Ear Wax

Ear Wax
Cerumen

Weird Body Quirks Slideshow

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
Medical Editors: William C. Shiel, JR, MD, FACP, FACR and Jay W. Marks, MD

• What is ear wax?
• What does ear wax look like?
• When should ear wax be removed?
• Is it OK to use Q-tips?

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.