People may use rubbing alcohol in the ear to help dry out excess moisture and prevent ear infections.
It’s safe to use rubbing alcohol for these purposes when done correctly.
As always, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before attempting to self-treat a medical problem.
Ali Majdfar / Getty Images
Ali Majdfar / Getty Images
Does Rubbing Alcohol Dry Out Ears?
Yes, rubbing alcohol dries out ears.
When rubbing alcohol touches your skin, your body heat causes it to evaporateor turn to gasquickly.
As it evaporates, it takes water with it, creating a cooling and drying effect on your skin.
This same drying effect is the reason why it should only be used occasionally to dry out ears.
If you are concerned about the rubbing alcohol irritating your skin, you could dilute it with water.
Never put objects,including cotton swabs, in your ear canal.
Doing so can push wax or other substances deeper into your ear canal or scratch or puncture your eardrum.
See a healthcare provider for a more suitable treatment plan.
Urgent care centers, clinics, and healthcare providers can treat common ear conditions like infections.
Rubbing alcohol may therefore be a better choice for keeping the ear canals dry and clean.
While some conditions that affect the ear typically go away on their own, others may require further treatment.
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