Can You Put Peroxide in Your Ear?

When you have dirty, clogged or uncomfortable ears, you want a quick remedy to get relief. Most people have hydrogen peroxide in their home and may wonder if they can use this product for ear problems. Can you put peroxide in your ear? Here is what you need to know.

What Does Hydrogen Peroxide Do?

Before considering putting hydrogen peroxide in ear for relief, you need to know what hydrogen peroxide does. Hydrogen peroxide solutions include water and extra oxygen molecules, which causes its bubbling effect. Hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant and can break down some substances.

In years past, peroxide was often used as a wound disinfectant, but it is now known that it is not the best option for first aid. It is useful for disinfecting surfaces, and as a cleaning agent. When considering putting hydrogen peroxide in an ear, it depends on what you want to achieve.

Is it Safe to Put Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Ear?

Can you put peroxide in your ear? The short answer is, yes, but it is not always a good idea. Is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in your ear? Once again, yes, but only if you do not have a wound or certain conditions within the ear.

Hydrogen peroxide has a drying and irritating effect on the skin. This is why it should not be used on wounds or infections, and it can make some ear conditions worse. If you have eczema, infection or wounds in your ear, you could make the issue worse if you put peroxide in your ear.

When is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in your ear? The only time it is safe and effective is for softening ear wax. This is a long-time home remedy for ear wax buildup and the only time you may consider putting peroxide in your ear.

Hydrogen Peroxide in Ear for Wax Buildup

Hydrogen peroxide does not remove or break down ear wax. However, it can be used to soften wax buildup that has become stuck inside the ear. Once the wax is softened, it will naturally expel itself. If you have ear wax clogged in your ear, this is how peroxide can help.

First of all, never try to remove ear wax by putting anything in your ear – no swabs or other items should ever enter the ear canal. If you have clogged ears, a softening agent like mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide can be put inside the ear to loosen the wax, but only if there is no wound or infection.

To put hydrogen peroxide inside your ear, use an ear dropper. Fill the dropper with peroxide and lay down on your side with the clogged ear upward. Use the dropper to fill your ear with peroxide, then let it bubble for 3-4 minutes within the ear – the bubbling sound means it is doing its job.

When the softening is complete, sit up and tip your head in the direction of the filled ear to let it drain. Dry your ear with a towel. It may take a few days for the ear wax to break loose. You can repeat the process if there is still ear wax clogging your ears.

I Put Hydrogen Peroxide in My Ear and Now It Hurts

If you tried to use hydrogen peroxide to clean your ears and now you are experiencing pain, you likely have an ear problem beyond ear wax. When peroxide causes ear pain, it is due to an injury or infection that is irritated by the peroxide, making it worse instead of better.

Anyone who suspects they have an ear injury or infection should never put peroxide in their ear. If you have already done so and now it hurts, you should see a doctor. In most cases, peroxide will not cause harm, but the pain is an indicator that there is an ear problem that needs medical attention.

Should You Put Peroxide in Your Ear?

While you can use hydrogen peroxide to soften ear wax, it is probably best to keep this substance out of your ear. If there is an injury or other problems within your ear that you are not aware of, peroxide may cause pain and irritation. There are over-the-counter products you can buy for ear wax removal.

There are plenty of uses for hydrogen peroxide around the house but cleaning out your ears does not need to be one of them. Save your peroxide cleaning and disinfecting, not for filling up your ear.

The short answer to the question, “Can you put peroxide in your ear?” is yes, but it is not a great idea. You don’t want to the person that says, “I put hydrogen peroxide in my ear and now it hurts!” If you have ear problems, visit your doctor instead of trying to fix the issue on your own.

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