Hi-



I have had a recuring skin disorder Occurring approx 4 times in the same spot, my outer ear-same side, within 10 years.



It seems to occur during stress, although I have had numerous occassions of high stress when it has not come out. I have been to 4 doctors (primary care, dermatologists & ENT) . The first time it was diagnosed as cellulitis, with a staph infection. Then another dermatologist said since it was on the same spot it was shingles (a herpetic disease). Then diagnosed as a second round of shingles. Then the 4th time, they said it could not be shingles, as shingles does not recur numerous times.



I just happened again and I went to a (supposed) top dermatologist in NYC.



It is usually EXTREMELY itchy, very red, hot to the touch and swollen. So swollen, that is swells to about 3 times larger than the other ear. There are absolutely NO lesions, cuts, crustiness or pus at all.



This last doctor said she could not culture it, because it was too hard & swollen. She said it looked like cellulitis with a staph infection. She said it did not look herpetic to her, but the fact it is recurring in the same spot - and maybe brought on by stress it could be herpetic- but she was not sure what it was.



Does anyone have any suggestions? I will try to load a picture soon.



She prescribed Famvir 500 (anti-viral)& Augmentin 875 (anti-bacterial), as she was afraid it would get worse. She said these medicines would keep it from getting worse.



Any suggestions? I tried to see an infectious disease doctor, but most of them have 1-2 weeks waits, and by that time, this will have either gotten better with the meds, or I will be in the hospital.