If your earwax is red or streaked with red, it means there is blood present. This could be due to a scratch, injury or bug bite in the ear canal. If it's also wet and runny, it likely indicates a ruptured eardrum.

Should my ear wax be red?

Normal earwax colors

Dark brown or black colored earwax is typically older, so its color comes from the dirt and bacteria it has trapped. Adults tend to have darker, harder earwax. Dark brown earwax that is tinged with red may signal a bleeding injury. Light brown, orange or yellow earwax is healthy and normal.

What does dark red wax mean?

Light red represents joy, sexuality, passion, sensitivity, and love. Pink signifies romance, love, and friendship. It denotes feminine qualities and passiveness. Dark red is associated with vigor, willpower, rage, anger, leadership, courage, longing, malice, and wrath.