Persistent rectal fungal infection...

[Teddybear71]

*sigh* Where to begin...

For years now I have suffered with a persistent fungal infection (not helped by a small anal fissure) that just will not go away. I have been to my doctor several times and been prescribed creams and oral medication. The creams work, but they are corticosteroids and I have to stop using them after a while - then the fungus just comes back again, and I have to try the cream again for a couple weeks. Oral medication doesn't work because I just end up too sick to my stomach to take them. I shower regularly, using skin-friendly soap, and wear cotton underwear.

I cannot wear white or tan pants anymore because of wetness that sometimes goes through the underwear. At night, it itches to the point where I can scratch myself to the point of bleeding. Towards the end of the two week regimen of fungal cream, it's much better, but it always comes back again when I have to stop.

This is so very frustrating and limits both my wardrobe and sex life.... I've heard lactic acid gel might help, and I'm willing to try most anything. Does anyone have any good experiences to share?

So sorry if I'm being a downer, but thanks for listening, guys!

 

[nafhoosier]

I'm very sorry you have to deal with that. It doesn't sound like a pleasant thing to have to deal with at all, but for every problem there is a solution.

I suggest going to a specialist (perhaps a dermatologist?) and getting the fungal infection checked out. You might need to go on an intense oral medication and steroid in order to finally kill it.

Best solution: contact a specialist and get it intensely looked at (as embarrassing as it may be).

 

[JoeyJoeJoeShabadu]

If it has been years, you might consider going to a naturopath instead.

 

[Benvolio]

Definitely see a dermatologist. There are anti funguals which are not corticosteroids.

 

[palbert]

I would recommend a dermatologist.

My experience is that GPs tend to lag in treatment of this kind of thing. Often they prescribe a med in vogue when they entered practice.

Also, has this fungus been cultured so as to find the most effective med?

 

[Georgiadude]

Have you seen a proctologist. They specialize in the lower GI tract and problems with the anus. They may have a better treatment for you. As far as the spotting in your pants I know it's not the most manly idea but have you tried using a female pad or "panty liner"? I know its a bit embarrassing but it's better than walking around looking like you had an accident.

I'm really sorry you're going through this. I hope you're able to find help soon

Steven.

 

[medic1]

I would recommend a dermatologist.

My experience is that GPs tend to lag in treatment of this kind of thing. Often they prescribe a med in vogue when they entered practice.

Also, has this fungus been cultured so as to find the most effective med?

This is very true , back then , now , we test before writing a script . Giving drugs right at the very start , means the Doc knows it is only a temporary measure . Until all labs and scans are in . Then you can bespoke your treatment to that patient .

 

[KaraBulut]

I cannot wear white or tan pants anymore because of wetness that sometimes goes through the underwear. At night, it itches to the point where I can scratch myself to the point of bleeding. Towards the end of the two week regimen of fungal cream, it's much better, but it always comes back again when I have to stop.

Is the doctor who prescribed the medication a dermatologist? Did they rule out a pilonidal cyst when they did the exam?

 

[hylas]

perhaps you can use the prescribed medication until you have to stop, then regularly use something much weaker to keep it from coming back? my fungus was on my feet, so its not the same, but vinegar, black tea, and garlic worked for me, and i read that works on fungi in general.

 

[RaKroma]

Why would they give you corticosteroids to treat fungal infection? It's main function is immune suppression for anti-inflammatory effect. Prolonged use of steroid only makes bacteria, yeast stronger so that's why it keeps coming back. http://www.iacdworld.org/skin/steroid.pdf You never properly treated the fungal infection since oral meds (antibiotics?) made you sick. And you need to have the chronic fissure surgically fixed if it's contributing to the infection, otherwise the equation won't change.

 

[medic1]

^This . Go back and get a 2nd opinion .

 

[KaraBulut]

Why would they give you corticosteroids to treat fungal infection?

It's prescribed for the inflammation and itching that often accompanies fungal infection.

It's not used as much as it used to be but there are topical preparations that combine hydrocortisone with either antifungals or antibiotics.

 

[lambdaboy]

See a specialist of the fissure is visible they can coteries it they do this with anal warts if visible to them and not way inside. Mainly see a specialist.

Go to goodle about treatments do not suffer!

 

[palemale]

Definitely see a dermatologist. I have the same thing, except on my balls, not rectum. My dermatologist prescribed both and anti-fungal and steroid (which I think is a corticosteroid). Initially, I would apply both ointments twice a day for two weeks. Now, I only apply the medicine when it flairs. I might do both ointments once, then the anti-fungal a second time, then I'm good to go. Looser underwear is better, keeps one dryer. Also, my doc said not to use fabric softeners on the underwear.