Abstract

Excessive wax in the ears may be removed by syringing if it is soft, or by a wax curette if it is hard. If these methods fail it may be considered necessary to soften the wax first. Among the preparations commonly used for this are sodium bicarbonate and glycerine solution BPC, hydrogen peroxide ear drops BPC, olive oil and Cerumol (Laboratories for Applied Biology). Cerumol is a mixture of p-dichlorobenzene and turpentine to dissolve the wax, benzocaine and chlorbutol as local anaesthetics to prevent the sensation of irritation due to the turpentine, which is a rubefacient, and arachis oil. The manufacturers give as contraindications otitis externa, seborrhoeic dermatitis and eczema of the external ear.