1. < Skin Health

Is this a Fungal Infection?

Posted by josuew4 @josuew4, Jun 11, 2021

Since at least 3 to 4 weeks ago one of my arms has been developing 2 red areas which I suspect are fungal infections, I am posting them below.
Are they a fungal infection? And how should I treat them?

The anti Fungal cream (Clotrimazol) which I bought does not seem to have helped, in fact it maybe has gotten even slightly worse, though to be fair at the start I was not using it correctly, but what do you recommend to deal with it.

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 11, 2021

Hi @josuew4 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! In this community based forum, we’re not medical professionals so we can’t diagnose health problems or prescribe treatments.

Oh gosh, those are some nasty looking spots. Are the areas itchy or painful? Have they enlarged in size since you first discovered them? Have you been in contact with any plants or insect bites? Any possibility of being exposed to ticks?

The fact that you’re using an antifungal cream and it’s not working would have me heading to my physician to get a professional opinion. Especially if this has been going on for 3-4 weeks.

Rashes can be difficult to diagnose. If it’s a not fungal rash, sometimes an anti inflammatory/steroid topical cream can help sooth the rash. But really, it would warrant a trip to the clinic to get a professional diagnosis.

Will you let us know how it turns out please? Sharing experiences such as yours will be able to help other members in the future.

REPLY
1 reply
josuew4 | @josuew4 | Jun 11, 2021
In reply to @loribmt "Hi @josuew4 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! In this community based forum, we’re not medical professionals..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hi @josuew4 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! In this community based forum, we’re not medical professionals so we can’t diagnose health problems or prescribe treatments.

Oh gosh, those are some nasty looking spots. Are the areas itchy or painful? Have they enlarged in size since you first discovered them? Have you been in contact with any plants or insect bites? Any possibility of being exposed to ticks?

The fact that you’re using an antifungal cream and it’s not working would have me heading to my physician to get a professional opinion. Especially if this has been going on for 3-4 weeks.

Rashes can be difficult to diagnose. If it’s a not fungal rash, sometimes an anti inflammatory/steroid topical cream can help sooth the rash. But really, it would warrant a trip to the clinic to get a professional diagnosis.

Will you let us know how it turns out please? Sharing experiences such as yours will be able to help other members in the future.

Jump to this post

Yes it is quite itchy, now one of the rashes originated where there was a mosquito bite, but the other one was a simple cut, but no I have not had any contacts with ticks.
And yes, after I first found them they grew and after I used the anti fungal cream they seemed to stop and then grow a bit more, but I checked the instructions and I was using the cream incorrectly and I changed it 3 days ago, since then it appears they have not grown more, but I am unsure.

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 11, 2021
In reply to @josuew4 "Yes it is quite itchy, now one of the rashes originated where there was a mosquito..." + (show)
@josuew4

Yes it is quite itchy, now one of the rashes originated where there was a mosquito bite, but the other one was a simple cut, but no I have not had any contacts with ticks.
And yes, after I first found them they grew and after I used the anti fungal cream they seemed to stop and then grow a bit more, but I checked the instructions and I was using the cream incorrectly and I changed it 3 days ago, since then it appears they have not grown more, but I am unsure.

Jump to this post

Yeah, I can understand the uncertainty. My concern is stemming from what you just mentioned…that one originated where there was a mosquito bite and another from a simple cut. Both had points of entry into your skin whether a fungus or bacteria. Especially if the areas itch so much it would be easy to get an infection by scratching, no matter how cautious you are.

To be safe I’d really suggest stopping into clinic to have these areas looked at by a doctor. Even a First Care or walk-in clinic. That way you’ll know for sure and the worry is taken off your shoulders. Sometimes it’s simple matter of getting a prescription topical medication. ☺️

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 19, 2021
In reply to @josuew4 "Yes it is quite itchy, now one of the rashes originated where there was a mosquito..." + (show)
@josuew4

Yes it is quite itchy, now one of the rashes originated where there was a mosquito bite, but the other one was a simple cut, but no I have not had any contacts with ticks.
And yes, after I first found them they grew and after I used the anti fungal cream they seemed to stop and then grow a bit more, but I checked the instructions and I was using the cream incorrectly and I changed it 3 days ago, since then it appears they have not grown more, but I am unsure.

Jump to this post

Hi! I’ve been wondering if you’ve found any relief for the rashy areas on your arm. Has there been any change in size and itchiness?

I hope you’ve been able to have them checked out at a clinic so you don’t have to put up with that all summer. 😉 Lori

REPLY
imallears | @imallears | Jun 20, 2021

@josuew4
Hi,

I don’t think any OTC cream will effectively get rid of the rash. I would go to Dermatologist rather than a general MD. Dermatologists have seen it all and they can prescribe a stronger cream or ointment . I suspect this can be cleared up pretty fast. But schedule an appointment first thing and bring the cream you are using now with you,

FL Mary

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