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What Causes Severe Ear Pain When Diagnosed With Otitis Externa?
I was diagnosed with otitis externa after visiting my doctor with severe ear pain for 3 days. On that third day, I also developed a bumpy, painful rash on my scalp above that same ear. I thought it was just maybe a blemish and did not say anything to the doc. On the fifth day the same painful rash appeared on my forehead and then another spot on my scalp just above. I have completed a 7 day course of ear drops and still having minor waves of pain in my ear, it s actually the 8th day since I saw the doc. The rashy spots are better but still healing. Is it possible there is relationship between the rashes and the ear infection? Should I see my physician again? Incidentally I have been experiencing rashy spots on my legs also that began in July. They have also been painful and itchy, bumps, also, but not completely sure they are the same as on my head. They come, heal, but then show up n another spot . Uggh ! Frustrating, but also I am worried this is all related in some serious condition.
Thu, 3 Nov 2016
Hi there,
If the painful bumps are blister-like and you have had chicken pox as a child, you could be having an episode of herpes zoster, or shingles. They typically cause pain and red bumps, which changes to clear blisters which slowly dries up and crusts over. Your physician probably missed it because it was too early and the bumps not noticeable yet. Since the rash is already healing, there is no point to start an antiviral, they usually work to speed up healing when taken early. However, you need to be careful in public, because you will be infectious to those who have not had chicken pox before.
It doesn't seem to be related to the spots on the legs, as those tend to be itchy/painful. Plus, individual spots on legs are far more common than the clusters that have developed on your head, and could range from bites to impetigo to ingrown hairs.
Hope this helps, let me know if you have further questions.
Regards,
Dr. Teh
If the painful bumps are blister-like and you have had chicken pox as a child, you could be having an episode of herpes zoster, or shingles. They typically cause pain and red bumps, which changes to clear blisters which slowly dries up and crusts over. Your physician probably missed it because it was too early and the bumps not noticeable yet. Since the rash is already healing, there is no point to start an antiviral, they usually work to speed up healing when taken early. However, you need to be careful in public, because you will be infectious to those who have not had chicken pox before.
It doesn't seem to be related to the spots on the legs, as those tend to be itchy/painful. Plus, individual spots on legs are far more common than the clusters that have developed on your head, and could range from bites to impetigo to ingrown hairs.
Hope this helps, let me know if you have further questions.
Regards,
Dr. Teh
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