chronic infection?

i have  a skin infection that i dont understand.it first started on my head as a little pimple like thing and it spread to my hands and legs.the doctor said it was a fungal infection.the medication seemed to work at first but they came a point were not much change was observed.i used whitfields ointment and gresiofulvin.its now more than a year .my whole head has these flakes that are itchy and also my hairline has been over lapped by the infection.my arms have patches which are flaky as well as legs.when the flakes are removed the skin is deep red and sometimes minute blood is observed oozing.when i go to sleep its a nightmare because that is when  the infected areas become very itchy and i scratch usually in my sleep.






This discussion is related to Chronic Fungal?.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis without examination but it can be a fungal infection. Since it has become chronic in nature, I would suggest you to get fungal culture done and then be prescribed specific antifungals(topical as well as oral). Alternately you can also get a biopsy skin done. The symptoms of Ringworm or Tinea Capitis include a dry itchy scalp, scaling, crusting, inflamed nodules, hair loss and tender enlarged lymph nodes on the neck. Treatment includes washing the scalp with shampoo with selenium sulfide (2.5%) or zinc pyrithione (1-2%) used 2-3 times weekly at home. Oral steroids, Griseofulvin and oral antifungals may also be required. I suggest you to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Warm regards.