Recurring sore throat, not sure if linked to HPV. Ear eczema as well!

A couple of weeks ago I had a sore throat that lasted nearly a month and then mysteriously went away. Three weeks later, it's back again. This type of sore throat hurts to swallow, sometimes to the point I can't even talk, but usually just where it hurts to swallow my food or drink. No fever, no other symptoms whatsoever. Not even a runny nose.

I've also developed what appears to be ear eczema around the same time, although I don't know if it's related or just due to my dandruff. I remember not too long ago the lymph nodes in my ears were swollen really hugely, right before the ear eczema. Right before this relapse of sore throat my lymph nodes had swelled again, maybe yesterday.

My gyno checkup is due in about a week. I was diagnosed with a high-risk strain of HPV, and I'm at CIN I, LGSIL, doing a watch-and-wait.

I also have a UTI and I've always had yeast infections that come and go.

I think that's all I can name that's wrong with me. I'm always catching something, though. Don't know if my immune system is just week. I'm regularly tested for STDs, including HIV and AIDS.

I'd appreciate any sort of help. Thank you.

PS: I don't think it's swimmer's ear - I haven't experienced any ear pain at all, just the insane flakiness.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

The symptoms described by you could be due a skin disorder called eczema. This itches so much that all the scratching makes it look like 'shoe leather' (or 'elephant hide'). This not a sexually transmitted disease or a fungal infection. So, antifungal creams will not help. You can control the symptoms with prescription strength mild cortisone creams. Consult a dermatologist.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[amnesiatic]

Hey, me again. The ear flakiness has continued and now even has an odor to it. I suspect it might be swimmer's ear then, on second thought.

[goo509]

HPV lies dormant in more than half the population and can re-infect when your immune system is low (you partied too hard, got food/alcohol poisoning and were stressed about end exams etc...). Your throat infection may be the HPV re-surfacing!?
The ear irritation sounds like a form of dermatitis/eczema. Dermatitis typically is not smelly. But if it persists for a long time (like yours) it may become infected and the infecting bacteria/yeast/fungus have an odor. Dermatitis/eczema has no 'cure' but can be managed by avoiding substances to which you are allergic or sensitive (nickel in jewellery? fragrances, harsh soaps...), and relaxing (symptoms often subside when people are on holiday).

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Swimmers ear is infection of external ear canal. Ear canals can get swollen due to infections when it is referred to as otitis externa. The infecting agents are bacteria, fungi and viral. Bacterial infections need antibiotics and fungal anti fungal agents. Viral infections are by exclusion and do not need any antibiotic therapy. Keep the ear canals dry and complete your antibiotic course, apply the ear drops meticulously. Consult your primary care physician who will do blood tests and take a swab and may do a culture to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate medications.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.