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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could The Foul Odor Between Finger Be Due To Fungal Infection In A ALS Suffering Patient?

Hello, My mother has ALS, or lou Gherighs disease. The disease is advanced, however, the fingers on her left hand has curled into her palm, stiffened and she has lost complete use of it. In addition the hand and fingers are completely swollen and now I have noticed there is a foul odor on the hand. Could this be fungus in between the fingers from her hand being stagnant? Thank you, Tara
posted on Wed, 2 Apr 2014
Twitter Thu, 1 Jan 2015 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 2 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
I understand your concern.
I am Dr. Arun Tank, infectious diseases specialist, answering your query.

In my opinion you should first do a microscopic examination from the foul smelling area. This will establishes the diagnosis.

Usually fungal infection arises in immunocomprmised individuals. Your mother is not immunocomprmise so it is unlikely to be fungal infection.

But microscopic examination can diagnose and help you in further plan of action.


I will be happy to answer your further concern, you can ask me on bit.ly/DrArun.
Thank you.
Dr Arun Tank
Infectious diseases specialist.
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Could The Foul Odor Between Finger Be Due To Fungal Infection In A ALS Suffering Patient?

Hello, I understand your concern. I am Dr. Arun Tank, infectious diseases specialist, answering your query. In my opinion you should first do a microscopic examination from the foul smelling area. This will establishes the diagnosis. Usually fungal infection arises in immunocomprmised individuals. Your mother is not immunocomprmise so it is unlikely to be fungal infection. But microscopic examination can diagnose and help you in further plan of action. I will be happy to answer your further concern, you can ask me on bit.ly/DrArun. Thank you. Dr Arun Tank Infectious diseases specialist.