Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 139089

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems

Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 9:41:44

I've got eczema of the ear or something like it, and the skin in my ear canal is peeling off and blistering. The blisters fill my ear canal so that I can't hear, and give me a high pitched whine that is causing me migraine trouble. Plus the pressure hurts. And the dripping from the blisters is grossing out everyone around me.

The doctors say there is nothing that can be done. They've given me steroid drops that seem to make it worse.

Does anyone have any ideas for prescription or natural remedies?

Sorry, Dr. Bob, if this belongs on social. It was a meds question, so I was confused.

 

Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » Dinah

Posted by mikhail99 on February 3, 2003, at 11:25:20

In reply to Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems, posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 9:41:44

> I've got eczema of the ear or something like it, and the skin in my ear canal is peeling off and blistering. The blisters fill my ear canal so that I can't hear, and give me a high pitched whine that is causing me migraine trouble. Plus the pressure hurts. And the dripping from the blisters is grossing out everyone around me.
>
> The doctors say there is nothing that can be done. They've given me steroid drops that seem to make it worse.
>
> Does anyone have any ideas for prescription or natural remedies?
>
> Sorry, Dr. Bob, if this belongs on social. It was a meds question, so I was confused.

Dinah, you poor thing! That sounds awful. I've been hearing about this new medication on tv, it's steroid-free, called Elidel? It says for mild or moderate and I don't know if you qualify but it's worth asking about. They have a website too; www.elidel.com. And I found this article that might be helpful;

http://abcnews.go.com/onair/GoodMorningAmerica/GMA000814_Eczema.html

Good luck dear and take care!

Mik

 

Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » Dinah

Posted by IsoM on February 3, 2003, at 12:19:39

In reply to Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems, posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 9:41:44

Dinah, all that moisture & plugged canal sounds like a prime breeding ground for bacteria. Even if an infection isn't the primary diagnosis, are you sure there's no infection starting now?

Your doctor saying there's nothing to be done sounds a little fishy to me. There's always something that can be done - maybe not to "cure" but to alleviate the problem.

I have sensitive ears. Whenever I've had my ear bothering me, I've laid down & put some peroxide in the canal. It'll fizzle & bubble, making terrible sounds (because it's so close), but it does disinfect your canal. Another idea - how about tree tea oil? It can be used straight.

I'd really want to get another doctor's opinion. Have you eczema any where else? If you don't, having it only in one ear canal sounds strange & possibly incorrect.

 

Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems

Posted by NikkiT2 on February 3, 2003, at 12:35:53

In reply to Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » Dinah, posted by IsoM on February 3, 2003, at 12:19:39

How strange Dinah... I have excema in my right ear canal, and it often gets infected and the pain I get from it really is awful.. The only time since I was a small child that I called the doctor out to home was during one of these attacks.

I've also been told that there is nothing they can do about it.. but I think I now have a build up of scar tissue form it that is causing hearing problems in that ear, and the associated dizzyness.

Oh, and I haven't have excema on any other part of my body since I was about 10.

I have stopped using q-tips and that has helped keep the number of infections down... I haven't had one in 3 months (I was getting them every 4 - 6 weeks before throwing all q-tips out!).

But I still have a smelly ooze coming from the ear...

I am seeing a new doc this week about it, so I will let you know if he says anything of interest.

Nikki

 

Re: Off topic and disgusting: IsoM

Posted by missinglynxx on February 3, 2003, at 15:12:21

In reply to Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » Dinah, posted by IsoM on February 3, 2003, at 12:19:39

> Dinah, all that moisture & plugged canal sounds like a prime breeding ground for bacteria. Even if an infection isn't the primary diagnosis, are you sure there's no infection starting now?
>
> Your doctor saying there's nothing to be done sounds a little fishy to me. There's always something that can be done - maybe not to "cure" but to alleviate the problem.
>
> I have sensitive ears. Whenever I've had my ear bothering me, I've laid down & put some peroxide in the canal. It'll fizzle & bubble, making terrible sounds (because it's so close), but it does disinfect your canal. Another idea - how about tree tea oil? It can be used straight.
>
> I'd really want to get another doctor's opinion. Have you eczema any where else? If you don't, having it only in one ear canal sounds strange & possibly incorrect.

I totally agree with you.. She needs a NEW MD and possibly topical or systemic antibiotics for a week? why did her MD say nothing could be done.? They went to medical School for 4 years +
Plus It could be fungal, so a cream (Prescription) would work well! some things are fungal skin infections.e tc e tc et c

 

Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » mikhail99

Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 16:00:12

In reply to Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » Dinah, posted by mikhail99 on February 3, 2003, at 11:25:20

Thanks Mik,

Thanks for the link. I'll take that to the ENT when I see him Wednesday. Believe it or not, it only really hurts when the blisters fill my ear canal and cause pressure. My internist has also seen it, and she kept tugging my ears and saying "Are you sure this doesn't hurt? It doesn't hurt?"

Maybe I need to let a dermatologist see it instead.

 

Off topic disgusting:Ear problems-Missinglynxx » IsoM

Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 16:13:49

In reply to Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » Dinah, posted by IsoM on February 3, 2003, at 12:19:39

So far both my ENT and internist have seen it, and they agree. It's in both ear canals, but only one ear is really bothering me. And of course, the dripping has worn an irritated path down the inside corner and behind my ears and on the inside of the outer ears.

It didn't exactly come out of nowhere. I had an ear infection in both ears and they gave me antibiotics and CiproOtic. The infection cleared up, but several weeks later the ears started in with dripping. They gave me more CiproOtic, which I apparently had a bad reaction to and the doc said at that time that it was just the skin problem and nothing could be done. Several weeks later my ears were still peeling. I quit using the steroid drops they gave me because it wasn't making things better, and may have made them worse. So at this point, doing something and doing nothing seem about the same.

I had them both check for fungus and bacteria, because I just couldn't believe that my formerly pink healthy ears turned into this mess so quickly. I'll check out the tea tree oil, and I think we have some hydrogen peroxide around the house.

And maybe I need to check with a dermatologist.

PS I really like your name missinglynxx.

 

Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » NikkiT2

Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 16:25:35

In reply to Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems, posted by NikkiT2 on February 3, 2003, at 12:35:53

Please do tell me if you find anything out. I have an appt on Wednesday with my ear doctor, but it's the same one and I don't expect any new info. He's just going to clean it out and make sure it hasn't gotten infected.

It's my right ear that's bothering me too, although my left ear is also affected. Isn't it the oddest most frustrating thing? You don't expect docs to tell you there's nothing to be done. My husband won't come near my ears or let me lie on his pillow. My son is embarassed by the kleenex I'm putting in my outer ear only (not in the canal) to stop the drips from running down.

And what is it with the blisters? I can't figure those out at all. My internist says it's like the skin of a burn victim, that's why it's blistering and dripping. When I rub my ear it sounds like stepping on bubble wrap.

And I'm afraid my therapist will be upset if he finds out because a family member is partially deaf and he's afraid of ear infections. But they told me this wasn't infectious. I'll check again.

Sigh. Sorry to go on so, but it's a relief to talk to someone who's been there.

I'm sorry about your ear though, and I hope your new doc can help.

 

Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » Dinah

Posted by zenclear on February 3, 2003, at 17:02:55

In reply to Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems, posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 9:41:44

> I've got eczema of the ear or something like it, and the skin in my ear canal is peeling off and blistering. The blisters fill my ear canal so that I can't hear, and give me a high pitched whine that is causing me migraine trouble. Plus the pressure hurts. And the dripping from the blisters is grossing out everyone around me.
>
> The doctors say there is nothing that can be done. They've given me steroid drops that seem to make it worse.
>
> Does anyone have any ideas for prescription or natural remedies?
>
> Sorry, Dr. Bob, if this belongs on social. It was a meds question, so I was confused.

There is certainly something you CAN DO. (I hate docs who are ignorant!!!!)

A derm (or other doc) can prescribe a liquid form of betamethosone, a steroid used to inflammatory skin disorders. You simply put a few drops on a Qtip, and very carefully dap the inside of your ear canal. But be careful not to injure your ear. This is an alcohol vehicle, so it leaves no residue. Don't try this with normal skin ointments.

 

Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » zenclear

Posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 17:46:30

In reply to Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » Dinah, posted by zenclear on February 3, 2003, at 17:02:55

Thank you!! I'll bring that info to my ENT Wednesday, and if I don't get a decent response, I'm going to call the dermatologist.

Thanks again,

Dinah

 

Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » Dinah

Posted by NikkiT2 on February 4, 2003, at 7:33:51

In reply to Re: Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems » NikkiT2, posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 16:25:35

Mine doesn't drip too much.. it gets "runny" sometimes (worse in the morning!).. but I do know that sound you mean!!! PLus the hearing in that ear is getting really dodgy..

Gonna see doc on Thursday.. so will let you know what he says (and if he just gives me drops I will scream!!). Mine has been going on for 2 years no, and often gets badllt infected... so often that now the nati-biotic / steroid drops they always give me don't do a damned thing!! Damned little bacteria building a resistance!!

Good luck with your doc.. let us know how you get on :o)

Nikki x

 

Ear problems: Iso's right. » Dinah

Posted by beardedlady on February 4, 2003, at 11:58:23

In reply to Off topic and disgusting: Ear problems, posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 9:41:44

Dinah:

My daughter has such a tight curl in her outer ear that she has this red, oozy, flaking mess all the time. It recently became infected, and we were given two topicals (I don't know that you can use them inside your ear canal): Bactroban, which I think is the antibiotic (you obviously have an infection there now), and Mometasone Furoate oinment. Her ear cleared up within days.

Iso should have been a doctor, as she gave the exact advice my pediatrician gave. Clean the ear with hydrogen peroxide (doc said mixed 1:1 with water), and use tea tree oil to keep the excema away.

Ask your doc about the creams because we were told nothing else would get rid of the huge infection she had, but the other stuff would prevent a recurrence.

Good luck.

beardy

 

Iso's right. » beardedlady

Posted by IsoM on February 4, 2003, at 12:20:46

In reply to Ear problems: Iso's right. » Dinah, posted by beardedlady on February 4, 2003, at 11:58:23

What a sweetie, you are! I have friends who phone & say "Can I ask you a question Dr. [my last name]?" Other friends say "Ask Judy -you can pick her brains any time." I never tell anyone something unless I'm absolutely sure of it.

The reason I know so much is I have an insatiable curiousity & when someone asks me something I don't know, I'm driven by curiousity to find the answer. Plus, I read & read, & it's all non-fiction. I love the stuff. Like you, I love words too. I spent some time last night looking up the connection between sup-plicate, re-plicate, du-plicate (that was obvious), & com-plicate. I love word origins. I wish I knew Latin.

Sorry to not have written in a while, but I've been stressed & very busy. Good news though! Medusa, my kidney kitty is making *great* progress - she's putting ON weight & feels good - something kidney kitties rarely, if ever, do. They slowly decline instead. She's not for now, she's improving.

AND we're (my son & I) now proud owners of our own home!!! Got it *much* cheaper than market value & it's a solid good place, no problems. AND the mortgage rate was fantastic - cheapest that our realtor has ever heard of. It pays to do one's homework before doing something one's not familiar with.

 

Re: Dinah's ear

Posted by jodie on February 4, 2003, at 15:53:02

In reply to Iso's right. » beardedlady, posted by IsoM on February 4, 2003, at 12:20:46

Dinah,

Did you say it was checked to see if it is a fungal infection. Oozing blisters are a major symptom of some sort of fungus. I get tiny little blisters on my hands every great once in a while. They will come in clusters, and itch so bad. I never went to the doctor for it, but I have used over the counter athletes foot medication on the little blisters, and they clear up right away. I had a problem one summer with athletes feet, I think I got it from a shower stall in a sports center I was going to. I would get blisters that hurt, and oozed so much. I tried over the counter meds for it, and none worked. I finally had to go to the Dr. , he prescribed Nizoral cream. I haven't had a problem with my feet since.


Anyway, sorry to hear about your problem, hopefully the Dr's can get to the bottom of it.

jodie

 

Re: Update on Dinah's ear

Posted by Dinah on February 5, 2003, at 11:08:02

In reply to Re: Dinah's ear, posted by jodie on February 4, 2003, at 15:53:02

At my appointment today, he gave me some betamethasone ointment. He also said that I might have an infection just starting so he gave me some antibiotic/steroid drops. I'll wait and see how this works out before I decide to go to a dermatologist.

I have the dubious distinction of having the worst case of eczema he's ever seen in his years of practice. I'm number one!! I'm number one!! Woo-hoo!!

He says I'll probably be seeing a lot of him to keep the infections to a minimum. He also says that while they can control it, the only way it will heal is if my body decides to heal itself. He said he wished he could give me a new pair of ears.

And all this started with a simple ear infection. Sigh.

Thanks everyone.

 

Re: Update on Dinah's ear » Dinah

Posted by NikkiT2 on February 5, 2003, at 12:37:07

In reply to Re: Update on Dinah's ear, posted by Dinah on February 5, 2003, at 11:08:02

Well, I do hope that this new cream helps. Let us know the progress OK??

I won;t be seeing doc till next week now as my brother is coming to stay for two days (thurs and friday) and I know the wait at our doctors is so long sometimes that I might be here to let my brother in!!

Good luck with it!! :o)

Nikki xx

 

betamethasone some more thoughts.... » Dinah

Posted by IsoM on February 5, 2003, at 13:42:22

In reply to Re: Update on Dinah's ear, posted by Dinah on February 5, 2003, at 11:08:02

You do know that betamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid too, don't you? So I'm surprised he gave you a steroid ointment & steroid/antibiotic drops. I'm not questioning your doctor, Dinah, but I know I question mine constantly for the reasons he does things. It often makes him rethink & come up with a better idea for me.

Dinha, I'm not questioning your diet, okay? And I do know the tendency to develop eczema is inherited but nutrtional improvements can alleviate the symptoms. How's your vitamin B complex intake? One of the reasons I dislike these so-called 'balanced' B complex formulas is the amount of the diff B vitamins are all the same (i.e. 50 mg B1, 50 mg B2, 50 mg B6, 50 mg niacin, etc) & that's NOT what the body needs. When that term 'balanced' is used, it means the numbers are balanced, not the amounts the body uses & needs.

What you're better off getting is a 'Stress Formula' with added vitamin C. Or the best way is by food - I still can't extoll the value of nutritional yeast flakes enough (AND it's not live yeast so is safe for all, even those with yeast infections).

Here's a link to a UK site about eczema & nutrtion:
http://www.cyberspacehealthclinic.co.uk/q_and_a/qa3.html
I'm offering advice but you're in no way obligated to listen or do anything about it. I just want people to be well educated about the options.

 

Re: Update on Dinah's ear

Posted by stjames on February 5, 2003, at 14:47:18

In reply to Re: Update on Dinah's ear, posted by Dinah on February 5, 2003, at 11:08:02

Has anyone done a culture or scraping of the ear
tissue ?

 

Re: betamethasone some more thoughts.... » IsoM

Posted by Dinah on February 5, 2003, at 17:01:07

In reply to betamethasone some more thoughts.... » Dinah, posted by IsoM on February 5, 2003, at 13:42:22

The ointment is for the outer part of my ear, the drops for down in my ear. He wanted an antibiotic drop for it, since it looks like it's starting to get infected.

I don't mind at all if you give me dietary tips. My diet is admittedly awful. Fast food mostly. (But I get lots of nice grease). Grown up vitamins tend to make me sick, and except for the time I was pregnant (when you're pretty sick anyway) I have always taken childrens chewables. So I'll look into your suggestions.

I really think it was either the ear infection or the reaction to the CiproOtic that caused this. I had nice pink healthy ear canals before. :(

Thanks!

Dinah

 

Re: Update on Dinah's ear » stjames

Posted by Dinah on February 5, 2003, at 18:09:11

In reply to Re: Update on Dinah's ear, posted by stjames on February 5, 2003, at 14:47:18

> Has anyone done a culture or scraping of the ear
> tissue ?

No, they haven't. It wasn't infected before, and he says that there's no sign of a fungus. Apparently,... No, never mind - too gross.

 

Re: Off topic Great you got some Expert opinion » Dinah

Posted by missinglynxx on February 5, 2003, at 22:17:40

In reply to Off topic disgusting:Ear problems-Missinglynxx » IsoM, posted by Dinah on February 3, 2003, at 16:13:49

on your terrible Eczema.. what a nightmare. My heart goes out to you... Im sure you will recover nicely

Oh the Lynx comes from Three Lynx Campground in Estacada Oregon.. a childhood hiking area.. you ever been to Portland,, GOOD luck, Dinah

 

Re: Update on Dinah's ear

Posted by stjames on February 6, 2003, at 1:25:28

In reply to Re: Update on Dinah's ear » stjames, posted by Dinah on February 5, 2003, at 18:09:11

You might consider a consult with a dermatologist
if the current treatment does not help.

 

Re: That's the next step. Thanks. (nm) » stjames

Posted by Dinah on February 6, 2003, at 16:38:56

In reply to Re: Update on Dinah's ear, posted by stjames on February 6, 2003, at 1:25:28

 

Re: Off topic Great you got some Expert opinion

Posted by Dinah on February 6, 2003, at 16:41:22

In reply to Re: Off topic Great you got some Expert opinion » Dinah, posted by missinglynxx on February 5, 2003, at 22:17:40

Well, it's a pain. But on the bright side, I'll get to wear cool fluorescent ear plugs when I go swimming from now on. Think of the fashion possibilities! :)

I've never been to that area. But you must have fun associations to the place.

 

Re: That's the next step. Thanks. » Dinah

Posted by missinglynxx on February 6, 2003, at 23:09:43

In reply to Re: That's the next step. Thanks. (nm) » stjames, posted by Dinah on February 6, 2003, at 16:38:56

Just be Glad , Dinah that Mike Tyson didnt munch on your right ear,, get better soon.


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