What does it mean if earwax is green?

Nov 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

In general, green earwax may be caused by factors such as water entering the ear canal, contamination from foreign substances, external otitis, fungal external otitis, or otitis media. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. In daily life, avoid frequent ear cleaning that may injure the ear canal, and wear earplugs during showers to prevent water from entering the ears.

Generally, green earwax may result from water entering the ear canal, foreign body contamination, external otitis, fungal external otitis, or otitis media. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Water in the Ear Canal

After bathing or swimming, water may enter the ear canal. The earwax absorbs moisture, softens, and mixes with microorganisms in the water, causing a color change to light green. To address this, tilt your head to the affected side to allow water drainage and gently wipe the outer ear canal with a clean cotton swab, keeping the ear canal dry.

2. Foreign Body Contamination

Contact with green dyes, plant sap, or other foreign substances may lead to their accidental entry into the ear canal, mixing with earwax and turning it green. Avoid using hands or tools to clean ears. Mild contamination may resolve naturally, but obvious foreign bodies require medical removal by a healthcare professional.

3. External Otitis

Bacterial infection can cause inflammation of the external ear canal. Inflammatory secretions mix with earwax, resulting in yellowish-green earwax accompanied by itching and pain in the ear canal. Treatment under medical guidance may include ofloxacin otic solution, cefradine capsules, and hydrogen peroxide solution, along with maintaining ear canal hygiene.

4. Fungal External Otitis

A moist ear canal promotes fungal growth. Fungal metabolic products can turn earwax dark green, giving it a curd-like appearance, often associated with intense itching. Under medical supervision, treatments such as ketoconazole otic solution, fluconazole capsules, and miconazole nitrate cream may be used, along with regular ear canal cleaning.

5. Otitis Media

Infection of the middle ear leads to inflammation, and purulent discharge may pass through a perforated eardrum into the ear canal, mixing with earwax to appear green. This condition is often accompanied by hearing loss and ear pain. As directed by a physician, medications such as cefaclor capsules, chloramphenicol otic solution, and dexamethasone tablets may be prescribed. Severe cases may require tympanoplasty (eardrum repair surgery).

In daily life, avoid frequent ear cleaning that may damage the ear canal; wear earplugs during bathing to prevent water entry; keep the ear canal ventilated and dry; if abnormal earwax is observed along with discomfort, seek prompt medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause—do not self-medicate.

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Sudden ear blockage accompanied by tinnitus may be caused by factors such as earwax blockage, pressure changes, secretory otitis media, external otitis, or acute otitis media. Symptoms can be improved through methods like earwax removal, pressure regulation, or medication. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by ear pain or hearing loss, prompt medical attention is necessary. Excessive accumulation or impaction of earwax may contribute to these issues.

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What causes itchy ears?

Itchy ears may be caused by earwax buildup, dry skin, foreign body intrusion, external otitis, or external auditory canal eczema. Symptoms can be improved through methods such as cleaning the ear canal, moisturizing care, removing foreign objects, or medical treatment. If itching persists or is accompanied by redness, swelling, or pus discharge, prompt medical attention is necessary. Excessive or impacted earwax can irritate the skin of the ear canal and cause itching, which is often intermittent.

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How deep should you clean your ears?

The safe depth for cleaning ears should not exceed 1.5 to 2 centimeters; only visible earwax in the outer ear canal needs to be cleaned. Do not blindly probe deeply into the ear canal. The deeper part of the ear canal is close to the eardrum and is delicate and sensitive; inserting too deeply may easily cause injury. If you experience ear pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, or bleeding after cleaning your ears, seek medical attention promptly.

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What causes hard lumps in the ear?

Hard lumps in the ear may be caused by accumulated earwax, skin keratosis, external auditory canal furuncles, otitis externa, or sebaceous cysts. These can be improved through cleaning and care, local treatment, or medication. If the lump increases in size, pain worsens, or is accompanied by pus discharge, prompt medical attention is necessary. Long-term uncleaned earwax can harden and form clumps after moisture evaporates.