- A Nigerian nurse has cautioned the public that cotton buds are not meant for removing ear wax, warning that misuse can cause infections or ear damage.
- She explained that cotton buds are better suited for disinfecting wounds, cleaning the nose, wiping eye discharge, and applying ointments, while excessive ear wax should be handled by healthcare professionals.
A Nigerian nurse has sparked conversation online after educating the public on the correct use of cotton buds, stressing that they are not designed for ear cleaning.
In a health advisory shared on social media, she cautioned that using cotton buds to remove ear wax can cause more harm than good, as it may push the wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages, infections, or even damage to the eardrum.
According to her, cotton buds are best suited for other hygienic purposes, such as disinfecting wounds, cleaning around the nose, wiping away eye discharge, and applying ointments to small areas of the skin.
She emphasized that ear wax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural protective barrier for the ear and does not always need to be removed. In cases of excessive buildup, she advised people to consult healthcare professionals rather than resorting to cotton buds.
Her message has since drawn attention across social media platforms, with many Nigerians admitting they had grown up using cotton buds for ear cleaning, unaware of the risks.
I heard a smart person said; “when using cotton bud is not really wise to put it inside your ears, but so that the ear wax may not fulled and be visible to all to see you can just use the cotton bud to clean round the ear a very little bit”.
I think that a smart idea, cause people can’t go to health care whenever they want to clean their ear.