Fungal or Staph? On Son's Arm Please Help

[bigolbigun]

14 year old son has a  sore on arm began 3 days ago about the size of a pimple. Noticed increased size yesterday. He is in football and staph had been present earlier in the summer in the locker room.  I was worried and took him to a doc in a box last night. he diagnosed it as a fungal infection and  prescribed a z-pack antibiotic and a topical cream of Nystatin. I am not confident in that diagnosis due to the odd pattern of bleeding that occurred this a.m. when bandage was removed. Blood seems to at first rise from the sub part of the wound in a pattern of little individual dots that then come together to pool. I had a brown recluse spider bite a few years back that bled in a similar pattern. He has no signs of necrosis like I had 4 days out, so I am pretty sure that's not it. However I am still reluctant to believe a fungal infection could appear like this. I have included a picture. Please let me know if my concerns are valid or not. Thank you> Bobby

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

You are welcome.

You may use saline water to wash the sore. One teaspoon table salt in a glass of warm water may be used to wash the area twice a day. This will help soften dead tissue and cleanse the wound. Pat dry with a clean towel. Apply the cream and leave open. Unless your son engages in certain exercises or activities that require him to stay outdoors, then you may have to cover the area with sterile gauze.

I will wait for the image.

[bigolbigun]

Vanessa,

Thanks for you input. The photo is pending admin approval so I guess it is not visible yet. Perhaps you could revisit this thread and see if the photo gives you a more definitive answer as to his condition.  Thanks again

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

There is no image attached.

I understand you concern. At this point, this sounds like an acute insect bite or a folliculitis. Fungal infections usually present as a well demarcated red rash with a light clearing on the center. Your son may still need the antibiotics. I suggest that he complies with this. As with the topical medication, apply as directed. After 3 days, if the area does not seem to improve, then you may cease the topical medications and get a follow up consult with your physician. If the bump progresses or involves other parts of the body, then a referral to an infectious disease specialist may be warranted.

Wash the area with warm water. Wash with a mild cleanser and keep the area clean and dry. Your son may have to avoid getting the affected skin contaminated by dirt and sweat especially when he is outdoors to play. Sterile gauze applied over the affected area may help.