externa or otitis media.

 

To treat and prevent otitis externa, it's important to keep the ear clean. Instead of using cotton swabs to clean water out of the ears, allow them to dry naturally through evaporation. Additionally, if the ears feel congested, use a fan or hairdryer to dry them, or tilt the head to allow the water to drain out of the affected ear and gently wipe it away. Avoid using earplugs, and if pain or foreign objects are detected, consult a specialist.

 

The habit of cleaning the ears after showering can lead to ear conditions such as otitis externa, so it's important to be cautious. If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate help from a specialist. Maintaining ear health is an essential part of daily life and requires proper habits and attention.