Check your health by the color of your earwax on Saturday, August 3rd!

■ The role of earwax

 

Protective function: Earwax prevents external substances such as dust, bacteria, and insects from entering the ear canal.

 

Maintaining cleanliness: Earwax helps keep the skin of the external auditory canal moist, assists in removing dead skin cells and dust from inside the ear, and naturally expels earwax to keep the ears clean.

 

Infection prevention: Earwax contains antimicrobial components that prevent bacteria from proliferating in the ear.

 

Health based on Earwax Color

 

✔️Yellow or light brown: A common color for most people, indicating that the ears are healthy and functioning normally.

 

✔️Dark brown or black: Earwax may become dry and oxidized, resulting in a darker color, but this is generally a healthy condition. However, if there is an odor or pain, consult a professional.

 

✔️Gray: Some people are naturally born with white, dry earwax, and it can vary depending on skin conditions or nutritional status.

 

✔️Red or pink: If earwax is red or pink, it may indicate bleeding inside the ear, which could be due to trauma or infection, so immediate consultation with a specialist is necessary.

 

✔️ Green: Green earwax may be a sign of ear infection and can sometimes be accompanied by pus, so immediate consultation with a specialist is necessary.

 

■ How to keep your ears healthy

 

✔️Prohibition of cotton swab use: Cleaning ears with cotton swabs can actually push earwax deeper into the ear, potentially causing problems.

 

✔️ Keep earwax natural: Earwax is naturally expelled, so do not clean your ears frequently without any special reason.

 

✔️Prohibition of frequent ear cleaning: Excessive cleaning of the ears can cause dryness inside the ear or increase the risk of infection, and keeping the area around the ears clean through regular bathing or showering is sufficient.

 

✔️Expert Consultation: If you experience discomfort due to earwax issues, it is important to consult a specialist and receive appropriate treatment.

 

✔️Humidity control: Maintain a balance to prevent ears from becoming too dry or too moist.

 

Source: National Health Insurance Service