Citation

Hornibrook J. N. Zeal. Med. J. 2012; 125(1367): 138-140.

Affiliation

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand. jeremy@jhornibrook.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23321892

Abstract

It is estimated that one-third of the United States population subscribes to alternative medical therapies (Eisenberg et al, NEJM 1993;328:246-252). Ear candles are popular products promoted by alternative health practitioners, and sold by health shops and even over the Internet. They have been promoted for ear and sinus discomfort, rhinitis, sinusitis, glue ear, colds, flu, migraine, tinnitus, but particularly for removal of ear wax (cerumen). In this case report, a 4-year-old girl in New Zealand presents with otitis media and during the course of the ear examination white deposits were noticed on her eardrum; this was confirmed as being caused by ear candling.

Language: en