[Column] Is there a connection between body odor and wet earwax? We'll teach you the criteria for diagnosis and how to improve the odor! First, let's explain the reasons why earwax is wet. Does having wet earwax mean you're prone to body odor? The relationship between earwax and body odor. Methods to check for body odor other than earwax Self-care methods you can start today to reduce underarm odor Learn about the relationship between earwax and body odor, and use it as one of the factors to consider when making a decision. Have you ever heard that having wet earwax means you have a predisposition to body odor? Some of you who already know this might be wondering, "Does having wet earwax really mean I have body odor?"This article will thoroughly explain the relationship between earwax and body odor, aiming to answer those questions. If you're worried about whether you have body odor, please refer to this article. First, let's explain the reasons why earwax is wet. The difference in the dryness and moisture of earwax is closely related to sweat glands. Earwax can be divided into two types: dry earwax, which is flaky and dry, and wet earwax, which is sticky and moist.The ratio of dry to wet varies greatly from country to country and region to region, and in Japan, it is characterized by a low ratio of 10-20%.The difference between dry and wet areas is caused by the sweat glands, which secrete sweat. So, how are sweat glands related to the dryness and moisture of earwax? Let's take a closer look at the two types of sweat glands found in the human body. Types and characteristics of sweat glands Characteristics of eccrine glands Eccrine glands are distributed throughout almost the entire body, except for some areas such as the lips and ear canals, and their main function is to regulate body temperature. The sweat secreted from eccrine glands is 99% water and slightly acidic. It has low viscosity and is watery, and has almost no odor immediately after secretion.However, if sweat secreted from eccrine glands is left unattended, bacteria will multiply over time, causing a "sour smell" or a "rag-like smell." Characteristics of apocrine glands Apocrine glands are distributed in only a few parts of the body, such as the armpits, areolae, genitals, and ear canals. They are thought to have originally played a role in attracting the opposite sex through pheromones, and their activity increases significantly during puberty.Sweat secreted from apocrine glands contains proteins, ammonia, and lipids, and is milky white and slightly sticky. Although sweat secreted from apocrine glands is originally odorless, it mixes with fatty acids and is broken down by bacteria on the skin surface, resulting in a distinctive strong odor. The reason earwax becomes wet is the number of apocrine glands. The ear canal contains only apocrine glands, one of the two types of sweat glands. The difference in moisture content of earwax is determined by the number of these apocrine glands. In other words, those with fewer apocrine glands will have less secretion and therefore dry earwax, while those with more apocrine glands will have more secretion and therefore sticky, moist earwax.Furthermore, the number of apocrine glands is determined at birth and does not increase or decrease, so the condition of earwax does not change over time. Does having wet earwax mean you're prone to body odor? The relationship between earwax and body odor. Let's review body odor again. Before we delve into the relationship between earwax and body odor, let's first review some basic knowledge. Body odor, or axillary osmidrosis, is a condition characterized by a distinctive odor in the armpits. It is estimated that about 1 in 10 people in Japan suffer from this condition, which is a relatively low rate compared to other countries. It often develops during adolescence, and the symptoms tend to lessen with age. Furthermore, body odor is a matter of constitution and cannot be transmitted from person to person. The apocrine glands that moisten earwax can also be a cause of body odor. The armpits contain both eccrine and apocrine glands, but the distinctive odor of body odor (bromhidrosis) is caused by the apocrine glands, which are also found in the ear canals. The proteins and lipids contained in the sweat secreted by the apocrine glands are broken down by resident bacteria on the skin's surface, producing a unique odor.People with body odor (specifically underarm odor) have a higher number of apocrine glands, and it has been found that this correlates with the number of apocrine glands in the ear canal. Therefore, people with moist earwax are more likely to have a predisposition to body odor. Melted, caramel-like earwax is a strong indicator of body odor (specifically underarm odor). Generally speaking, it is said that about 80% of people with wet earwax have body odor (specifically underarm odor), while the remaining 20% do not. Therefore, "wet earwax = body odor" is not necessarily true; it merely means that it is "more likely."Furthermore, the degree of moisture also makes a difference. People whose earwax is sticky like melted caramel when removed with a cotton swab are more likely to have body odor than those whose earwax is only slightly damp. In some cases, the dryness or moisture level of a man's earwax can indicate the strength of his body odor. The moisture level of earwax can not only predict whether or not someone has body odor (bromhidrosis), but can also be a criterion for the intensity of the odor. In particular, men tend to have a stronger odor if their earwax is sticky and dark in color, like melted caramel, rather than if it is slightly moist and yellowish. On the other hand, women also tend to have a stronger odor if their earwax is moist, but the correlation is said to be less pronounced than in men. Methods to check for body odor other than earwax There are other ways to check besides earwax. It's quite difficult to determine whether or not you have body odor (specifically underarm odor) on your own. Some people may want to check for it using methods other than earwax analysis. Here are three methods you can use to check for body odor without checking your earwax. It's important to understand that if even one of the following items applies to you, it doesn't necessarily mean you have body odor (specifically underarm odor). These items are simply to indicate a high probability of having the condition. If many of these apply to you and you are concerned about body odor, we recommend consulting a medical professional. One or both parents have body odor. Body odor (specifically underarm odor) is related to the number of apocrine glands. The number of apocrine glands is a dominant genetic trait and is easily inherited. If one or both parents have a predisposition to body odor, their child is also likely to develop it.Incidentally, it is said that if one parent has body odor, there is about a 50% chance of inheriting it, and if both parents have it, there is about a 75% chance of inheriting it. When I wear clothes, the underarm area turns yellow. If the underarm area of your clothes tends to turn yellow when you sweat, you may have body odor (bromhidrosis).The armpits contain two types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Sweat secreted from eccrine glands is less likely to stain. On the other hand, sweat secreted from apocrine glands contains proteins and lipids and is more likely to cause yellow stains. Therefore, if the armpit area of your clothes is yellowed, it can be assumed that you are secreting a large amount of sweat from your apocrine glands. Lots of body hair Apocrine glands are sweat glands attached to the tissue surrounding hair follicles, so people with a lot of body hair tend to have more apocrine glands and are more likely to have body odor (bromhidrosis).In women, those with thicker hair and more hairs growing in pairs from a single follicle tend to have a larger number of apocrine glands. In men, those with softer, finer underarm hair tend to have a larger number of apocrine glands. Self-care methods you can start today to reduce underarm odor It's a good idea to start by trying some easy care methods. There are various treatments for body odor, including apocrine gland removal surgery and Botox injections. However, in mild cases, the odor can sometimes be controlled with self-care, so it's recommended to start with easy methods first. Here are five self-care methods that you can try right away. Self-care methods Wipe away sweat frequently. Sweat secreted from apocrine glands is naturally odorless, but the proteins and lipids contained in the sweat are broken down by bacteria on the skin, producing a distinctive odor. Therefore, by frequently wiping away the sweat and bacteria that cause the odor and keeping the underarms clean at all times, it is possible to suppress strong odors.Also, clothes absorb a lot of sweat and can cause odors, so changing clothes frequently is another way to prevent this. Add baking soda or vinegar to your bath. Adding baking soda or vinegar to your bathwater is also a good way to combat body odor. Baking soda helps remove proteins and lipids that cause underarm odor, while vinegar has antibacterial properties and helps suppress body odor.It's easy to do – simply add baking soda or vinegar to your bathwater – making it perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to combat odors. Review your eating habits Diet is also closely related to underarm odor, so it's important to review your eating habits. For example, animal products such as meat and dairy products increase the amount of protein and fat in sweat, which can intensify body odor. Also, alcohol contains strong odor-causing components, so drinking too much can cause underarm odor to worsen.If you're looking to combat body odor, try to actively incorporate alkaline foods like seaweed and foods rich in vitamins, such as vegetables, into your diet. Try to avoid causing stress as much as possible. Stress activates the apocrine glands, which are the cause of body odor, increasing sweat production. Since excessive sweating leads to a stronger odor, it's important to try to minimize stress.Try to create some time each day to relax and unwind, such as soaking in a warm bath or doing some stretches to loosen up your muscles, in order to relieve stress. Relying on antiperspirants and deodorants Using antiperspirants and deodorants is also a good idea. Antiperspirants and deodorants come in a variety of types, including those with a cooling sensation, unscented, and scented options. They also come in many forms, such as sprays, lotions, sticks, and powders, so choose the one that suits you best. Here are our recommended deodorant items. Learn about the relationship between earwax and body odor, and use it as one of the factors to consider when making a decision. There are apocrine glands in the ear canal and armpits, and the number of these glands is closely related to the dryness or wetness of earwax and underarm odor. While having wet earwax doesn't necessarily mean you have body odor, it's a strong indicator, as about 80% of people with wet earwax develop the condition.It's also important to understand that while there's a correlation between the moisture content of earwax and the intensity of its odor in men, there's not much correlation in women. Please use this article as a reference to understand the relationship between earwax and body odor, and use it as one of the factors in your decision-making process. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.