What is earwax and how can I avoid earwax problems?
The skin lining the ear canal contains hair follicles and glands that produce oil and earwax. The earwax (cerumen) lubricates the skin and traps dust and foreign particles. It may also prevent infection of the ear canal. The wax is a colorless, watery secretion that dries and turns darker in color when it mixes with dust particles and dead skin cells. Cerumen normally moves out of the ear canal naturally due to movement of the ear canal when talking and chewing. Some people produce excessive amounts – or the wax does not fall out naturally – and need to have earwax removed. Hydrogen peroxide and water (at body temperature) can be used to flush the wax, but do not do this if you have a perforated eardrum. Other people need to have earwax removed professionally. Note: The use of Q-tips is not recommended, as this often pushes wax further into your ear and/or scratches the ear canal.
