Carla B. is curious…I got pierced last month and when I touch behind my ear it feels crusty and I want to know what to do about it.

The Right Brain answers:
Sounds like Carla has gotten a pierced-ear infection. This problem can be caused by contamination from unsterile piercing equipment or posts or even from frequently touching the earlobes with dirty hands. It can also be caused by wearing earrings that are either too tight or cheaply made.

B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of “Your Child’s Health,” has written an outstanding description of the problem and what to do about it. For example, did you know you’re supposed to turn your earring posts 3 spins, twice a day for the first 6 weeks after your piercing? Neither did we! For this and more helpful info on what to do next, check out Dr. Schmitt’s page here.

The Left Brain expands on ear candling:

I realized that in my answer to Rebecca’s question “Does ear candling really work?” I failed to give a thorough list of references. So here is list of additional sources that thoroughly debunk this pseudo science.

PubMed Central

Mayo Clinic

Skeptics Dictionary

Audiologyonline

Rebecca’s reasonable request…This isn’t exactly a beauty question but I was wondering if you could tell us if ear candling really works or not?

The Left Brain responds:

For those of you who might not be familiar with this pseudo scientific practice, ear candling is the process of cleaning out ear wax and other stuff by “sucking” it out using heat from a burning candle. A hollow candle is burned with one end in the ear canal to allegedly create negative pressure to draw cerumen (aka ear wax).

Ear whacks

According to sites like Earcandles.net it works like this: the smoke from the candle spirals down into the ear where its warmth gently dislodges foreign debris, softens old ear wax and helps evaporate excess moisture. Unfortunately, a search of peer reviewed literature on PubMed indicates that Ear, Nose and Throat doctors have evaluated this technique and found that it does not work. Worse than that, it can actually damage your ears!

Ear candling calamity

According to the  references cited below, the efficacy and safety of ear candling were studied and results showed that contrary to popular believe,  ear candles do not produce negative pressure that can draw out wax. (This part of the study was done by tympanometric measurements in an ear canal model.)  In addition,  a limited clinical trial on eight ears showed no removal of ear wax. In fact, in some cases, candle wax was actually deposited. Finally, a survey of 122 otolaryngologists revealed 21 ear injuries that resulted from ear candling.  The conclusion of the authors was that ear candles have “no benefit in the management of cerumen and may result in serious injury.”

The Beauty Brains bottom line

Like Kinoki Detox Footpads and Kangen Water, ear candles are another scam that doesn’t work. But this one can actually harm you. Even if you’re a smiling 10 year old boy wearing a dress shirt and vest.

References:

Laryngoscope. 1996 Oct;106(10):1226-9. Ear candles–efficacy and safety. Seely DR, Quigley SM, Langman AW. Spokane Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic, WA 99204, USA.

Why Ear Candling Is Not a Good Idea, Lisa Roazen, M.D.

Longtime readers of the Beauty Brains are familiar with all that we have written about eyelash growth products. We were skeptical of claims by Jan Marini at first because there was no supporting data presented. Then we found a study that showed there was a material that seemed to have stimulated eyelash growth. We were still skeptical, but at least this was some supporting data. Then Jan Marini admitted that the product doesn’t actually make your eyelashes grow. Finally, their product was seized by the FDA and taken off the shelf for being an illegal drug. It was quite a mess, but an excellent example of how a cosmetic company shouldn’t market a product.

Cosmetics are not drugs

Cosmetics are not drugs. They are products designed to be put on your skin or hair to temporarily change the surface properties like make-up, cleansers, lipstick & lotions. Hair growth, skin lightening, and anti-dandruff products interact with your body’s metabolism and are drugs, not cosmetics. Drugs are much more dangerous, so they require more thorough testing before being approved by the government.

Allergan Launches Eyelash Growth

This latest announcement by Allergan of a new eyelash growth product demonstrates the “correct” way to launch a drug product in the US.

1. You accidentally discover an unexpected beneficial effect. (eyelash growth)
2. You conduct a clinical trial & safety tests following approved FDA protocols.
3. You file your results with the FDA and wait for approval.
4. After approval, you market your product.

Forging ahead without governmental approval can result in bogus products that don’t work or even worse, unapproved drugs that can have unexpected, dangerous side effects. When you create a product that is changing people’s metabolism, it is reasonable for the government to require appropriate safety & performance testing be done.

For your own safety, please stay away from cosmetics that make drug claims!

Incidentally, Allergan hopes to launch their approved eyelash product in 2009.

What do you use to make your eyelashes look longer and fuller? And would you buy an untested drug if it might help with your cosmetic problem?