the dreaded fungus [Archive] - Professional Soldiers ®

pulque

06-10-2005, 16:40

I said I would be aware of insects, worms, and snakes. Unfortunately, the dreaded fungus got past my guard.

When I got back from a trip about 3 months ago I noticed what I thought was a mosquito bite on my left calf. It was very itchy red bump. When it did not go away after several months and kept being itchy and iritating, and its shape was changing, I went to the doctor. I thought it was maybe ringworm, but admitedly it didnt look much like ringworm. She didnt know what it was. Maybe an insect bite that left some material causing an immune response. She prescribed some steroidal cream. After 3 days of the cream there appeared suddenly two new bright red itchy spots, closer to the ankle. I felt like a leper from this unknown "rash". These were driving me bats*** crazy! I thought maybe I had picked up some flesh eating bacteria or whatever. I called up my Doc and told her it was spreading. That day another spot appeared, and I called again. Every time a spot appeared I called! last week I got a biopsy. She punched a 0.5 cm x 0.3cm piece out of my leg, threw it in a formalin container and shipped it off to the pathologists. One week later she takes out the stitches and we get the report. At first the pathologists thought it was from an arthropod bite, based mostly on the eosinophil pattern. However, when they did a PAS stain (Periodic Acid Schiff) the diagnosis was changed to dermatophytosis (fungi). The doc translated that to mean something like ringworm. Ringworm! One trip to the drugstore later for some Lamisil cream (over the counter) and I (hopefully) am on my way to health.

So tell me, looking at this would you guys have bipassed the system and have gone to the drugstore to get the Lamisil, or did I do the right thing?

cszakolczai

06-10-2005, 21:26

It could also be eczema, its a type of soriasis if I am not mistaken, not to sure about it but I had it and they thought it was fungus for the longest time. Try something called "clobetasol" thats what helped me get over mine. Its prescription but it does the trick.
Chris

AngelsSix

06-12-2005, 18:48

He already mentioned that he was using a steroidal cream, that clobetasol is essentially the same thing. It will not cure what is the cause, which is fungus. Selenium sulfide shampoo (commonly found in Dandruff shampoos) and/or an anti -fungal will do the trick.

The Reaper

06-12-2005, 18:52

AngelsSix

06-12-2005, 19:47

I certainly was not implying anything, just a matter of course since I am the only female on my team I have gotten used to everyone being a "guy".
My apologies........was certainly not my intention to offend anyone.

As a side note, I have been deployed to the ME three times in the last two years, I have dealt with the dreaded fungus more than I care to discuss.......can you say Interceptor vest?? ;)

24601

06-13-2005, 05:23

Since you'd never had this before, I would have gone to the doc. Better safe than sorry. Now, if you get it again, you know.

pulque

06-15-2005, 19:15

Selenium sulfide shampoo (commonly found in Dandruff shampoos) and/or an anti -fungal will do the trick.

Hey that is interesting knowledge about the shampoo, A6. Thanks. Sorry to hear it sounds like you have too much experience with the dreaded fungus. If you dont mind me asking, how does the Interceptor vest cause it? Or does it protect from it..?

PS I am not a guy but no offense taken. I think maybe girls get "the dreaded fungus" whereas guys get jock itch of the leg. Of course I could be wrong ;)

Bill Harsey

06-15-2005, 19:25

Hope your on the healing side Ma'am.

AngelsSix

06-15-2005, 20:29

Actually, the sweat being trapped in that nice damp place on your back every day for 12-15 hours while you sit (or stand or lay) in the beating sun is what caused mine. The doc did a simple skin scrap with a slide and came back and said to use some dandruff shampoo. I have also taken an oral anti fungal at the same time. Over the counter anti fungals vary in type of medication, while one works the other may not, I have had varied results. One thing that does work os using foot powder and a tight fitting underarmour shirt (the loose ones bunch up and cause pressure points under my vest).
I have also had another doc tell me that sometimes it can be bacterial not fungal, so a test is always a good idea. I have to admit, I never had problems with my skin until I started using that anti bacterial soap all the time. I think I am going to get away from it. I typically shower twice a day, three if I am working out or in the yard all day doing stuff. So it can happen for the strangest reasons.

pulque

06-16-2005, 10:25

Hope your on the healing side Ma'am.

Thanks Bill. I 'preciate the sentiment.