Why Are My Ears Greasy? What Should I Do?
It is very common for ears to easily produce oil, a condition that many people have experienced, especially during summer. Even after thoroughly cleaning the ears, they can still feel greasy. This oily condition in the ears is generally related to personal physical characteristics and may also be caused by genetic factors. If ears frequently produce oil, it is important to keep them clean to avoid ear diseases. Below are some causes of oily ears.
1.1 Sebum Secretion: The sebaceous glands in the outer ear canal may secrete excessive amounts of oil, leading to a slower drying process and a higher water content in earwax. This can cause the earwax to appear thinner and oily, hence the term "oily ears".
1.2 Environmental Factors: Frequent exposure to dusty environments or habitual ear cleaning can irritate the ears and lead to excessive earwax secretion, further contributing to the oily condition.
1.3 Damp Heat: According to traditional Chinese medicine, oily ears are caused by damp heat. The Qing Dynasty medical text "Yi Fang Bian Nan Da Cheng" Volume 73 states that "excessive damp heat infiltrating various meridians can lead to excessive moisture in the ears, resulting in oily earwax".
2.1 Regular Cleaning: Use a cotton swab to gently wipe the secretions from the outer ear canal. Do not insert the cotton swab too deeply into the ear canal, about 0.5 to 1 centimeter is appropriate, to avoid scratching the skin or eardrum.
2.2 Hospital Visit: If the earwax has formed a blockage (commonly known as cerumen, a sticky yellowish liquid secreted by the ceruminous glands in the cartilage of the outer ear canal), it is recommended to seek medical attention from an ENT specialist for timely removal and appropriate treatment.
2.3 Lifestyle Adjustments: Since oily ears are often associated with endocrine imbalances and functional disorders, lifestyle adjustments can be beneficial. This includes maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude, getting sufficient sleep, avoiding late nights, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
