Why is some earwax wet and some dry?

The composition of earwax is determined by human genetics and varies depending on your ethnicity. Wet earwax has a lot more lipids, which make it thick and sticky. It is most common in people of European and African descent. Dry earwax is flaky and is most common in Eastern Asian populations.

Why does my earwax feel liquidy?

Wet ears typically mean disease, most likely infection. Ear infections create pus, so that might be why your ear feels wet. That is not the only possible cause, though. It is also possible that you have a type of skin growth inside your ear canal called a cholesteatoma.

Can you have wet and dry earwax?

Earwax as a character It gradually moves out of the ear, carrying dead skin cells and other debris. Most people have one of two types of earwax. Wet earwax is sticky and yellowish brown to dark brown in color, while dry earwax is crumbly and gray to tan.

Is wet or dry earwax more common?

A new study reveals that the gene responsible for the drier type originated in an ancient northeastern Asian population. Today, 80 to 95 percent of East Asians have dry earwax, whereas the wet variety is abundant in people of African and European ancestry (97 to 100 percent).

Why is my earwax so sticky?

Children tend to have softer, lighter-colored earwax. White, flaky earwax indicates you lack a body-odor producing chemical. Dark-colored, sticky earwax indicates you should probably use deodorant.

How do I stop fluid coming from my ear?

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat ear fluid. The combination of a decongestant and an antihistamine can help reduce congestion. If this treatment is not effective, the doctor can place an ear tube through the middle ear to allow fluids to drain as usual.

What is dry earwax made of?

Earwax consists of dead skin cells, hair, and the secretions of cerumen by the ceruminous and sebaceous glands of the outer ear canal. Major components of earwax are long chain fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated, alcohols, squalene, and cholesterol.

Is dry earwax normal?

Some people naturally have hard, dry earwax. Earwax that stays in the ear canal for too long can become hard and dry. If you naturally have too much earwax, it can clump together in your ear canal.

How do you clean wet ear wax?

Use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide in your ear canal. Use warm water. After a day or two, when the wax is softened, use a rubber-bulb syringe to gently squirt warm water into your ear canal.

Is it bad if liquid comes out of your ear?

Usually fluid or solid material that comes out of your ear is just ear wax, and is normal. However, it can be a sign of an illness or injury in your ear, so it’s worth checking with your doctor if it doesn’t clear up after a few days.