Peroxcide in the ear?!
Question:
Peroxcide in the ear?
i had a ear ache yesterday and my friend told me to put peroxcide in my ear it will help...i was wondering how safe and effective is this?
Answers:
If you have an outer ear infection (inflammation with or without an actual infection occuring in the outer ear canal -- from the eardrum to the outside of the ear), you can put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ear and FOLLOW it with rubbing alcohol to dry the ear. The oxygen will fizz away from the peroxide and leave water in your ear, and it's important to dry it using rubbing alcohol. Don't use a cotton swab or you could irritate your ear even more! Outer ear infections usually do not come with a feeling of general sickness, and the pain may increase if you tug on the ear.
A middle ear infection happens when a bacterial or viral infection happens behind the eardrum. The pain comes from the pressure on your eardrum from fluids inside. You may feel sick or have a fever, and your hearing may be muffled.
Take an over the counter pain reliever (Advil, Tylenol). An over the counter decongestant may also help relieve blockages of your Eustachian tube caused by allergies or a cold. Also try a warm washcloth or heating pad on your ear to relieve pain and inflammation.
If your pain persists, see a health care professional. You may require antibiotics or special eardrops, and you don't want to mess around with a serious ear infection.
Good luck!