Cotton tipped applicators can cause a variety of problems if used in the external ear canal, especially in young children. Pediatricians advise parents not to use cotton tip applicators in the ears of their children.
Synonym: Q-tip (with "Q" for Quality)
Reasons for use:
(1) to dry the ear after bathing
(2) to remove cerumen
(3) to relieve an itch
(4) playing
Hazards:
(1) perforated ear drum
(2) otitis externa
(3) trauma to the external ear canal
(4) bleeding
(5) ear pain
(6) vertigo
(7) facial nerve paralysis
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