Earwax, like the majority of physiological secretions, rarely comes up in casual conversation. However, the truth is that this gooey material is very crucial for our bodies and can reveal a lot about our state of health. At first, it may seem like a nasty concept, but the next time you clean your ears, pay special attention to what comes out.
Many individuals are unaware that earwax is more than simply a filthy deposit in our ears. Our bodies actually produce this sticky gunk to keep our ears clean, healthy, and functional by preventing bacteria and debris from entering the ear canal. Long-chain fatty acids, squalene, and alcohol make up the wax itself.
No one wants to see this liquid trickling out of someone's ear, despite how necessary it is. So feel free to use a moist cloth to wipe it out when you discover that there is a little too much of it in your ear. You run the danger of harming your eardrum if you choose to use a cotton swab, so be careful not to place it in your ear canal.
Here are some examples of different wax colors and what they mean for your health…
1. Yellow, wet and sticky
This is the most common type of wax for adults. The wet, sticky texture helps to keep the ear canal from drying out and becoming itchy.
2. Gray
Gray earwax may look unusual, but if you see it on your cotton swab, there’s no need to worry. The gray color is usually just the result of the ear’s natural cleaning process. But if the wax is dry and brittle and your ear is itchy, it could be a sign of eczema. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to have it looked at by a doctor.
3. Pale yellow
This color is the most common for kids. Children tend to produce a lot more earwax than adults, but as they get older this production gradually decreases.
4. Sticky and dark
Earwax that is darker than normal indicates that the body is perspiring more than usual. The darker the color of the wax, the higher the probability that this extra sweat will lead to body odor. Despite that, it’s still completely healthy.
5. Dark and thick
Anxiety and stress can cause our bodies to produce more earwax. Heavy sweating can also lead to an increase in earwax, which can block the ear canal and cause temporary hearing impairment. If you notice that your earwax is dark and thick, you should make sure you clean your ears regularly to avoid any problems. It’s also a good indication that you might want to find ways of reducing the stress in your life.
6. Dry, white and flaky
This is a perfectly normal and healthy type of earwax. People who produce this kind of wax most often have less body odor than people who produce dark ear wax.
7. Black or dark brown
Earwax that is dark brown or even black can look pretty scary. But the good news is, there’s no need to worry. The dark color may just be the result of an overproduction of wax (like what happens when we’re stressed). It can also mean that the wax has simply been in the ear longer. When it’s removed, the increased contact with oxygen turns it a darker color.
8. Wet and runny
It’s normal for earwax to come out of our ears from time to time — it’s just part of the natural cleaning process. But when wax pours out of your ears in large amounts and contains pus or blood, it’s a sure sign of a perforated eardrum. In this case, seek medical attention immediately.
9. Bloody wax
Old earwax can sometimes look like dried blood. If you notice this, get medical attention — it could mean that you have a perforated eardrum.
As you can see, earwax comes in a vast array of colors and most of them are completely healthy even if they don’t look it. So the next time you’re cleaning your ears, take a close look at that dirty cotton swab. It might make you cringe, but it’s also a great way to identify a problem and deal with it before it gets serious!