Does having wet earwax mean you have body odor?

There is no direct link between wet earwax and body odor (bromhidrosis). Wet earwax, medically known as oily cerumen, is primarily secreted by the ceruminous glands in the skin of the external auditory canal. Its moisture level is largely influenced by genetic factors. On the other hand, bromhidrosis, commonly referred to as body odor or fox smell, mainly results from odoriferous sweat secreted by the apocrine sweat glands or from bacterial decomposition and fermentation producing unpleasant smells. It typically occurs in areas such as the armpits and groin, and is associated with genetic predisposition, diet, lifestyle habits, and sex hormone secretion. Therefore, one cannot determine whether a person has bromhidrosis based solely on the wetness of their earwax. If you are concerned about possible bromhidrosis, it is recommended to consult a professional physician for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene and dietary habits can also help prevent the occurrence of bromhidrosis.