What could it be?

[JustDi]

I have posted a couple of pictures on my profile of my 7 yo's nose.  This started out 2 weeks ago as a small pink patch.  I took him to the pediatrician on Tuesday the 12th.  She thought it was contact dermatitis and prescribed hydrocortisone.  Well, it got worse, as the second picture shows.  I took him to a dermatologist on Monday the 18th.  They prescribed an anti-fungal and took a scraping.  We have no results yet, and I think it's spreading!  Any ideas?  Thanks so much!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

I am glad that the diagnosis has been confirmed. Best wishes for a quick recovery to your son.

[JustDi]

Thank you so much for your response!  You are absolutely right!  I took him back to the dermatologist on Friday and she did another scraping.  This one showed positive for fungus immediately.  She put him on a two week course of oral anti-fungal medication.  It does seem to be improving!  Thanks again!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Chances are more likely that it is a fungal infection as it has spread and steroids when used in fungal infection can worsen the condition. I think the doctors must have done a KOH examination of the skin scrapings to confirm the diagnosis of fungal infection. You have to wait for the diagnosis of fungal infection and if the diagnosis is confirmed then your son may need topical and oral antifungals.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.