The human body is constantly impressing us by the way it works. Indeed, it is able to send signals to warn us of an affection or problem through various organs and areas that constitute it. By the way, did you know that the ears can say a lot about our state of health?
Indeed, beyond their hearing function, the ears, like any other part of the human body, are to be watched to take care of our health. Moreover, one of the major indicators of this is cerumen. It is a wax composed of fatty substances, amino acids and minerals to protect the external auditory canal. Earwax has a very specific role because it helps to fight against the intrusion of pathogens and germs.
Thus, when its texture, color and appearance change, this indicates a health problem because the protective barrier that is cerumen has been affected. To understand more about this function, here are 8 wax changes and their meanings:
Earwax gray in color
If you notice the presence of gray earwax on your cotton swab then two types of explanations are possible. It may be surrounding dust caused by pollution, especially in large cities, or your genetics. Indeed, according to the Bruno Frachet and Émilie Vormés audition guide, cerumen is genetically determined. For example, Asian and Amerindian people have a rather gray and dry earwax, while Caucasians and Africans have a honey-brown, moist earwax.
Earwax with traces of blood
When you put a cotton swab in your ear and it comes out with cerumen containing traces of blood, it indicates the presence of otorrhagia, or a flow of blood emanating from the ear. Several causes are possible, such as vigorous cleansing, violent shock, otitis-like infection or the presence of a tumor. In all cases, it is recommended to consult a health professional quickly.
The cerumen of brown color
If you notice brown wax after cleaning your ears, it is probably an overproduction of earwax. This indicates that you are facing significant fatigue and that your body is fighting against the invasion of germs and pathogens. Be sure to take good care of your immune system by having a varied and balanced diet, by practicing a regular physical activity, by moisturizing yourself properly and having a quality sleep.
Earwax of a black color
The presence of black cerumen usually indicates overproduction of earwax to control invasion of a germ or pathogen. However, if it is associated with runny and itchy skin, consult a health care practitioner as it may be a fungal infection.
Earwax of a white color
During childhood, cerumen approaches a light color and gradually becomes honey-brown color. However, if in adulthood, earwax becomes white and becomes friable then it is likely a lack of nutrients inside your body, including copper and iron, the main ones minerals that make up earwax.
Earwax with an unpleasant odor
If you notice earwax with a bad smell in your ear, it may be due to an ear infection. If you also experience pain, a stuffy ear, ringing, or hearing loss, visit your doctor or an appropriate health professional.
Liquid cerumen
Earwax, or earflow, is often an example of an ear infection. However, a violent shock can be at the origin of this flow. These shocks include head trauma, a medical emergency. In all cases, consult a health professional promptly.
Dry cerumen
Dry cerumen may be a sign of dryness of the ear canal, caused by eczema, lack of earwax production, psoriasis, allergies or chickenpox. It is therefore necessary to determine the exact cause for treating the pathology.
Note that cotton swabs are only used to clean the outer part of the ear. If they do not, they will push the earwax into the ear, creating a plug and causing a secondary infection.