Facial Fungus

[pcollins78]

Hello,
          I've been having a problem with a facial fungus (at least that's what my doctor diagnosis is/was). It affects my beard growth there are patches that don't grow hair. It has changed positions on my chin. Does any one know what it is or how it can be treated. Many Thanks!  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be ringworm but nothing can be said with surety without a clinical examination.

Skin medication is usually successful at treating Ringworm within 4 weeks.

Advice often given to prevent ringworm includes:

* Avoidance of sharing clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets.
* Washing clothes in hot water with fungicidal soap after suspected exposure to ringworm.
* Avoidance of walking barefoot, wearing of appropriate protective shoes to the beach and flip-flops/thongs in locker rooms.
* After being exposed to places where the potential of being infected is great , washing with an antibacterial and anti-fungal soap or one that contains Tea Tree Oil, which contains terpinen-4-ol.

The treatment options include - Topical antifungal agents such as terbinafine 1% cream (Lamasil) applied twice daily until symptoms resolve (usually 1-2 weeks). Terbinifine is not recommended for children < 2 years old or anyone with impaired hepatic function.

Systemically with oral medications, especially for scalp ring worm, or infection of the finger nails or toe nails.

Call your doctor if:
    * Ringworm infects your scalp or beard.
    * His skin does not improve after 4 weeks of self-care.

If suspected ringworm does not respond to routine antifungal treatment, further diagnostics must be performed, like a skin biopsy, a fungal culture, or a skin scraping for fungus identification.

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for the symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.