It’ not always harmless to use cotton buds to clean your ear. You may face an unpleasant surprise. Many people panic when they see blood while cleaning their ears. But the cause is often minor and treatable. How to solve ear bleeding after cleaning my ear with a cotton bud? Here’s a complete guide to help you. 

Why Is There Blood on My Cotton Swab When I Clean My Ear?

You might think using cotton buds helps to keep your ears clean. But do you know, cotton swabs are not designed to go inside the ear canal. Using them can easily hurt your ears. Here are some of the most common reasons you might see blood on your cotton swab:

You scratched the skin inside your ear. The skin inside your ear is very thin and delicate. Even a small scratch can cause bleeding.

You pushed the swab in too deeply. Going too deep with a cotton swab can injure your ear canal or even the eardrum.

You irritated a pimple or sore. If there’s already a bump, scab, or infection inside your ear, rubbing it with a swab can make it bleed.

You have dry skin or eczema. Dry skin in your ear can crack and bleed when rubbed.

You used too much pressure. Pressing too hard while cleaning can cause micro-tears that bleed.

Bleeding after cleaning is a sign that you may have gone too far. Your ears are self-cleaning, so you usually don’t need to dig deep.

Is Ear Bleeding Serious after Using a Cotton Bud?

Not always. Ear bleeding after cleaning with a cotton bud can range from minor to serious. It mainly depends on what caused it.

When it's minor, you might notice a small spot of blood in your ear just once, without any accompanying pain, hearing loss, or lingering discomfort. The bleeding typically stops quickly and doesn't return. This is often caused by tiny scratches or irritation in the ear canal, which can result from actions like using cotton swabs, inserting fingernails, or even wearing earbuds for extended periods. Fortunately, these minor injuries usually heal on their own without the need for medical treatment. However, it's still important to avoid further irritation and give the ear time to recover.

When it’s serious, you may experience sharp pain while cleaning your ear or shortly afterward. You might also notice hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, buzzing or ringing sounds, dizziness, or lightheadedness. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or becomes heavier, these could be signs of a more serious issue, such as a perforated eardrum or a deep ear canal injury. In such cases, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. If you notice bleeding after using a cotton bud more than once, it’s a clear sign to stop using them altogether, as continued use may worsen the damage.

What to Do about Ear Bleeding after Cleaning with a Cotton Bud?

Already experienced ear bleeding after cleaning with a cotton bud? Follow these steps right away:

Step 1: Step Cleaning

Don’t stick anything in your ear. Let your ear rest.

Step 2: Clean the External Ear Only

Use a soft cloth or tissue. Now, gently wipe away the blood on the exterior of your ear.

Step 3: Avoid Water

Do not allow bathing water into the ear canal. Shower cap it or lean your head to save your ear.

Step 4: No Drops or Oils

Do not use any ear drops or oils without a doctor’s prescription because you can feel irritation. 

Step 5: Observe symptoms

Keep an eye out for swelling, fever, pus, and ear tugging. These symptoms might indicate an infection.

Step 6: See a Doctor

Still bleeding? Having pain, dizziness, or hearing loss? You should go to a doctor. They’ll be able to diagnose and treat your ear safely.

What Tools Are Safe to Remove Earwax?

Here are four Bebird ear cleaner tools that are much safer and more effective than cotton swabs.

Bebird Ear Wax Removal Tool

The Bebird Ear Wax Removal Tool features a smart camera and precision tip for safe, clear ear cleaning. Easy to use, gentle, and perfect for at-home care.

HD Camera and LED Lights: The 1080P camera gives you a clear view of your ear canal.

Multi-purpose Tool: Use it to check your nose, throat, and even your skin.

Smartphone App: Watch the cleaning in real-time. Record videos if needed.

Hygienic Storage Stand: Comes with a clean and compact stand. It keeps everything tidy.

Helps Prevent Injuries: You can track everything you are doing. It reduces the risk of scratches and bleeding.

Bebird Ear Wax Suction Tool

The Bebird Ear Wax Suction Tool offers gentle, effective ear cleaning with safe suction technology. Designed for comfort, it’s ideal for both adults and kids at home.

10-Megapixel Medical-Grade Camera: Lets you see wax, dirt, or foreign objects with precision.

Ergonomic Tweezers: Helps remove stuck or deep wax with gentle control.

Real-Time Remote Diagnosis: You can connect the tool to a doctor online through the app

Three-in-One Tool: Includes a camera, tweezers, and cleaning tips.

Safe for Repeat Use: Perfect for people who have had bleeding after cleaning with a cotton bud.

Bebird Wireless Ear Cleaner with Camera

The Bebird Wireless ear pick with camera lets you see inside your ear in real-time. Safe, precise, and rechargeable—perfect for comfortable cleaning at home.

3MP Wide-Angle Camera: Gives you a large, clear view of the ear canal.

6 LED Lights: Illuminate your ear to avoid scratching or going too deep.

Multiple Ear Tips: Comes with tips for both dry and oily wax.

Three-in-One: The product comes with accessories to check the ears, nose, and throat.

Safe for the Whole Family: Suitable for kids and adults alike.

Bebird Ear Wax Cleaner Tool (R1)

The Bebird R1 ear wax removal tool features a high-definition camera and soft silicone tip for precise, safe ear cleaning. Smart, rechargeable, and easy to use at home.

1080P HD Camera and Lights: Let you clean with full visibility.

Live App Streaming: You can watch the cleaning process in real-time on your smartphone.

Replaceable Tips: Choose from different cleaning tips to suit your needs.

Multi-Purpose Tool: Check your nose, throat, or even teeth with the included attachments.

Patented and Safe: This tool is tested and completely safe for your ears. 

Summary

Cotton swabs appear harmless, but they are risky. They can cause scratches and even rupture your eardrum. If you’ve ever had bleeding after cleaning with a cotton bud, it’s time to stop using them.

Use tools with cameras that allow you to see what you’re doing. Bebird offers smart, safe devices that help you clean your ears without harm. 

Related reading:

How Long Does a Clogged Ear Last?