PMR

[Katie-j]

Just wondering if anyone could give me some advice on a problem I have. probably due to 3yrs on steroids for PMR. I am reducing slowly and currently on 6 1/2 mgs. I am now suffering with a fungal infection which is very stubborn to treat. It is 3 months since it started and I have had various creams but nothing seems to work. I haven’t been offered tablets but am reluctant to take them as the steroids have given me a very fickle stomach. Just wondering if anybody else has had this problem. The infection is on my stomach, chest and neck. Would be grateful for your replies. Thanks you xx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I assume you have only seen your GP? Has he not referred you to a dermatologist?

[Katie-j in reply to PMRpro]

No only been to see the doctor.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Katie-j]

Definitely time for some expert opinion.

[SnazzyD]

Agree with PMRPro. Has it been confirmed as fungal with cultured skin scrapings?

[Hidden]

Hi Katie

As SnazzyD says have they tested you for fungal infection? And as PMRPro says a Dermatologist?

Chemo totally upset the balance of my whole system l was plagued with Thrush in my Mouth, l eventually had to have Antifungal Meds x 3 Courses over a period of about six months, they had to be slotted around my Pred & they can be very hard on your system.

The problem was l was taking another Med that was actually ‘feeding’ the Thrush!........

It was a nightmare but compared to everything else it seemed to be a ‘small’ thing to complain about but Cause & Effect can sometimes be hard to get to the bottom of!

Good Luck 🍀

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

PS If you change the title of your Post to Thrush you may get more answers.

[Pongo13]

I had fungus on body years ago tenting damp flat in London. I had to put ‘selsun’ shampoo all over the affected area and sleep in it. Problem solved overnight! Perhaps your pharmacist can advise. Good luck x

[stellafmdm]

Hi Katie,

I live with a friend who has this problem and she has to give up all sugar and sweeteners of any kind! Very difficult in this sugar addicted world! She is on some kind of medication for it but unfortunately not a lot helps her and her stomach is a real problem for her. I hope you have better luck with it!! xxxx 😟

[SheffieldJane]

Poor you Katie! I am at a similar level of Pred to you, after 3 years and things are emerging as if they have been suppressed by Pred. I think Psoriasis is returning to my ear canal and getting worse on my feet and toenails. I am not sure what we do about this. My sinuses are bad and one eye. I expect there is a case for building up the immune system as we cease to suppress it. I am no dietary expert but people talk about anti- oxidants and fermented foods, Keffir was discussed recently, vitamin C. Etc. Those tablets for fungal infections sound scary. Does the cream keep it at bay somewhat? I feel that I am battling the Psoriasis daily.

[SusanEleven]

I’ve had fungal rashes since last year (they started when my pred dose got lower). I tried lots of different creams and all failed. The one that worked was one marketed for babies/children (here in the US anyway), Triple Paste AF (for anti-fungal versus the plain Triple Paste).

It has the same active ingredient of the creams that failed but my dermatologist says the zinc base provided a skin shield that clearly made a difference for me. I washed the rash areas with gentle soap twice a day and made sure they were very dry before putting on the cream.

[Telian]

Which creams have you used? I get fungal infection at the corner of my mouth and use Canestan (blue tube) it works for me. It is a recurring problem but always goes within a couple of days treatment and isn’t spreading.

Sounds like yours needs specialist input. Ask to be referred now as it’s always a long wait on the NHS for Dermatology.