What is Saax Eek?
Saax-Eek, more commonly referred to as "Green ear," its literal translation, is a usually mild ear-mitelike disease found in warm, dry climates. The disease got its descriptive nickname from the purple tinge inside the ear which turns to a green infection if treated improperly. It is usually only found in ears, as parts of it aren't covered by fur, making for easy access for small insects.

What are the symptoms?
The greenish, rashlike tinge in the ear is most the most well-known symptom of Saax-Eek. Other symptoms include painful itching and occasionally swelling which can lead to infection if treated improperly. The infection can then spread to the inner ear, leading to loss of hearing or insanity. Any progression past the rash is very rare, however.

What causes it?
Chemicals in the saliva of a variety of gnat cause the itching and rash, much like a mosquito bite. If left alone, the rash will usually go away. If it is itched continuously it will progress to the more dangerous stages, such as infection and deafness..

How is it spread?
Saax-Eek cannot be spread from kaasht to kaasht. Contamination only occurs when bit by the insect that carries the chemicals.

Where is it found?
The gnats that carry the disease are found in hot, dry climates such as plains, deserts, and occasionally forests. The insects burrow into loose earth to lay their eggs, making sandy deserts a perfect climate. They can survive with surprisingly little moisture, relying on the blood of various animals for nourishment. The gnats usually attack ears due to the thinner fur there, though they do occasionally cause rashes in other parts of the body. However, only ear bites are dangerous.

How can it be prevented?
Certain lotions available in various villages and within most Desert or Plains clans can be rubbed on the ears to keep the gnats away, much like mosquito sprays. Other than that, there's very little you can do to avoid occasional rashes. Infection can be avoided by not scratching the site of the rash. Further irritation of the already sensitive skin could lead to the more dangerous versions of Saax-Eek.

How is it treated?
Once again, the best treatment is to leave the rash alone and Saax-Eek will take care of itself. Various concoctions carried by some healers can ease the itching, and the infection can usually be stopped by healers (such as golds) if one happens to be handy. More often than not in more isolated areas, healers aren't common.

What are your chances of getting it?
Saax-Eek rashes are not uncommon, but the advanced stages are much more rare. One in five cases reach the infection, and one in ten of those actually go deaf or insane. Saax-Eek can definitely be considered a mild disease, and not a dangerous one at all as long as you take care of yourself.