Ear Wax »
What is ear wax?
The skin on the outer part of the ear canal has special
glands that produce ear wax, also known as cerumen. The purpose of this natural
wax is to protect the ear from damage and infections. Normally, a small amount of
wax accumulates and then dries up and falls out of the ear canal, carrying with
it unwanted dust or sand particles.
Ear wax is helpful to coat the skin of the ear canal where it acts as a temporary water
repellent. The absence of ear wax may result in dry, itchy ears, and even
infection.
What does ear wax look like?
Cerumen varies
in form and appearance from person to person. It may be almost liquid, firm and solid, or dry and
flaky. The color of
ear wax varies depending upon its composition. Glandular secretions,
sloughed skin cells, normal bacteria present on the surface of the canal, and
water may are present in ear wax.
Most of the time the ear canals are
...
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