Week of August 17- Molluscum contagiosum, Allergies

• For the second week in a row, Dr. Vivien Pacold is treating cases of tinea versicolor in children. These are caused by a fungus or yeast infection and are common with the summer heat, sweating and humidity. In Cathedral City, she's also spotted several cases of molluscum contagiosum in children. These are contagious wart-like growths that are pearl-like with a central dimple. You can catch this benign virus from sharing contaminated toys, towels, and even pools. Hand washing and a nutritious diet can enhance the immune system to and help prevent catching them.

• Dr. Sara Azar's office in Rancho Mirage is seeing a return of seasonal allergies. The current humidity appears to be making symptoms worse. "Patients report increasing nasal congestion, runny nose and cough from post nasal drip. It doesn't help that the air conditioners are constantly running," she says. At home it is worthwhile to change your filters on your air conditioner periodically. Dr. Azar is also seeing increasing cases of urinary tract infections. Poor hydration in the hot weather can sometimes increase the likelihood of a UTI, especially if you have an enlarged prostate or other bladder problems. "Patients experience the common syndrome of painful urination, frequency or even fever. Antibiotics for a short time are usually adequate. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. Cranberry supplement is also helpful." Doctors at her practice continue to vaccinate against the statewide whooping cough epidemic.

• It's the same story in La Quinta this week. Dr. Erica Ruiz says the first line treatment for allergies is a nasal spray, which may also help prevent sinus and ear infections. Symptoms of urinary tract infections include pain with urination, frequency and urgency. "Sometimes this is associated with a fever and abdominal pain," she says.

• You guessed it! More allergies to grasses and weeds were reported this week in Coachella! Plus...swimmer's ear is still causing issues for children and adults. Physician's Assistant Eric Sloan says once the infection is better, take a very small amount of a vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution to keep it gone for good. In a dropper bottle, mix a teaspoon each of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Then use the dropper to put no more than two drops of the mixed solution in the ear.

• Abdominal pain has replaced bronchitis as the number one complaint among Dr. Andrew Cyrus' patients in Palm Desert. This appears to be viral. Upper respiratory infections lasting four to six days are an issue...this comes with more cough than congestion. Urinary tract infections also continue to be a problem.

• Dr. Daniel Fraschetti has been seeing viral stomatitis recently in La Quinta. Symptoms are blisters in the mouth, usually on the tongue or cheeks, poor appetite, difficulty in swallowing, drooling and fever. Plenty of cool and non-acidic fluids will ease the pain and prevent dehydration, which Dr. Fraschetti says is a potentially serious complication of the disease. Recovery time is between seven to ten days. "Preventative measures are avoidance of kissing or sharing drinks, food or utensils with a person with a cold sore," he says.  Nurse Practitioner Gabrielle Schwilk is also treating patients for swimmers ear. "Symptoms include one sided ear pain, especially of the outer ear after swimming. Swimmers ear can be prevented by using ear plugs or over the counter ear drops to dry water from the ear canal after swimming."

• Pharyngitis is a common complaint in Indio. Dr. Arthur Davis explains this happens when the pharynx gets inflamed and causes a sore throat. Gargling with very warm salt water every hour can make your throat feel better. He says use at least a half teaspoon of salt per cup of water, and take lots of vitamin C. See your doctor if the sore throat or hoarseness lasts for more than several days, if you have trouble swallowing or if you see white or yellow patches of pus at the back of the throat. "If your pharyngitis is caused by a bacteria, then an antibiotic may be necessary," he adds.

• At the Mecca Clinic, Dr. Randolph Gibbs says he is still seeing recurrent cases of cervical lymphadenitis in children. Most cases are viral. For the second week running, shingles is an issue for middle-aged adults and the elderly. Rashes in children are a problem this week, including tinea versicolor, which is exacerbated by the heat and sweating. Dr. Gibbs adds that he's seen several cases of childhood iron deficiency anemia consistent with excessive milk consumption. "Patients are usually asymptomatic however severe cases can present with fatigue and pallor," explains Dr. Gibbs. "This condition rarely occurs before six months of age and highest risk is 6-36 months of age. Additionally, one needs to consider other possible causes which include lead poisoning. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine lead levels at 9-12 months of age and states children may present with abdominal pain or altered mental status."

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