Fungus/Yeast

I have some recent, recurring problems that I think are related. Chronic yeast infections, hair thinning (all over, not in patches), toenail fungus, and very soft peeling finger and toenails that break very easily.

Could it be that I am lacking vitamins, or have an overall overgrowth of yeast in my system?  Vaginal creams are only temporary relief, and the toenail fungus never goes away.  The nails and hairloss are only common to this past 6-8 months.  Before that, I had a terrible strep infection that caused me to be on antibiotics.

What can I do?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Lori:

What I think you can and should do is see a dermatologist.  I cannot explain all your symptoms on the basis of either fungus or yeast, particularly the hair thinning.  I am also unclear about what you mean by chronic yeast infections--are they external, vaginal, or systemic?

I think you need to have someone focus on the specific individual diagnoses.  Only then can someone help you decide whether or not they are related.

Best.

Dr. R