Finger Fungus Spreading while on Lamisil Tables

[wekenski]

I had a fungus develop on the side of my finger.  It spread to the finger next to it.  Doctor put me on lamisil tablets 250 mg.  I have been on the medication for 11 days and it does not appear to be helping.  The fungus has spread to other parts of my hand and even to the other hand.  I called the doctor's office and nurse told me to give it 2 weeks.  I can understand taking 2 weeks before seeing positive results but should the fungus be spreading during the first 11 days while on the medication?  I am getting very depressed, not sleeping good at night or able to accomplish my daily chores.  My hands are constantly either itching or stinging.  What should I do?

[wekenski]

Thanks for your response.  The fungus spread in between other fingers on the same hand and even onto the other hand during the first 2 weeks I was on Lamisil tablets.  I had an allergic rash break out on my wrist (from handling some cut down tree branches in my yard.)  Scratching this rash and the fungus area caused it to spread.  I have been taking tablets for 2and 1/2 week and have notice a bit of improvement.  It does appear to be drying up and some of the cracks in my skin are healing.  I am using a topical Lamisil cream and applying crazy glue on the cracks.  I don't see this being completely cleared up in the next 11 days.  I was prescribed 4 weeks worth of Lamisil tablets.  I plan to get another doctor appointment so that I can continue the tablets for perhaps another 2 weeks.  Yes.  A fungal infection is hard to get rid off.  I am investing in a good pair of gardening gloves.  Thank you for your input.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It takes some days for fungal infection to subside as it is a stubborn infection. Apart from the oral antifungals, Most cases respond to over-the-counter topical products, which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole.You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients.
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.

[wekenski]

Thanks for replying.  You are correct about the allergy.  I am allergic to sweet gum leaves and they are falling all over our yard.  I was out doing some watering and my arms broke out.  Scratching the rash caused the fungus to spread over my hands.  The fungus has taken a turn and I can tell it is starting to dry out.  I have 2 more weeks to take Lamisil.  I will mostly likely be back in to see my doctor or a dermatologist at this time.  I may need to take more Lamisil (do not want this fungus to come back) and I will need to do something about this allergy rash.  Thanks for your input.

[roseyred45]

Could be that you are allergic to something that you have been around/handling or it could be a fungus or psioris. Nothing to be worried about. Continue taking medication as ordered and if not better go see dermatologist.