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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Fungus that persists for years will penetrate onto bones
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Fungus that persists for years will penetrate onto bones
by moreserious, Mar 16, 2006 12:00AM
I am a dark complexioned caucasion female. Several years ago, my late teens, I developed white spots on my torso(mostly lower back) neck and arms after vacationing in Florida. Family doctor precribed Selsun Gold. I never completely got rid of them until about 10 years later with prescribed chloratrimazole tablets. It returned, but I only had a couple here and there,treated them with ointment, and have been spot free for 4 or 5 years and avoid the sun. I am now 41 and due to symptoms, an MRI was taken of my spine and three light spots/lesions were found in the cervical area. It is one month later and I still don't have dx. Bone scan was negative and a biopsy at this point is not warranted because it would be too invasive. My mother insists that her doctor (in another state) thinks these spots are from the skin fungus that stayed on my skin for so long.
I have searched the web and so far no evidence of this ability for the fungus to penetrate the skin. I had 3 epidurals for child birth over 10 years ago, and though there was no evidence of spots at the time..could it have entered the body through the epidural, and show up on an MRI, and also absorb contrast? Is this something to share with my neurologist?
I have searched the web and so far no evidence of this ability for the fungus to penetrate the skin. I had 3 epidurals for child birth over 10 years ago, and though there was no evidence of spots at the time..could it have entered the body through the epidural, and show up on an MRI, and also absorb contrast? Is this something to share with my neurologist?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 16, 2006 12:00AM
, Mar 16, 2006 12:00AM
Not really. The skin fungus you describe was almost certainly tinea versicolor, a common superficial fungus seen in many adolescents and young adults. In no way does it ever penetrate the skin. I don;t know what the cervical white spots are, but they surely aren't related to the skin fungus.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Good luck to all on this forum. FYI...I have read some research on the herb Gentian Violet for treatment of skin fungus maybe some of you will benefit.
Dr. Rockoff