Repeat Fungal Infection in my child- could it be linked to hypothyroidism?

[amypcrouch]

Hi, my 5 year old son (soon to be six!) has for the last couple of years had repeated fungal skin infections on the trunk of his body (just above groin, under armpits and around ribs, chest, shoulder, and back). It has never spread to his hands, face or limbs. To begin with the rash was small on his chest, and the doctor used the UV light to see if it glowed, which it did. He prescribed antifungal creams for about a year, which didn't really help, sometimes it would ease a little, but it would never totally go. Then it really started to spread and looked very angry, so they tried Terbinafine tablets, which really upset his tummy, so we had to stop, then more creams.......nothing worked, so he had a full month of Griseofulvin tablets, which he did really well with and took twice daily. By the end of the course there was no trace of the rash left and he seemed to be totally rid of it, now a few weeks later, I can see it starting to creep back on his shoulder, back and above his groin.

I have hypothyridism (Auto immune) and I am starting to wonder if these repeat fungal infections could be linked to his immune system somehow, and whether there could be any chance he has a thyroid problem too and this is causing repeat infections? When he was 4 he had a tonsilectomy as he had tonsilitis practically every month for years, and he has always suffered with constipation, and still has medication (movicol) for this. He eats a very healthy diet, gets plenty of excercise, and although he is a solid boy, he is not overweight.

I am waiting for our GP to call me today to discuss possibly having another course of tablets to stop the rash again, but just wonder why he keeps getting them? No one else in our family has any fungal rashes, and I would expect if he was picking up the rash from a school friend or from a hard surface or animal, for him to have the rash on his hands and arms or perhaps legs, not his body which is always covered.

I would be grateful for any ideas, tips, etc, as am worried about him. Many thanks in anticipation.

Amy

[ROMM53]

I think you should ask your GP to do a hospital referral to a paediatric dermatologist, as it sounds as if your GP has tried several approaches without success. X

[amypcrouch in reply to ROMM53]

Thank you, I think we might!

[MaryMary]

Just an idea but perhaps you could try a yeast free diet as yeast is a fungus? My private dr thought that I may have a fungal overgrowth and he suggested this to me. Yeast is in breads, pastries, some buns, marmite, used in soya sauce and flavourings like some gravy mixes, stock cubes etc. Also is he on asthma inhalers as they can cause fungal overgrowth in the mouth/throat if you don't take water after them?

Good luck!

Mary

[amypcrouch in reply to MaryMary]

Thank you, I was wondering if it was too much dairy or sugars too? I know that feeds the fungus!

[Pooh10]

I'd been feeling terrible for a long time. However, one of the symptoms that really annoyed me was persistent ringworm. I don't have a great understanding but I believe that fungal infections can exist more readily if the body temp is low (which can be a symptom of hypothyroidism). Although not recognised in conventional medicine in the same way, I took a test for candida thecandidadiet.com/testingf... discussed this with Dr P (more info is provided in his book know your thyroid and how to keep it healthy). I removed sugar from my diet (as much as poss), took Eco balance for 3 months and finally an over the counter anti fungal pill all on the advice of Dr P. I'm pleased to say no more ringworm. My thyroid was also out and this was addressed as well. This may not be relevant for your son but it may be worth considering. I hope he feels better soon.

[amypcrouch in reply to Pooh10]

Thank you, this is very interesting! HE has to have another month of antifulgal tablets then will be referred if it comes back again.

[MaryMary]

Yes, I've certainly heard that reducing sugar is good because it feeds the yeast. You probably know that you could buy soda bread and oat biscuits as an alternative and the 'really deliciious' rice cakes!!!

P.s. I'm not medically trained - just ideas to try. I dislike taking loads of medicine. Also for constipation milled Linseeds really help me - sometimes called flaxseed. You can add a spoonful to cereal, smoothies or yogurt or even add to casseroles etc. I've managed to get my much older boy eating it in flapjacks and brownies!

Mary

[amypcrouch in reply to MaryMary]

Thank you, I will give all this a try for sure!

[denvajade]

Hi there definately need to get rid of all sugar, even fruit for a while, try teatree oil, dabbed on the fungus sores everynight and again in the morning, i found it much better than meds. wishing you well