Ringworm: What’s Going Around for the Week of August 14

The extreme temperatures have the creepy crawlies coming out right now. That’s just one thing local doctors are talking about when looking at “What’s Going Around” the area where you live.

Sore throats are abounding among all age groups of kids at Dr. Vivien Pacold’s practice in Cathedral City. She tells us parents aren’t immune. Adults are getting this, too. The change in weather to hotter and more humid may be responsible for a viral syndrome hanging around this part of the valley, which causes earaches. Allergies are kicking up again, which is exacerbating asthma. Also, watch out for red ants and black widows. Dr. Pacold’s been treating many children for insect bites. Dr. Pacold has also treated several children for ringworm, mainly to their legs. This could be from sitting in public places where pet roam. It’s always a good idea to wash your child’s hands very well after handling animals. A low-grade fever is also popping up.
Next, to Indio. Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the skin lining the ear canal. Otitis externa develops when water gets trapped and bacteria starts to multiply. The best way to deal with this is to avoid getting it in the first place. Dr. Arthur Davis says keep water out of your years by using wax or silicone earplugs while swimming, and then use the lowest heat setting on a hair dryer to dry out any water that gets trapped. “Be gentle,” he says. “Use the lowest heat and velocity settings, and keep the nozzle well back from the ear.” You can also make a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol to squirt in each ear when you get out of the water. Blot up the excess with a tissue. “Children who have swimmer’s ear typically have ear pain that is aggravated by moving the ear lobe up or down or to the side. There may also be drainage from the ear,” Dr. Davis describes.
This week there’s an update on the West Nile virus from the Mecca Clinic. Vector control has increased surveillance now that a positive mosquito sample was found in La Quinta. Dr. Randolph Gibbs says to remember the five ‘D’s to protect yourself. Dump or drain standing water, avoid being out at dusk or dawn, and defend yourself using repellants with DEET. Dr. Gibbs also reports seeing several cases of dyshidrotic eczema. He reports this is a “pruritic, bilateral, symmetric rash with vesicles on the hands and feet.” Treatment includes Burrows solution and topical steroids.
Dehydration and hot weather are to blame for a dry throat and general sleeplessness reported in Palm Springs this week. Dr. Frank Arian says keep some water on your nightstand, and try some steam therapy. The moist vapor mist will help. Urinary tract infections are also a problem. These can’t go away on their own, and only get worse with time. Dr. Arian tells us an important study just came out proving a daily dose of cranberry juice prevents UTI, so drink up to prevent, but remember the bright colored juice doesn’t treat.
In La Quinta a summer flu is going around. This comes with a low-grade fever, sore throat, mild vomiting and diarrhea. Watch out, Dr. Erica Ruiz reports it lasts about 10 days! These extreme temperatures are causing spells of dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure associated with dehydration. It’s very important to drink water and electrolyte replacements, especially if you work outdoors.

Watch “What’s Going Around” Tuesday evenings at 5:30 and Wednesday mornings at 6:45 on CBS Local 2 News.