How much longer????

[rhonda_tn]

About 3 weeks ago I noticed a round itchy rashy thing on my lower back...It's ringworm.....I tried OTC creams, Lamisil, and it didn't do much...as a matter of fact I found like 25 more on my body....on my back, buttocks, arms, stomach, legs, and I feel like I"m going crazy.. I finally went to the Dr. and got a script for that Ketam  cream stuff and it's still not helping much.  I keep finding more and more of them....I'm now trying tea tree oil and a soap made of tea tree oil and Hemp oil....How long until it starts getting better?

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
Since you are a diabetic so any infection especially fungal infection takes a longer time to heal and hence you need to use topical and oral antifungals for a longer period of time. Please follow up with your dermatologist and try keeping the blood sugar levels under control. Also get your blood sugar levels evaluated at regular intervals.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[rhonda_tn]

I have been to see my PCP and he says it's Ringworm....I was given the cream at first but now that it has spread all over my body I have just gotten the antifungal pills to take.  I did forget to mention that am a Diabetic and this makes it harder to clear this up....I've been using the cream for almost 2 weeks and all that's happened is they spread....I am so miserable, the itching wakes me up at night, and I thought they were going away but then I found more places.... How long does it take for the pills to work?  Are the pills better then the cream?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it is very difficult to confirm anything but it can be ringworm or pityriasis rosea. In pityriasis rosea initially, a primary plaque, called a herald patch, is seen. Then it is followed by a distinctive, generalized rash 1-2 weeks later. The rash lasts approximately 2-6 weeks and is found in a Christmas tree pattern over the trunk and abdomen.

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