Who Knew? Body Gunk, Explained BY KELSEY KLOSS.
IN EARS Cerumen, or earwax, is a combination of hair, dead skin, oil, and sweat that cleans and lubricates the ear canal. Skip the cotton swabs-earwax flakes and falls out as you chew and talk. IN ZITS A popped pimple is a dermatological danger zone: Zits hold puss made up of oil and bacteria, which contaminates surrounding pores when it oozes over the skin. UNDER NAILS The grime is a combination of keratin, skin cells, personal- care products, and dirt-plus you can even carry harmful bacteria from poor bathroom hygiene or raw foods under your nails. IN EYES Mucus (see below), skin cells, oil, and dust collect in the corners of your eyes. During the day, blinking flushes the crud out. When you sleep, it isn't washed out and gets crusty. IN SINUSES Made of water, dead white blood cells, salts, and proteins, mucus protects you by trapping bacteria that enter the body. IN BELLY BUTTON When Austrian researchers analyzed belly button lint (yes, really!) , they discovered it consists of clothing fabric, dead skin, dust, sweat, and fat. Hair spirals around the belly button, directing debris inward. UNDER BLISTERS The clear fluid, or serum, that accumulates in a blister protects the irritated tissue as it heals. White or yellow fluid could signal infection.
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