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Clean your ears every few days – the usual hygiene rule we learned as a child. Very few people know that earwax not only has a protective function, but also says something about the overall health of the whole body.
With a cotton swab check what color the earwax is, and find out whether it’s worth worrying about.
Gray color
If your ear swab has taken on a gray shade without any other symptoms, then don’t panic. Most likely it’s just dust.
A similar gray color often occurs in residents of large cities where the air is too polluted.
With traces of blood
If, when cleaning your ears, you observe traces of blood, be careful: it may indicate a perforation of the tympanic membrane. The ear is opened to infection, which can cause inflammation of the eyes and subsequently lead to hearing deterioration. Therefore you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Brown color
Heavy release of wax and darkening of its color indicate that the body has recently experienced a lot of stress.
So try not to be nervous and spend the next few days in a calm environment.
Black color
A one-time darkening of the wax does not indicate any disease. However, if you have an itching sensation that intensifies, you should consult a doctor immediately, because black earwax signals the presence of a fungal infection.
White color
White earwax is a sign that your body lacks vitamins and trace elements, namely iron and copper.
Therefore include in your diet products that contain these substances, such as beans, oatmeal, peas, buckwheat. Or take a special course of vitamins to replace this deficiency.
Odor
A sharp rotten smell of the wax indicates the presence of a middle ear infection.
In addition to the change in odor, you may also notice noise and a feeling of fullness in the ears.
With these symptoms you should consult an ENT specialist.
Liquid wax
A change in the consistency of the wax and its discharge from the ear indicates possible ear trauma and the onset of an inflammatory process.
In such a case you should contact a specialist.
Dry wax
The simplest explanation for a change in the structure of the wax is a lack of beneficial fats in your body.
If, after you started eating foods rich in fats, nothing changed, then the cause should be sought elsewhere: dry wax may be a sign of dermatitis and other skin diseases.
