$Unique_ID{BRK01034}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Could Ear Wax Removal With a Hairpin Expose One to AIDS?}
$Subject{AIDS bobby pin hairdresser}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Could Ear Wax Removal With a Hairpin Expose One to AIDS?


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QUESTION:  I recently discovered that I had wax in my ear.  I borrowed a bobby
pin from my hairdresser to remove the wax.  It wasn't until hours later that I
began to fear that I might have exposed myself to the AIDS disease by using
this borrowed bobby pin on my body.  I know that you're not supposed to remove
wax this way, but have I exposed myself to more than I bargained for?

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ANSWER:  You're right when you state that nothing should be placed in your ear
to remove the wax that normally forms there.  This wax acts as a protection
against infection and by using a sharp tool, such as a bobby pin, you expose
yourself to ordinary infections of the ear which physicians call otitis
externa.  Such afflictions are treated appropriately with antibiotics.
     But the question you pose is more important than a mere discussion of
otitis.  Many people fear that they may catch the disease AIDS from an
instrument of any kind, by transmission through clothing, or even touching
something than an AIDS victim may once have held.  Nothing could be further
from the truth.  Because of its deep significance, the collection of the
statistics concerning the transmission of AIDS has received intensive
attention.  It seems quite clear at this time that the primary means of
transmitting this disease is by two routes.  One is through sexual contact and
the other is through the transmission of blood or blood products from one
person to the other.  Although it still seems that the largest group at risk
for this disease is the gay population, it has become apparent that drug
abusers who exchange improperly sterilized needles or needles which have never
been sterilized at all, are also at great risk for contracting the disease.
But the transmission of AIDS by casual contact, or through other objects
(called "vectors") is certainly not a means of transmission.
     So, I guess you are fairly safe as far as AIDS is concerned, but it is
clear that you've got to stop the bad habit of cleaning wax out of your ears
with anything but your elbow.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
