Suggest Treatment For Rashes On Skin Due To Fungal Infection
My son has some rashes on his skin. We took him to a doctor (in Nigeria) and he said its a fungi infection and prescribed a cream. But it's over a week now and the rashes seem to be spreading. It was on the chest and back areas but has now spread to the shoulder areas. I am currently in the USA and wish to know if there are stronger or more effective creams that i can buy home. Thanks.
P.S: My son is 8 years old...
Need photos
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query.
In understand your concerns. I need photographs of your lesions so that I am better able to help.
If the rashes are due to fungal infection and are not healing with nizoral and clotrimazole, then it is unlikely if these will heal with other antifungals. We have to work on his immunity and I will suggest the following that I learnt from my clinical experience.
- Eat hygienic food and cleaner drinking water
- Rather than nizoral and clotrimazole and try thicker creams like penaten etc. This will give the skin some medicine-free time and allow it to heal naturally
- Avoid taking unnecessary medicines especially antibiotics which can increase the chances of fungal infection
- Avoid prolonged contact with water e.g at swimming, bathing, using hard water for bathing
- Avoid clothes that can increase sweating. Rather wear cotton clothes that help skin breathe
- Take fruits and salad. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
If you provide a photo I will get a better idea about condition of your son's skin. Since your son is very young, avoid oral antifungals at any cost.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee
Seen your photos
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
I have seen the photos.
This seems more like a viral infection or allergy alongwith dermatitis. In virals nothing much needs to be done. In allergic dermatitis a short course of locally applied hydrocortisone cream can work well. Do not worry. This will recover soon. Though in the chest area there is some dry skin as well that suggests some fungal component.
For how long does he have this?
Does he have any fever or any other symptoms?
Does he have any history of allergies?
If you take the precautions that I suggested in previous reply you will find a difference.
Dr Vaishalee
Its a maculopapular rash
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Its a maculopapular rash and the main causes are bacterial, viral, and non inefctious causes like allergy and heat rash. Since he does not have any other symptoms, we can safely presume that it is non-infectious in origin. You are correct in thinking that it may be heat rash. Sometimes heat rash can stay for longer duration.
Alongwith the suggestions in first reply, I would suggest that you try neosporin powder (applied twice a day) for 3 days. Neosporin will limit the spread of infection (if any). If it does not get better then it should be seen by a dermatologist.
Since it developed over a few days, it will get better in sometime.
Dr Vaishalee
Neosporin, polysporin or equate triple antibiotic therapy
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
You can try neosporin or polysporin or equate triple antibiotic therapy powder or ointment....all are equally good. All these can be bought over the counter in USA.
Agnesia powder has somewhat higher quantity of zinc oxide but still in therapeutic range. It should not harm. You can try this only on affected areas.
Hope it helps.
Dr Vaishalee