What if earwax scabs?

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1. What is earwax and how does it work?

Earwax is formed from mucus, dead cells, sweat & dirt in the ear canal. Next, the earwax is pushed out into the outer ear canal under the action of the villi on the surface of the glandular cells. After that, the earwax will dry out and peel off on its own in the outer ear. This process takes place continuously, layer after layer of earwax.
Earwax works to prevent bacteria, mold, dirt, insects, ... from entering the ear canal. In addition, earwax also has another use that is to help sound waves be transmitted more easily.
Normal earwax is yellow in color and slightly sticky, odorless. Depending on the geographical characteristics, age, diet, living environment, activity of the ear wax glands, genetics, etc., earwax can be in dry or wet form. In addition, some people have scaly earwax.

2. When is scaly earwax common?

Earwax shows signs of crusting in some of the following cases:
Normal physiological phenomenon: Earwax is thicker, drier, more scaly, or darker than usual but without strange odors, it is not. It is not a sign of any serious disease but only a manifestation of the aging state of the body. This condition is common in the elderly (is a normal physiological manifestation). Eczema: If the earwax and the skin around the ear canal are dry and crusty and often accompanied by itching, it could be a sign of Eczema. This case is quite easy to treat, but we should also consult a doctor or pharmacist when using the drug because the skin of the ear canal is quite sensitive. Psoriasis: If the earwax is scaly and has a uniform texture, possibly accompanied by painful swelling, it is a sign of psoriasis (which is rarer). In this case, the patient will usually know that they are sick because the rash will appear in a few other places first. However, we should still see a doctor for examination, advice and the most appropriate treatment plan. Ear fungus: Some cases of scaly patches in the ear are caused by the peeling of the epidermis in the outer ear canal combined with the fungus. If the large scab blocks the outer ear canal or attaches to the eardrum, it will cause hearing loss and tinnitus. If not removed soon, these scabs accumulate more and more, covering the ear canal, then it will adhere to the skin of the ear canal, leading to bleeding of the skin under it when we try to peel it off.

3. What if earwax scabs?

3.1. In case of physiological scaly earwax As mentioned above, in case of scaly earwax due to aging, we just need to clean the ears properly and regularly. How to clean your ears safely when wax is crusted is as follows:
Do not put any sharp objects into your ears, because they can puncture the eardrum. Do not use cotton swabs or fingers to pick your ears. These instruments can insert earwax deeper and turn it into a flap that seals the eardrum. We should put a few drops of an earwax softener in the ear such as hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil or glycerin, and an over-the-counter ear cleaner. Once the earwax has softened, prepare a cup of warm water, gently pump the water into the ear with an applicator and tilt your head to the side to let the wax out on its own, and then gently wipe it off. We should blow dry the ears with a hair dryer or put a little alcohol in each ear to dry the ear. Do not wash your ears often, at most once a month. 3.2. Scaled earwax is a manifestation of a number of diseases such as Eczema, psoriasis, ear fungus. So in these cases, we need to see a doctor for advice and treatment with the most effective method.
Through this article, hopefully, it has helped readers have useful information and how to deal with scaly earwax. Safe, proper ear hygiene helps protect the eardrum and avoid ear canal diseases.

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