What Causes Diarrhea While Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Posted on Wed, 15 Mar 2017

Question: Hi I have been diagnosed with fungus dermatitis given final cream and has cleared up. Now I have developed pencil like bowel movements and diarrhea for the past 2 weeks. Also lots of gas. Started probiotics 3 days ago. No change so far. Could there be any correlation between the skin fungus and intestinal problems? What could my problem possibly be caused by? Also I am a 57 year old female who is very healthy. I exercise regularly, eat healthy fiber foods, 5ft 3in weight 121 lbs and a non smoker and no history of colon cancer in family.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
How often do you stool in a day?

Detailed Answer:
HI and thanks so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this diarrhea. A fungal cream cannot explain why you have developed diarrhea at this time. It is probably a total coincidence and not a causal link with your drugs.

Concerning the diarrhea, I will like to obtain so more information. This will help me determine whether it is linked to an infection or could be explained by food intolerance or something else/.

1. How often do you go to the toilet? Any abdominal pains? Any fevers?
2. Has there been any changes in your diet?
3. Do you have any abdominal pain?
4. Is there any blood in your stool?
5. Is there any mucus in your stool?

At 57, you should have had a screening for colon cancers already. If this has not been done yet, I will suggest that you get one done. However, your symptoms are not very suggestive of colon cancer given the acute nature of your symptoms.

I hope to hear back from you on the above requested information and will certainly provide more conclusive responses and insights. In the interim, endeavor to drink much water so as to avoid getting dehydrating.

Waiting to hear from you and wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Thank you for answering my email. You asked few questions for follow up. I usually go to the toilet once a day but today twice. Second time was diarrhea. I have no pain or fever. Changes in diet have been eating less red meat and more chicken and fish. I did start taking more vitamins in particular B's, a liquid calcium and vitamin D pill. I have had runny stool before with the liquid calcium. I stopped the calcium recently for a week but started again yesterday. I find if I take the pill form I become very constipated. I do have a lot of "gurgling" especially after drinking liquids or at bedtime. It feels like liquid moving around my intestines (transverse and descending) I have no abdominal pain, no blood or mucus in stool.
I have always eaten XXXXXXX and a banana for breakfast and continue to.
I hope this info helps!

I should also let you know that my family doctor has never sent my for a colonoscopy.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
See below!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the responses.

1. I will most likely attribute this change in stool to dietary changes. The frequency of your stools is not concerning to me and I will like you to stay calm. Do not panic and try reducing the different types of foods and vitamin surpluses, one at a time until you figure out what works best for you. If you should suspend a vitamin and see no change, then reintroduce and try another. This should also apply to your diets as well.

2. Ask your doctor about getting a colonoscopy exam at this time. The national screening guidelines recommend screening colonoscopy at most every 10years beginning age 50years.

I hope these are guiding enough. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me for more specifics if need be.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Thank you for your expertise and advice as well as your concern for my emotions (worry) about my existing problem. I have had problems in the past with certain foods and vitamin supplements causing intestinal problems. I will follow your advice and start eliminating certain items. How long does it usually take to see an intestinal change before I move on to another food or vitamin to iliminate?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Give it 5days

Detailed Answer:
HI,

I will go with 5days for observation. If within 5days there are no noticeable changes, then it is very unlikely that you will get any further changes. If there are some changes, then you can pursue to see what the end result is.

Do keep me posted and updated as you go through this process. I wish you well.

Kind regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (38 minutes later)

I have had 3 bouts of diarrhea this morning. Very "gurgley" gut. No significant stool. Do you still think this is due to dietary change?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I strongly think this is related to the diet!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Looking at all the information we have, am pretty sure this is related to diet. Let's observe this a little more and if something else comes up that requires us to think otherwise, I will not hesitate to bring that to our attention.

Kindly continue to keep me updated!

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad