Chronic Ringworm, Hereditary Predisposition, Help!

[PT1964]

My doctor told me that I have a genetic predisposition to ringworm. I have fought this unfriendly fungus off and on for over 10 years. (43/F)  I have taken Griseofluvan, Diflucan, and tried every topical cream, oil, and alternative remedy I can find. I took Griseofluvan for over 4 months with no improvement, and quit the treatment because of the toxic effects. The doctor said there was nothing she could do, that it was systematic, and I would never get rid of it. I resolved myself to live with the rash, and until recently I have managed to maintain the rash to one area on my arm over the last 5 years. This was bearable because I could hide it under a shirt. But now I have a horrible patch of new lesions on my thigh. There are 4 new typical lesions, expanding rapidly, about 1/2" diameter each and expanding into the circular ring formation. The OTC treatments are having no effect. Isn't there some other drug that I can take to get rid of this? What about Amphiteri-something-B? Is this going to take over my body and infect my heart, lungs, or brain? Please help -- I fear the ringworm may eat me alive!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

I do understand your concern. This does not sound systemic to me unless this involves other areas of the body such as the mouth, the esophagus, the lungs etc. At this point. Amphotericin B may not be indicated. Fungal infections do recur and they may persist. In your case, the rash appears on the arm and thighs (is this correct?). This may be controlled with a topical antifungal medication. You may have to use medications with a combined steroid and antifungal properties. Oral medications may be resumed when the rash persists and progresses despite the topical medications.

[PT1964]

Thanks for your quick reply. You mentioned other areas of the body, so I thought I would add to my "history". When I was about 19, I had horrible athletes foot on just one foot. It lasted for two years, never responded to treatment, then suddenly disappeared. In my 20s, I had vitiligo (white patches on back). This was treated with lamisil and resolved quickly. I have always had a predisposition for vaginal yeast infections, though after childbirth this is much better. (Avoiding coffee and sugar helps). About 10 years ago, i developed the first ringworm on my body (hip). About 6 months later, on my scalp. Oral meds cleared up the scalp and my hair grew back, but body tinea persisted. It has always remained as one "transient" lesion. It moved from my hip to my arm then another spot on my arm. It was never in more than one spot at a time. All of the oral meds (5 years ago) did nothing except make me sick and kill a few liver cells. For five years, this one spot has stayed in the same spot on my upper arm, medial. This recent situation is scary--4 big patches in a week just pop up on my thigh (right during swim suit season LOL). I am sure the common oral meds will do nothing again. Was curious about Ampho-B as an option. I wonder if there have been any studies on chronic hereditary predisposition to fungal infections?