July 28, 2009 – Earwax protects the ears from otitis externa, the most common form of which is swimmer’s ear. “This wax builds up naturally in the ear. It is an inert agent which has bactericidal properties, that is to say which prevents the growth of bacteria, ”explains Dr.r Yanick Larivée, Vice-President of the Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of Quebec.
It is therefore recommended to leave the wax from our ears alone and to avoid removing it with cotton swabs. “By wanting to remove the wax yourself, there is a risk of irritating the ear canal, of pushing the wax to the bottom or even of piercing the eardrum”, adds Dr.r Larivee.
These unpleasant side effects can be avoided if we allow the “natural process of cleaning our ears” to take place, advises the otolaryngologist who is also a neck and head surgeon. For visible wax, he suggests cleaning the ears with a washcloth, as this prevents going too deep inside the ear.
Dry the ears well
If you are prone to recurrent ear infections, take the time, after swimming, to dry your ears with the end of a tissue or a towel, advises Dr Larivee.
“If the ear canal is dry, there is less risk of infection. In the case of people who tend to have ear infections, it is also necessary to check the quality of the water in the pool in which they bathe. “
The presence of sand or cotton swab filaments can also irritate the ear canal and cause infection.
If, despite all these tips, you suffer from pain in the pinna or you notice that there is a purulent discharge, it is better to consult a doctor who will check if the ear canal is infected. “Antibiotic ear drops may be needed to promote healing,” says Dr.r Larivee.
Carole Boulé – PasseportSanté.net
According to United press international (UPI) and Health News New York Presbyterian Hospital.