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Is it possible to have more than one fungal infection?

For the past few years I have dealt with ringworm. It will go away for a little while, but eventually comes back. It started when I was about maybe 18 or 19, and I still have now as a 22 year old living in South Florida. It always stays under my right underarm. Dermatologist prescribed what I believe were terbinafine hydrochloride pills in February. Worked for about a month and a half and then the ringworm came back. I'm currently using Lamisil AT which which is keeping the ringworm from getting too bad, but it still lingers. Right now I have a few patches in my underarm. I also had jock itch recently, probably from not changing out of sweaty gym clothes at night (I was too tired!) But that's was pretty easy to get rid of.

Recently, as of maybe 2 or 3 months ago, my nose creases started really bothering me. My nose has always been pretty oily and sometimes I'd just give it a quick wipe with my fingers. But now it has started to turn red and get flaky. I THINK it is seborrheic dermatitis based on symptoms that I researched. After getting a pretty bad flare up, I used Lotrimin Ultra for about 2 1/2 weeks and it went down a lot. However, that was only temporary. It started to get flaky again after a week but I've tried not to touch it as much as possible, just rub a dab of lotion on it after a shower. But now some of the redness is back, but a very mild amount. Right now I'm trying Head and Shoulders dandruff shampoo on my face to see if it helps at all.

I've also been dealing with this rash under my left arm. It gets very itchy,red, and puffy. However, I feel like this isn't a fungal infection, maybe some type of allergy. It has faded away a lot now but you can still feel some texture and see the outline. I've stopped using deodorant for awhile to see if it makes a difference, even though it's Tom's brand natural deodorant.

Is it possible to have all these things wrong with me at the same time? Pure coincidence or underlying problem? I'm HIV negative (confirmed late February) if it matters. I'm a full time student, full time employee, and I frequent the gym multiple times a week, so I'm a pretty active person. I don't feel sick often so I have no idea why this is happening to me. It makes my self esteem feel like crap and I want to go to the beach without people seeing some underarm rash. Could this all have something to do with the humidity of South Florida? I have a dermatologist appointment scheduled in about 2 weeks, but I just want a 2nd opinion. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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4851940 tn?1515694593
I don't think using Head and Shoulders on your face is a good idea.  

As the antifungal creams have not been working, it may be a bacterial infection.  Have you tried over the counter antiseptic cream to see if that will help?

Hydrocortisone creams can thin the skin and not all of them are suitable to be used on the face.  You should only use these if prescribed by your doctor.

For your underarms, you can try applying Bicarbonate of Soda.  This can be purchased from the supermarket or sometimes the pharmacist sells it.  Bicarbonate of soda will help to keep the underarms dry and stop the odour.  

Hopefully the dermatologist will get you sorted out.  

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have learned recently that using strong topical creams like Hydrocortisone or Lotrimin can weaken your immune system over time and leave you prone to fungal infections again if you use them for too long. I know there have been periods for over a month when I kept using those two creams to get rid of something. Could this be making my problem worse?

I've also decided to stop using antifungals if that's the case. I've only been using Blue Star Ointment and it has worked wonders. My ringworm has actually cleared up about 95%, more than it ever did with Lamisil or Lotrimin.
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1340994 tn?1374193977
Also, start a prebiotic.  

Get checked for Celiac disease, because the malnutrition it causes can cause skin problems like this.  Diabetes can also, of course.  
Helpful - 0
1340994 tn?1374193977
I think you might be helped by neem soap and by washing your socks and underwear in very warm water and baking soda.  Change your pillow case every night.  Try neem shampoo.  Be sure to wash your ears and face with the neem soap.  Try tea tree oil on the rash areas.  It even clears up toenail fungus.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
More like seborrheic dermatitis.The pic is quite fine and informative.Do consult your Doc.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
By the way, how can I add a second pic?
Helpful - 0
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