recurring Skin fungal Infection

[stebye]

i have had a skin infection for more than 10 years, am not sure its a skin infction or not, what i know its not infecous, though noticed its common in our family, because two of my siblings have it too. when i use medicated anti fungal creams or prescribed tablets, the symptoms disappears and everything seems ok, but after afew weeks its back, that has been going on for like 10 years now! it mostly affects my back, shoulders, chest, and buttocks, wen left untreated it can extend to my arms and inner thighs. it appears like round dots of pale lighter parts of the skin, it doesnt itche though or pain, it only makes me uncomfortable to put on open sleeved clothes, also am tired of constantly using creams to keep it off, is there a way to get rid of it permanently?

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
A fungal infection can be suspected if there is a red, irritated, or scaly rash in one of the commonly affected areas where fungi usually thrive. Overweight and diabetic individuals  
tend to be more susceptible to fungal infections.

Fungi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts. Many fungi that infect the skin (dermatophytes) live only in the topmost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) and do not penetrate deeper.

Fungal infections on one part of the body can cause rashes on other parts of the body. These may be allergic bumps which appear in response to the fungus and are not part of the fungal infection itself.

There is no permanent cure for fungal infections. They will recur through-out a person's lifetime, if the individual is susceptible and the conditions are right for them to grow enough to cause an infection.

ref:http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec18/ch212/ch212a.html

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

This may be a case of tinea versicolor. Direct skin to skin contact and use of infected inanimate objects may cause this. In your case, this has been present for years. At this point, I would suggest a skin biopsy just to ascertain the diagnosis. Fungal infections may present with mild scaling and even itchiness. You have not mentioned any of these. A skin biopsy will help us ascertain the diagnosis. Meanwhile , wash the area with mild cleanser like Cetaphil. Apply light moisturizers to keep the skin from drying. Also, apply 0.05% Fluocinonide cream over the area thinly for two days. Apply the cream twice daily. Check if there is any improvement. If none, stop the medications. If an improvement is noted , continue for another week then cease medications.