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What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation Tube
sea0tter2 posted:
About one month ago I experienced severe pain left ear & sore throat pain. After a day or so I looked in my throat and noticed I had this tiny white substance at the opening of my left eustachian ventilation tube plus I noticed I also had what I call an ulcerated area in the soft tissue, meaning it had some white coloration as well as the tissue was eroded away in my throat between the third molar and the eust. ventilation tube which was about 1/2 inch in width and about 3 - 4 inches long. By gargling with diluted H202 and swabbing white substance with liquid vitamin C I was able to loosen & retrieve that tiny white wax like stuff. I say wax because it had that consistency. I felt my ear opened up, the pain/pressure went away in the L ear & my throat was less sore so I just kept on like I was. Ulcerated area didn't hurt so I wondered about it but wasn't that concerned. I have noticed on my right side at that same point a bit of white coloration yet NO eroded soft tissue like on the left side of my soft tissue in the throat. It doesn't hurt, but I have a high pain tolerance. Then this past weekend I noticed the white stuff blocking the vent tube again so I went thru the same routine and it took till the next night to get this blockage of white waxy substance off. This time I saved it in hopes of getting the doctor to order a culture and sensitivity to test what it was and what would kill the infection if it was infection & have the test done the next day especially if it was anaerobic bacteria But then something else happened, I pushed on some soft tissue beside the opening of that same left eustachian vent tube and more of this white stuff shot out of the vent tube in a larger amount. So I was like wow & I saved that also. My left ear felt much better in that it was so OPENED that I could even felt like air flow in it. So w/ that long explanation I really want to know
1) WHAT IS THIS EXACTLY?
2) WHY IS THIS COMING OUT OF THIS EUST. VENT TUBE?
3) WHY IS IT ONLY COMING OUT OF MY LEFT EST VENT TUBE
4) IS THIS NORMAL?
5) IF THIS IS WAX THEN HOW IS IT FORMED?
6) IF THIS IS INFECTION WHAT TYPES COMMONLY FORM IN THIS MEDIUM.......BACTERIAL? FUNGAL?
7) WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?
WHAT COULD BE GOING ON WITH THE EROSION OF THE SOFT TISSUE IN MY THROAT/MOUTH BY LEFT THIRD MOLAR
one other note I did have one episode I do recall in my 20's before of this occurring just on my left side. I have slight nasal septum deviation to the left and at times my left nostril gets exceedingly dry and with dry blood. Also my left eye is now blurrier than my right. I really need an eye exam and glasses but I have noticed my left eye is blurrier that my right.
Any insights and things you can share would be most appreciated.
1) WHAT IS THIS EXACTLY?
2) WHY IS THIS COMING OUT OF THIS EUST. VENT TUBE?
3) WHY IS IT ONLY COMING OUT OF MY LEFT EST VENT TUBE
4) IS THIS NORMAL?
5) IF THIS IS WAX THEN HOW IS IT FORMED?
6) IF THIS IS INFECTION WHAT TYPES COMMONLY FORM IN THIS MEDIUM.......BACTERIAL? FUNGAL?
7) WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?
WHAT COULD BE GOING ON WITH THE EROSION OF THE SOFT TISSUE IN MY THROAT/MOUTH BY LEFT THIRD MOLARone other note I did have one episode I do recall in my 20's before of this occurring just on my left side. I have slight nasal septum deviation to the left and at times my left nostril gets exceedingly dry and with dry blood. Also my left eye is now blurrier than my right. I really need an eye exam and glasses but I have noticed my left eye is blurrier that my right.
Any insights and things you can share would be most appreciated.
9 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeAbout one month ago I experienced severe pain left ear & sore throat pain. After a day or so I looked in my throat and noticed I had this tiny white substance at the opening of my left eustachian ventilation tube plus I noticed I also had what I call an ulcerated area in the soft tissue, meaning it had some white coloration as well as the tissue was eroded away in my throat between the third molar and the eust. ventilation tube which was about 1/2 inch in width and about 3 - 4 inches long. By gargling with diluted H202 and swabbing white substance with liquid vitamin C I was able to loosen & retrieve that tiny white wax like stuff. I say wax because it had that consistency. I felt my ear opened up, the pain/pressure went away in the L ear & my throat was less sore so I just kept on like I was. Ulcerated area didn't hurt so I wondered about it but wasn't that concerned. I have noticed on my right side at that same point a bit of white coloration yet NO eroded soft tissue like on the left side of my soft tissue in the throat. It doesn't hurt, but I have a high pain tolerance. Then this past weekend I noticed the white stuff blocking the vent tube again so I went thru the same routine and it took till the next night to get this blockage of white waxy substance off. This time I saved it in hopes of getting the doctor to order a culture and sensitivity to test what it was and what would kill the infection if it was infection & have the test done the next day especially if it was anaerobic bacteria But then something else happened, I pushed on some soft tissue beside the opening of that same left eustachian vent tube and more of this white stuff shot out of the vent tube in a larger amount. So I was like wow & I saved that also. My left ear felt much better in that it was so OPENED that I could even felt like air flow in it. So w/ that long explanation I really want to know<br />1) WHAT IS THIS EXACTLY?<br />2) WHY IS THIS COMING OUT OF THIS EUST. VENT TUBE?<br />3) WHY IS IT ONLY COMING OUT OF MY LEFT EST VENT TUBE<br />4) IS THIS NORMAL?<br />5) IF THIS IS WAX THEN HOW IS IT FORMED?<br />6) IF THIS IS INFECTION WHAT TYPES COMMONLY FORM IN THIS MEDIUM.......BACTERIAL? FUNGAL?<br />7) WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?<br /><img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/ooh.gif" align="top" border="0"> WHAT COULD BE GOING ON WITH THE EROSION OF THE SOFT TISSUE IN MY THROAT/MOUTH BY LEFT THIRD MOLAR<br />one other note I did have one episode I do recall in my 20's before of this occurring just on my left side. I have slight nasal septum deviation to the left and at times my left nostril gets exceedingly dry and with dry blood. Also my left eye is now blurrier than my right. I really need an eye exam and glasses but I have noticed my left eye is blurrier that my right. <br />Any insights and things you can share would be most appreciated.
Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:
Your are asking some very difficult questions for a medical provider to blindly address over the Internet...
1. I cannot tell you "exactly" what this substance was since, obviously, I did not see it or examine you. It may be a tonsilith, but that is just a guess.
2. You cannot see the pharyngeal opening of your Eustachian tubes unless you have a scope or a laryngeal mirror, so I don't know what you are seeing. The Eustachian tube opening is to far up the back of the pharynx for it to be viewed by looking in the mouth.
3. I have no idea.
4. If I can't see...or examine you, how could I make this determination?
5. I don't believe it is "wax". Wax does not form in the back of your throat.
6. I do not have enough information to guess at a pathogen.
7. In order to determine a treatment regime, a medical provider must have a definitive diagnosis -- not something that I can do over the Internet.
I know these may not be the answers that you expected. The ONLY way that you can be properly diagnosed or treated, is to be properly examined FIRST. I would suggest that you see an ENT.
1. I cannot tell you "exactly" what this substance was since, obviously, I did not see it or examine you. It may be a tonsilith, but that is just a guess.
2. You cannot see the pharyngeal opening of your Eustachian tubes unless you have a scope or a laryngeal mirror, so I don't know what you are seeing. The Eustachian tube opening is to far up the back of the pharynx for it to be viewed by looking in the mouth.
3. I have no idea.
4. If I can't see...or examine you, how could I make this determination?
5. I don't believe it is "wax". Wax does not form in the back of your throat.
6. I do not have enough information to guess at a pathogen.
7. In order to determine a treatment regime, a medical provider must have a definitive diagnosis -- not something that I can do over the Internet.
I know these may not be the answers that you expected. The ONLY way that you can be properly diagnosed or treated, is to be properly examined FIRST. I would suggest that you see an ENT.
Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeYour are asking some very difficult questions for a medical provider to blindly address over the Internet...<br /> <br />1. I cannot tell you "exactly" what this substance was since, obviously, I did not see it or examine you. It may be a tonsilith, but that is just a guess.<br /> <br />2. You cannot see the pharyngeal opening of your Eustachian tubes unless you have a scope or a laryngeal mirror, so I don't know what you are seeing. The Eustachian tube opening is to far up the back of the pharynx for it to be viewed by looking in the mouth.<br /> <br />3. I have no idea.<br /> <br />4. If I can't see...or examine you, how could I make this determination?<br /> <br />5. I don't believe it is "wax". Wax does not form in the back of your throat.<br /> <br />6. I do not have enough information to guess at a pathogen.<br /> <br />7. In order to determine a treatment regime, a medical provider must have a definitive diagnosis -- not something that I can do over the Internet.<br /> <br />I know these may not be the answers that you expected. The ONLY way that you can be properly diagnosed or treated, is to be properly examined FIRST. I would suggest that you see an ENT.
sea0tter2 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Mr. Moser,
Thank you for your time. If these openings are not openings of ventilation tubes from the eusthacian tubes then would you possibly be able to tell me what openings one can see from the back of the mouth adjacent to either side of the oral uvula?
Please note, I have been seen in person by a general practitioner and no consult to an ENT was ordered. My left ear was looked at with otoscope but not the right ear. No culture and sensitivity was performed of my throat, so hopefully you can understand why I have more questions. All I know is my left ear now felt "opened" when first white substance retrieved and then felt even more "opened" when more of this white substance was removed from this opening on the left. So I am grateful that I was able to get it out and experience relief. Thanks again
Thank you for your time. If these openings are not openings of ventilation tubes from the eusthacian tubes then would you possibly be able to tell me what openings one can see from the back of the mouth adjacent to either side of the oral uvula?
Please note, I have been seen in person by a general practitioner and no consult to an ENT was ordered. My left ear was looked at with otoscope but not the right ear. No culture and sensitivity was performed of my throat, so hopefully you can understand why I have more questions. All I know is my left ear now felt "opened" when first white substance retrieved and then felt even more "opened" when more of this white substance was removed from this opening on the left. So I am grateful that I was able to get it out and experience relief. Thanks again
Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeMr. Moser,<br /><br />Thank you for your time. If these openings are not openings of ventilation tubes from the eusthacian tubes then would you possibly be able to tell me what openings one can see from the back of the mouth adjacent to either side of the oral uvula? <br /><br />Please note, I have been seen in person by a general practitioner and no consult to an ENT was ordered. My left ear was looked at with otoscope but not the right ear. No culture and sensitivity was performed of my throat, so hopefully you can understand why I have more questions. All I know is my left ear now felt "opened" when first white substance retrieved and then felt even more "opened" when more of this white substance was removed from this opening on the left. So I am grateful that I was able to get it out and experience relief. Thanks again
I have no way of seeing what you are seeing....there are no natural anatomical openings in this area, so you could be seeing a tonsillar crypt (a hole) or perhaps a fistula. I have no idea what you are looking at, but they are not the pharyngeal openings of your Eustachian tubes, unless you are constructed a bit different than other humans. The lumen of the e-tubes are the size of a hair, so they will not drain the material that you are describing. You need to see the ENT.....
Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeI have no way of seeing what you are seeing....there are no natural anatomical openings in this area, so you could be seeing a tonsillar crypt (a hole) or perhaps a fistula. I have no idea what you are looking at, but they are not the pharyngeal openings of your Eustachian tubes, unless you are constructed a bit different than other humans. The lumen of the e-tubes are the size of a hair, so they will not drain the material that you are describing. You need to see the ENT.....
sea0tter2 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
I found online what I saw (tonsilloliths a/k/a tonsil stones) and was able to remove on the two aforementioned occasions and then once in my 20's when I did see an ENT when this occurred and he told me it was "wax" which didn't make sense to me until this recent episode when I got the white substance out and it was white & "wax like". It is called a Tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones and just in case any one else may read this discussion and have the same issue or be in the same situation they can go to this link at see the image and also know what it is they are seeing and be able to communicate that to others
Source hyperlink and excerpted literature below
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillolith
"Tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones, are clusters of calcified material that form in the crevices of the tonsils ...........
Tonsils are filled with crevices where bacteria and other materials, including dead cells and mucus, can become trapped. When this occurs, the debris can become concentrated in white formations that occur in the pockets.[5> Tonsilloliths are formed when this trapped debris combines and hardens, or calcifies."
Source hyperlink and excerpted literature below
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillolith
"Tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones, are clusters of calcified material that form in the crevices of the tonsils ...........
Tonsils are filled with crevices where bacteria and other materials, including dead cells and mucus, can become trapped. When this occurs, the debris can become concentrated in white formations that occur in the pockets.[5> Tonsilloliths are formed when this trapped debris combines and hardens, or calcifies."
Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeI found online what I saw (tonsilloliths a/k/a tonsil stones) and was able to remove on the two aforementioned occasions and then once in my 20's when I did see an ENT when this occurred and he told me it was "wax" which didn't make sense to me until this recent episode when I got the white substance out and it was white & "wax like". It is called a <b>Tonsilloliths</b>, also known as <b>tonsil stones</b> and <b>just in case any one else may read this discussion and have the same issue or be in the same situation they can go to this link at see the image and also know what it is they are seeing and be able to communicate that to others</b><br />Source hyperlink and excerpted literature below<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillolith">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillolith</a><br /><br /><b>"Tonsilloliths</b>, also known as <b>tonsil stones</b>, are clusters of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcified">calcified</a> material that form in the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palatine_tonsils#Tonsillar_crypts">crevices</a> of the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsils">tonsils</a> ...........<br />Tonsils are filled with crevices where bacteria and other materials, including dead cells and mucus, can become trapped. When this occurs, the debris can become concentrated in white formations that occur in the pockets.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillolith#cite_note-WebMD-4">[5></a> Tonsilloliths are formed when this trapped debris combines and hardens, or calcifies."
As I mentioned in one of the above postings, a tonsillith is one of the possibilities (your number 2 answer) and the "hole" it is coming out of may be a tonsillar crypt. You will also find a discussion on this community board about them. I am glad you have an answer.....
By the way, the only treatment of these ongoing issues would be to gargle aggressively with salt water after you eat (every time) to hopefully avoid this accumulation of debris. A definitive treatment would be to have the tonsils removed completely.
By the way, the only treatment of these ongoing issues would be to gargle aggressively with salt water after you eat (every time) to hopefully avoid this accumulation of debris. A definitive treatment would be to have the tonsils removed completely.
Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeAs I mentioned in one of the above postings, a <b>tonsillith</b> is one of the possibilities (your number 2 answer) and the "hole" it is coming out of may be a tonsillar <b>crypt</b>. You will also find a discussion on this community board about them. I am glad you have an answer.....<br /> <br />By the way, the only treatment of these ongoing issues would be to gargle aggressively with salt water after you eat (every time) to hopefully avoid this accumulation of debris. A definitive treatment would be to have the tonsils removed completely.
sea0tter2 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Oh, thank you!! I'm sorry, I mis-read number two as tonsiliTIS instead of what you actually typed as a tonsillith. Yet by even mis-reading it as tonsiliTIS I was able to find a picture of what it looked like, thus the f/u post. I'm so grateful I it was not the size of those shown in that link nor had it calcified. I do believe as you said that I am seeing tonsilar crypts as I just have these "holes"/crypts on either side of the uvula. I read in that article where the tonsils atrophy with age so I may just be seeing the crypts. Due to the other very significant health challenges I have endured for a number of years now plus my age and the medications I am on, I think the risks of removal of the tonsils would be something I would need to be much stronger to undergo and the risks may outweigh the benefits.
Now, I know this may sound odd to you, yet I'm sensitive to salt, even though sodium is in our body and even in many natural foods, I have to avoid salt as much as possibly can. So I will try some other safe alternatives to keep this area clean after each time of eating something, as you suggested.
Again, I thank you for your time and I'm sorry I mis-read number two in your initial response.
Now, I know this may sound odd to you, yet I'm sensitive to salt, even though sodium is in our body and even in many natural foods, I have to avoid salt as much as possibly can. So I will try some other safe alternatives to keep this area clean after each time of eating something, as you suggested.
Again, I thank you for your time and I'm sorry I mis-read number two in your initial response.
Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeOh, thank you!! I'm sorry, I mis-read number two as tonsiliTIS instead of what you actually typed as a tonsillith. Yet by even mis-reading it as tonsiliTIS I was able to find a picture of what it looked like, thus the f/u post. I'm so grateful I it was not the size of those shown in that link nor had it calcified. I do believe as you said that I am seeing tonsilar crypts as I just have these "holes"/crypts on either side of the uvula. I read in that article where the tonsils atrophy with age so I may just be seeing the crypts. Due to the other very significant health challenges I have endured for a number of years now plus my age and the medications I am on, I think the risks of removal of the tonsils would be something I would need to be much stronger to undergo and the risks may outweigh the benefits. <br /><br />Now, I know this may sound odd to you, yet I'm sensitive to salt, even though sodium is in our body and even in many natural foods, I have to avoid salt as much as possibly can. So I will try some other safe alternatives to keep this area clean after each time of eating something, as you suggested.<br /> Again, I thank you for your time and I'm sorry I mis-read number two in your initial response.
It is really the physical action of the gargling, not necessarily the salt (even though you will be spitting it out), so plain water is fine to use.
I am glad you were able to successfully self-diagnose. Most people with tonsilliths will simply "deal with them" non surgically bydislodging the plugs with their finger.
I am glad you were able to successfully self-diagnose. Most people with tonsilliths will simply "deal with them" non surgically bydislodging the plugs with their finger.
Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeIt is really the physical action of the gargling, not necessarily the salt (even though you will be spitting it out), so plain water is fine to use.<br /><br />I am glad you were able to successfully self-diagnose. Most people with tonsilliths will simply "deal with them" non surgically bydislodging the plugs with their finger.
sea0tter2 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Dr. Moser (PhD),
In my initial post I mentioned how my left ear was quite painful with pressure and also my throat was sore before I discovered the initial tonsilith (tonsil stone), then when I dislodged it which was the size of the head of a pin, my ear opened up, the left ear pain went away and then the throat although still red stopped hurting. I only had a stone on in one of the left tonsilar crypts so my question what are some of the reasons why my left ear could have been hurting from this?
A few weeks later is when I got another one of these stones out then pressed with q-tip saturated w/ liquid Vit C and got about a b-b size amount of white stone out.
This is only second time in my life I have ever experienced this to my knowledge.
Some other questions I have are
....is it a safe practice irrigate these crypts with low pressure water pik or say a syringe of sterile water?
Seems like if one had some kind of low suction device similar to like used in a dental office that one could "vacuum" up this area and keep it clean of any food particles that might get in there. Last night I pushed up with one of those moistened cotton swabs and saw there was a crypt on the left under a fold of soft tissue I hadn't noticed before where I got a tiny particle of carrot before it became and issue. I had gargled after eating. I do floss after anything I eat and also use those toothpicks w/ little brushes on them to go between my teeth.
Thank you for your time and service to people
In my initial post I mentioned how my left ear was quite painful with pressure and also my throat was sore before I discovered the initial tonsilith (tonsil stone), then when I dislodged it which was the size of the head of a pin, my ear opened up, the left ear pain went away and then the throat although still red stopped hurting. I only had a stone on in one of the left tonsilar crypts so my question what are some of the reasons why my left ear could have been hurting from this?
A few weeks later is when I got another one of these stones out then pressed with q-tip saturated w/ liquid Vit C and got about a b-b size amount of white stone out.
This is only second time in my life I have ever experienced this to my knowledge.
Some other questions I have are
....is it a safe practice irrigate these crypts with low pressure water pik or say a syringe of sterile water?
Seems like if one had some kind of low suction device similar to like used in a dental office that one could "vacuum" up this area and keep it clean of any food particles that might get in there. Last night I pushed up with one of those moistened cotton swabs and saw there was a crypt on the left under a fold of soft tissue I hadn't noticed before where I got a tiny particle of carrot before it became and issue. I had gargled after eating. I do floss after anything I eat and also use those toothpicks w/ little brushes on them to go between my teeth.
Thank you for your time and service to people
Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeDr. Moser (PhD), <br />In my initial post I mentioned how my left ear was quite painful with pressure and also my throat was sore before I discovered the initial tonsilith (tonsil stone), then when I dislodged it which was the size of the head of a pin, my ear opened up, the left ear pain went away and then the throat although still red stopped hurting. I only had a stone on in one of the left tonsilar crypts so my question what are some of the reasons why my left ear could have been hurting from this?<br /><br />A few weeks later is when I got another one of these stones out then pressed with q-tip saturated w/ liquid Vit C and got about a b-b size amount of white stone out. <br />This is only second time in my life I have ever experienced this to my knowledge. <br />Some other questions I have are<br />....is it a safe practice irrigate these crypts with low pressure water pik or say a syringe of sterile water? <br />Seems like if one had some kind of low suction device similar to like used in a dental office that one could "vacuum" up this area and keep it clean of any food particles that might get in there. Last night I pushed up with one of those moistened cotton swabs and saw there was a crypt on the left under a fold of soft tissue I hadn't noticed before where I got a tiny particle of carrot before it became and issue. I had gargled after eating. I do floss after anything I eat and also use those toothpicks w/ little brushes on them to go between my teeth.<br />Thank you for your time and service to people
Tonsilliths cause tonsillar inflammation. Tonsils are lymph tissue, just like the adenoids. The adenoids are located in the throat adjacent to the Eustachian tubes. If the e-tubes are compromised, one can get ear pain. I don't know 100% if this is the mechanism of your associated ear pain, but this could be one reason. Because of nerve pathways, problems in the throat and mouth can often be felt in the ear (This is called "Referred Ear Pain").
You can manually extract these stones or food debris...not a problem, but I don't think you need to be thinking about using dental suction machines or Water Pic irrigation. A simple gargle with warm TAP water (why use sterile water....your throat certainly isn't sterile), should do it. Using a moistened Q-tip is fine, too. There is no medical advantage of using liquid vitamin C for any of these things.
You can manually extract these stones or food debris...not a problem, but I don't think you need to be thinking about using dental suction machines or Water Pic irrigation. A simple gargle with warm TAP water (why use sterile water....your throat certainly isn't sterile), should do it. Using a moistened Q-tip is fine, too. There is no medical advantage of using liquid vitamin C for any of these things.
Report This| Share this:What is this White Wax Like Substance coming out from Left Eustachian Tube Ventilation TubeTonsilliths cause tonsillar inflammation. Tonsils are lymph tissue, just like the adenoids. The adenoids are located in the throat adjacent to the Eustachian tubes. If the e-tubes are compromised, one can get ear pain. I don't know 100% if this is the mechanism of your associated ear pain, but this could be one reason. Because of nerve pathways, problems in the throat and mouth can often be felt in the ear (This is called "Referred Ear Pain").<br /> <br />You can manually extract these stones or food debris...not a problem, but I don't think you need to be thinking about using dental suction machines or Water Pic irrigation. A simple gargle with warm TAP water (why use sterile water....your throat certainly isn't sterile), should do it. Using a moistened Q-tip is fine, too. There is no medical advantage of using liquid vitamin C for any of these things.
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