skin problems: I am desperate. After a fall 10 weeks... - NRAS

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skin problems

QAGS profile image
QAGS
26 Replies

I am desperate. After a fall 10 weeks ago, resulting in bruised ribs, I was unable to wear a bra, resulting in fungal infection under my R Breast. Despite all the usual anti fungal creams it got worse, and eventually improved somewhat with Clarithromycin, and Anti fungal cream with some steroid in it. Then it spread to my R outer ear, so more meds, now on anti fungal Caps ( Fluconazole) I have reddening of the upper chest and itch all over when in bed, and when warm. My GP is onto this, . However can it be RA related I wonder? I am on MXT 20 mgm orally.

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QAGS
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26 Replies
Gigi71 profile image
Gigi71

I have a problem with continued fungal infections on my feet, originally only on my right foot. I try and keep it under control with Daktacort, given on prescription by my GP, apparently I can’t have the tablets due to being on Methotrexate. My skin isn’t great due to long term streroids. I believe it’s not helped by being on immune- suppressant medication namely Humira. I would check with your GP regarding any meds you are on. X

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix in reply to Gigi71

I use Dr Organic tea tree oil nail toe solution from Holland and Barratt. Takes a while to work, like 6 months, but it does. And has kept my toe nail fungus at bay ever since.

oldtimer profile image
oldtimer

It's really irritating (sorry for the pun) when fungal infections get a hold. And difficult at this time of year when we want to wrap up warm and keep all the moisture next to our skin - much easier when you can strip off and lay out in the fresh air!There is a sensible list here which might help, but you probably know all this stuff already...

bupa.co.uk/health-informati...

Pat9442 profile image
Pat9442

I get the same. If you can catch it early I find Sudacrem works really well

Bootoo profile image
Bootoo in reply to Pat9442

Sudacrem cures all evils 👍 my other half swears by it.

Haz58 profile image
Haz58 in reply to Bootoo

Yes Sudacrem is amazing stuff! I use it under my boobs ., due to going bra less i get sore underneath. Sudacrem clears it up in a day, cant wear bras as they hurt the bones on my chest, even non wired ones. If I have to wear one, hospital appointments etc. I wear a long line one now,

Nothing worse. Have you tried soaking in a bath with bicarbonate of soda it can help zap fungal infections soothe.. we’re you itching and red before fluconazole?? I get terrible itching with it now told I’m allergic and never to use again.. just a thought

QAGS profile image
QAGS in reply to

I was itching & red before using it, but that was caused by the Clarithromycin. That was why the GP changed to Fluconazole oral tabs. Obviously now allergic to both. Where do I go from here I wonder, so kind of you all to reply

in reply to QAGS

What about a fungal powder?? Cream could get sweaty and cause more irritation the powder would dry it out.. clutching at straws I know but your obviously very uncomfortable

Brushwork profile image
Brushwork in reply to

I had a minor case under my boobs some years ago, a nurse told me to use Mycin foot powder, and always a powder in sweaty areas. How delightful! 😂 I am not sure that product is still available, but I am fortunate to have not needed it for a good while.

StormE60 profile image
StormE60 in reply to QAGS

Exactly same thing happened to me. Took 3 rounds of antibiotics during dental surgeries, caused fungal yeast in crease of thigh and under breasts. Nothing cleared it up (I get occasionally from going braless due to Fibromyalgia). Went on Fluconizole once a day tabs and Nystatin power and it spread to my chest. Itching like crazy,. Still there 7 days later. Lasted a total of 3 months so far, but only 7 days in of 150mg Fluconizole. Soon trying a great home remedy that has always worked in the past that you put in bath water. Just can not get out of tub because of my knees yet.

Brychni profile image
Brychni

Hi there - the itching at night must be horrendous - I have lots of sleep issues, have to be in a perfect state of bliss for sleep!As for fungal infections, I don't have much experience but do have something on one toenail where it is lifting. The GP gave me something to paint on which hasn't done anything but neither has it spread which I thought it would. As an extra measure I always powder my feet before putting socks on with something from the chemist, an athlete's foot powder.

I am very aware of the under boob area and although I haven't had a problem yet I work hard on prevention! After every shower I do a total body treatment with coconut oil, the solid stuff from supermarket. They say the simplest formulas are the best and coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. I rub that under the boobs too and other nooks and crannies. By the time I have finished, brushed my hair etc I bung some powder under the boobs too for good measure.

In fact, I am a great fan of powder, I also use Cuticura which is slightly medicated. On occasions when I have been too tired to have a shower before bed for example I use powder instead, just to tide me over. It really keeps you dry and helps with itching. Sometimes I think water just makes things worse; as it dries it just dehydrates the skin even more, then more itching then more nasties...

ketiv74 profile image
ketiv74

That sounds awful and very uncomfortable. Have you tried applying Oil? such as Pure coconut oil or Castor oil? Might help with irritation as well as stop fungal growth.

Wobbies profile image
Wobbies

I had a fungal infection and had to stop my biologics whilst I took a month's course of oral anti-fungal meds. Have to watch it and as soon as I get a small itch I use Canestan, having tried 4 other anti-fungal creams with no success. At the moment, that seems to be keeping in under control.🤞 Rheumy nurse said it could be a problem with biologics and methotrexate. It is awful, so I hope you get rid of it soon.

QAGS profile image
QAGS in reply to Wobbies

thank you Wobbies. Canesten was the first one I tried, it didn't help. I amusing Trimovate at present, but it isn't really helping. I really am so low, having just lost my Brother to Covid. Life is hard

Wobbies profile image
Wobbies in reply to QAGS

Oh I am so sorry that you are having such a bad time. It is just when you are low that you get things like fungal infections, isn't it. Please accept my best wishes and let us know how you are getting on. xx

Durrell profile image
Durrell

Have you looked into goat kefir, i started to take laughing goat kefir & this has helped immensely with skin issues(made in uk you can buy on Amazon though I buy direct from supplier) I also use Capure goat milk soap range.. take a look at the benefits etc & see if it’s something you could consider. I wish you all the best.

Durrell profile image
Durrell in reply to Durrell

Sorry healthy goat! Not laughing goat.

Durrell profile image
Durrell

Hi Qags, I’ve just posted a msg re soap & kefir, but then read you have lost your brother through COVID, I am so very sorry, your bound to be very low with all this going on but that on top is one almighty blow for you, I wish we could all do more for each other at these times, sending my fondest thoughts at this truly difficult sensitive time, a massive big virtual hug x

LoneEra profile image
LoneEra

Sorry to hear you’re suffering. I highly recommend using Nizoral shampoo as a lotion on your skin. You basically slather the shampoo over all affected areas and leave it for 10-15 mins (it can burn a bit so maybe start small). Then wash it all off in the bath or shower. Do this every day for a week and then taper off to twice a week for 4 weeks or so. It seems like a lot of work, but it cleared my issues which were all over my front, back and neck.

If the fluconazole isn’t working, itraconazole is good for stubborn fungal infections - but you need liver function tests with it.

Probiotics are also really important when fighting fungal infections.

Good luck. Hope it starts to improve very soon xx

vonniesims profile image
vonniesims

Try to keep your under skin surfaces eg under boobs part with some Cotton material. Its worth sacrificing a pillow case cut into strips for

pauluk60 profile image
pauluk60

hi Qags i am suffering with the itch at the moment and antihistamine seems to help me and vicks as with fungal toenails

phebamom profile image
phebamom

Are you on prednisone? Prednisone causes fungal issues. My mother-in-law was a large busted woman. My father in law, a tiny gentle loving man, took care of her the last few years of her life. She developed fungal infections under her breasts. I recommended he use a small hand held hair dryer to blow dry under her breasts after bathing. Then dust lightly with talc. The condition cleared up and she was a lot more comfortable. I know, talc has become toxic, and is linked to a lot of health issues. The new talcs made of corn starch can be used lightly. But in my experience they tend to cake up and cause problems. From my experience with this issue, the hair dryer is the best bet. On plain air, not hot. If a person sweats under the breasts a lot, you may have to do it several times a day. For fungal foot infections, purchase a plastic shoe box. Buy a large bottle of plain Listerene mouthwash, not the fancy flavors, just the old yellow stuff. Put feet in shoe box one at a time, pour enough listerene to cover infected areas, soak for 15 minutes a day. Really helps. You can use the Listerene in the shoe box more than one day, just cover it, and discard when it starts looking a bit funky.

Ifig92 profile image
Ifig92

I had the same problem last summer. It is proven that when we do not wear a bra, dermatological problems arise under the breast. I was very helped by the use of boric acid solution, the use of Eviol with vitamins k and e (oil capsules) and in the most burdened areas the use of Kenacomb cream. The doctor told me that the area should be kept dry and in the summer before I go out to put some baby powder. However I always try to wear a bra

QAGS profile image
QAGS in reply to Ifig92

Thank you 1fig 92, I will look into Kenacomb cream. It sounds like a potent treatment. I am no better, and this itching is just terrible. The former redness under my breast is now more of a pink colour, and circular, it was diagnosed as Intertrigo, but is irritated by my bra. I have had an allergic reaction to Anti fungal tablets, so now have a rash on my neck as a result. I do appreciate all this feed back

Ifig92 profile image
Ifig92 in reply to QAGS

As I wrote, I was very helped by the use of the boric acid solution, the use of Eviol with vitamins k and e (oil capsules) and the baby powder. It took only ten days to have very good results and in the case of this therapy doesn't work, then take the Kenakomb.

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