Otitis Media

Ringworm causes   a raised, red, scaly rash that typically forms in circular or ring-shaped patches. In certain areas, though, ringworm may not show up in the classic ring. In places like the scalp, hands and feet, groin, or beard area, ringworm may simply cause a scaly, itchy rash without the circular shape. Knowing which signs and symptoms of ringworm to look for will help you seek proper diagnosis and treatment. © Verywell, 2018 Frequent Symptoms Anyone can get ringworm, but it's particularly common in children.   Ringworm symptoms can vary depending on the affected region of the body, which spans from your head to your toes. Ringworm rashes on the stomach can look very different compared to ringworm on the scalp, for example. In all areas, the first sign of ringworm is often a small, red, scaly area of skin. Just before the rash appears, you may feel some minor burning or itching. Ringworm is generally red, but the rash may be brown or grey in co...

Ringworm is a type of red or discolored, itchy skin rash caused by a contagious fungal infection called tinea (tinea capitis when it affects your scalp and tinea corporis when it affects your body). Tinea is transmitted by pets and people, and it's the same type of fungus that causes jock itch and athlete's foot. The ringworm rash gets its name from the ring-like shape in which it appears, usually surrounding a circle of clearer skin. Despite its name, there's no worm involved. It can look a lot like another skin condition causing a red or discolored rash called psoriasis. Ringworm can affect almost any part of your body, including your scalp and hands. Most cases of ringworm are mild and fairly easy to treat at home and with medication. Usually ringworm clears up in 2 to 4 weeks. More serious cases may require up to 3 months of treatment. Some cases of ringworm, including ringworm on your scalp, may cause hair loss. In rare cases, a person may experience scarring...

Flying with an ear infection can make it difficult for you to equalize the pressure in your ears with the pressure in the airplane cabin. This can cause ear pain and feel as if your ears are stuffed. In severe cases, the inability to equalize pressure can result in: Keep reading to learn more about flying with an ear infection, and how to prevent and treat the associated pain and discomfort. Ear barotrauma is also known as airplane ear, barotitis, and aero-otitis. The stress on your eardrum is caused by an imbalance in the pressure in the airplane cabin and your middle ear. It's one of the most common health complaints for air travelers. When taking off and landing, the air pressure in the plane will change faster than the pressure in your ear. In many cases, you can help equalize that pressure by swallowing or yawning. But if you have an ear infection, equalization can be difficult. When flying, a popping sensation in the ears signifies a change in pres...

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has created an extensive Q&A about the relationship between ear cropping and otitis externa. If you've had pet owners doubt the presence of an ear infection because of the shape or size of a dog's ears, make sure they get the facts straight. Q: Are dogs with hanging ears more likely to get ear infections? A: Otitis externa is an inflammation of the epithelium (lining) of the ear canals and surrounding structures; secondary bacterial colonization may occur. 1  Otitis externa may be associated with other dermatologic diseases such as allergic or immune-mediated skin disease, or with systemic diseases. 1  In most cases, it can be resolved with treatment; however, in some cases it can become chronic, may require surgical treatment and can infrequently lead to disfigurement and fatal complications. Several surveys indicate that when pedigreed dogs are grouped according to whether they possess pendulous or erect ears, th...

Red spots that appear on your skin can be caused by many different factors, including an infection, medical condition, skin irritation, or allergy. Some red spots go away on their own, but others may need treatment or medication to resolve them fully. It can sometimes be difficult to determine exactly the underlying cause, which is why it's a good idea to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nail conditions).  Causes of Red Spots on Skin Heat Rash Wendy Bumgardner © Heat rash (or miliaria) happens when sweat glands are blocked under the skin, causing small, red, prickly bumps that can be itchy or painful. It usually appears in skin folds or areas where sweat accumulates, like the armpits, chest, back, arms, and groin. Babies and people who live in hot climates, sweat a lot, or are on bed rest may be more prone to heat rash. Treating heat rash involves keeping the area cool, dry, and irritati...

Ringworm is a type of red or discolored, itchy skin rash caused by a contagious fungal infection called tinea (tinea capitis when it affects your scalp and tinea corporis when it affects your body). Tinea is transmitted by pets and people, and it's the same type of fungus that causes jock itch and athlete's foot. The ringworm rash gets its name from the ring-like shape in which it appears, usually surrounding a circle of clearer skin. Despite its name, there's no worm involved. It can look a lot like another skin condition causing a red or discolored rash called psoriasis. Ringworm can affect almost any part of your body, including your scalp and hands. Most cases of ringworm are mild and fairly easy to treat at home and with medication. Usually ringworm clears up in 2 to 4 weeks. More serious cases may require up to 3 months of treatment. Some cases of ringworm, including ringworm on your scalp, may cause hair loss. In rare cases, a person may experience scarring...

The common cold occurs when a virus infects your nose and throat. It can cause various symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, and congestion. You might also have mild body aches or a headache. Sometimes a cold can also cause pain in or around the ear. This usually feels like dull ache. The earache may happen during or after a cold. In either case, it's possible to relieve the pain and feel better. Read on to learn why ear pain occurs during a cold, which remedies to try, and when to see a doctor. When you have a cold, an earache might be caused by one of the following reasons. Congestion The eustachian tube connects your middle ear to your upper throat and back of your nose. Normally, it stops excessive air pressure and fluid from accumulating in your ear. However, if you have a cold, mucus and fluid from your nose can build up in your eustachian tube. This may block the tube, causing ear pain and discomfort. Your ear may also feel "plugged" or ful...

As COVID-19 continues to spread, scientists are discovering that it can cause a slew of symptoms, some rarer than others. When the coronavirus pandemic first hit the U.S., public health officials only listed three signs of illness to look out for: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. That list, of course, has grown exponentially and now includes other signs associated with respiratory diseases, like overwhelming fatigue, headaches, and a sore throat. The virus is also causing lasting health issues in certain people dubbed as "COVID-19 long haulers," who report experiencing side effects like hair loss, memory problems, and heart palpitations for months after initially becoming sick. Now, another symptom seems to be getting buzz: earaches, which can cause pain, a sensation of blockage, and even muffled hearing. "There have been reports of people with COVID-19 having earaches, and there is biological plausibility with it," says Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and c...

The common cold occurs when a virus infects your nose and throat. It can cause various symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, and congestion. You might also have mild body aches or a headache. Sometimes a cold can also cause pain in or around the ear. This usually feels like dull ache. The earache may happen during or after a cold. In either case, it's possible to relieve the pain and feel better. Read on to learn why ear pain occurs during a cold, which remedies to try, and when to see a doctor. When you have a cold, an earache might be caused by one of the following reasons. Congestion The eustachian tube connects your middle ear to your upper throat and back of your nose. Normally, it stops excessive air pressure and fluid from accumulating in your ear. However, if you have a cold, mucus and fluid from your nose can build up in your eustachian tube. This may block the tube, causing ear pain and discomfort. Your ear may also feel "plugged" or ful...

There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC), prescription, and natural treatments for ear congestion. However, the exact treatment depends on the underlying cause. Ear congestion refers to a feeling of fullness in the ears. A person may feel that their ears are clogged or blocked up. This can also lead to hearing difficulties, dizziness, and ear pain. In this article, we discuss different methods of treating ear congestion based on the cause. Conditions that lead to inflammation or congestion in the sinuses can also lead to ear congestion. Examples of conditions that affect the sinuses and the ears include: sinusitis, or inflammation of the lining of the sinuses allergies infections, such as the flu or a cold bacterial or viral sinus infections smoking or exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke structural abnormalities Treatment Treatments for sinus-related ear congestion vary, depending on the underlying cause. According to the Centers for Disease ...