KUALA LUMPUR: An elderly woman was left in shock after discovering that what she initially thought was a bug in her ear turned out to be a live centipede.
The centipede, which also stung her ear, was successfully removed by a doctor after she sought medical attention at a clinic.
According to Kosmo!, Dr Wan Huzaify, the doctor who treated the woman, shared details of the incident on his social media platform.
He said the incident occurred at midnight when he was called in by the clinic staff.
"Doctor, please attend to this patient first. She's complaining about a bug in her ear," he quoted the staff as saying.
"Using an otoscope, I managed to extract the 'bug' from the patient's ear. Initially, I thought it was just a flea bite, but I was wrong. Thankfully, I was able to provide her relief and put an end to her discomfort," he said.
Dr Wan also shared crucial steps to take if a centipede or other insect enters the ear:
1. Stay calm: "Do not take any action that might provoke the centipede. This could make it more aggressive and increase the chances of it attacking to defend itself."
2. Tilt your head: "Turn your head so that the affected ear faces downward. Sometimes, the insect may exit on its own with the help of gravity."
3. Use oil: "Gently pour baby or olive oil into the ear. This can help calm the insect or prompt it to leave. However, do not use oil if you suspect damage to the eardrum, such as severe pain or fluid discharge."
4. Flush with warm water: "If oil doesn't work, try rinsing the ear gently with warm water. Ensure the water isn't too hot to avoid causing injury. Avoid cold water, as it could worsen vertigo or shock the centipede, making it react aggressively."
5. Seek medical help: "If the insect does not come out or you experience pain, immediately consult a doctor. Doctors have specialised tools to safely extract insects without harming the ear."