earwax
Sign in to saveEarwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals. Earwax can be many colors, including brown, orange, red, yellowish, and gray. Earwax protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and provides protection against bacteria, fungi, particulate matter, and water.
AI overview
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a waxy substance that your ears naturally produce and comes in various colors like brown, orange, red, yellow, or gray. It serves important protective functions by shielding your ear canal skin, keeping it clean and lubricated, and defending against bacteria, fungi, dirt, and water.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Medical condition.name
- Earwax
- Medical condition.synonyms
- Cerumen
- Medical condition.image
- OhrenSchmalzBrocken.jpg
- Medical condition.caption
- Wet-type human earwax
- Medical condition.field
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Medical condition.pronounce
- Cerumen
- Medical condition.prognosis
- Prevalence
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
19 sectionsContents
- Physiology
- Wet or dry
- Cleaning
- Lubrication
- Antimicrobial effects
- Excess earwax (impacted cerumen)
- Softeners
- Microsuction
- Ear irrigation
- Mechanical removal using a curette or cotton swabs
- Ear candles
- Ear vacuuming
- Potential complications
- Prevalence
- History
- Uses
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals. Earwax can be many colors, including brown, orange, red, yellowish, and gray. Earwax protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and provides protection against bacteria, fungi, particulate matter, and water.
Major components of earwax include cerumen, produced by a type of modified sweat gland, and sebum, an oily substance. Both components are made by glands located in the outer ear canal. The chemical composition of earwax includes saturated and unsaturated long chain fatty acids, alcohols, squalene, and cholesterol. Earwax also contains dead skin cells and hair.