Under normal conditions, sulfur has a yellow or light brown color and a pasty consistency. It is allocated in a small amount, does not flow out of the ear canal into the auricle and does not cause any discomfort. But it so happens that black sulfur appears in the ear. Such a violation can be triggered by various factors and requires a careful approach to the choice of treatment.
Reasons for changing the color of the secret
The glands produce sulfur secretion in order to protect the inner ear and brain from infections, bacteria, and foreign bodies. If the sulfur is of a normal color, it means that your endocrine and immune systems are functioning correctly and you should not be afraid of diseases. However, if you notice that the discharge turns dark brown or even black, it could signal such problems in the ear:
- fungal infection;
- open wound;
- the presence of a foreign body;
- high degree of contamination of the ear canal.
The importance of correct diagnosis
If you find that the wax in your ears is black, you should immediately contact an otolaryngologist, only he will be able to correctly determine why you have this disorder and how to treat it.
You cannot take any medications on your own, remove ear discharge with the help of improvised means, or use traditional medicine recipes. Self-medication can only aggravate the situation, therefore it is very important to get qualified help on time and start adequate therapy.
Let's consider what actions should be taken in different cases to fix the problem.
| Reason for violation | Additional symptoms | Treatment |
| Fungal infection leads to a change in the color of sulfur, as the secret mixes with the spores of pathogenic microorganisms and their metabolic products. |
| After a detailed examination and laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes antimycotic drugs, antibiotics and other agents for local and systemic treatment. |
| The presence of a foreign body in the ear can also lead to darkening of the wax, especially if the foreign body is an insect. |
| The doctor flushes the ear if it is impossible to get an insect or object that has got into it with surgical instruments. |
| An open wound can cause bleeding, and blood, mixing with sulfur, stains it black. |
| After finding the wound, the doctor treats it with special antiseptic agents to prevent infection, and he also prescribes home treatment for the patient. |
| Excessive contamination of the ear canal with dust or particles of coal and ash can also lead to the appearance of black wax in a person's ears. |
| This condition is not considered a pathology, it only indicates that a person is often in a dusty room, more thorough ear hygiene will help solve the problem. |
Prevention is the key to well-being
Wax in black ear can be caused by completely harmless factors, but the most dangerous reason for its appearance is a fungal infection.
To avoid darkening the secret and protect yourself from complications, you need to follow these simple rules:
- do not use other people's headphones, earplugs and headdresses;
- carry out proper cleaning of the ears, do not pick at them with foreign objects;
- prevent the appearance of otitis media, for this you need to wear hats for the season;
- do not stay for a long time in rooms with very high humidity - this is an ideal place for the growth of fungi;
- undergo preventive examinations by an otolaryngologist on time.
Drawing conclusions
Dark sulfur in the ears can be completely harmless to the body, but it can also pose a serious danger.
If a change in the color of a secret is found, it is imperative to contact a doctor so that he finds out the cause of the violation and helps to choose an effective method for its elimination. Self-medication in such cases is unacceptable and dangerous to health. Take good care of your health and personal hygiene, this is the best way to protect yourself from illness.
