a very painful rash

[Cathy]

About a year ago, I developed a "fungal" rash on the underneath side of my tummy. I am obese, and was told that it stays moist and allows the fungus to grow. Over the past year, it has gotten very severe. I have seen several doctors about it, and have been put on 2 different antibiotics three times. Of late, I am using a lotrisone cream with steriods in it, and at first it was helping, but now seems to be not helping. The rash has become so severe, that it burns all the time. It interfers with walking, or working out, and has a very foul odor to it. It also has a whiteish/clear discharge. Besides being extremely painful, it has now developed "lesions" on it, looks like anything from small cuts to fingernail sized sores, almost resembling a circular burn. I am now beginning to worry if this is more than a fungal infection. I have had my sugar tested to be sure that I am not diabetic, and that was fine. I have been recently diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, in which I take a small amount of Synthroid for. If you have any advise or anything, I would love to know it. My husband is worried that it may be some sort of skin cancer. Thank You.

[Miriam]

Cathy, I have a terrible rash, too. Creams only help temporarily. ANd the deep spontaneously appearing cuts that appear on my fingers and palms hurt so much - and I can't seem to tolerate sugar foods at all - yet I'm not diabetic. and yet, I am hypothyroid, too.
Hair fell out in clumps - have rash on scalp, too - crusty cradle cap - and legs are rashy, and stomach.

HELP!

I have been seeking a solution, and I am starting toworry myself about this - ..MIRIAM

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Cathy:

The rash you describe, though often called "fungus," is in fact usually either a yeast, or, more commonly, just an irritant rash from rubbing and moisture.  I would ask your doctor about getting treatment with a prescription-strength cortisone cream.  Keeping the area dry by tap wter compresses and exposing the skin to a heat lamp will also help, at least until it stops oozing.  Apply compresses as follows: dip a washcloth in warm water, apply moist but not dripping, and remoisten every 2-3 minutes.  Continue for 10 minutes twice a day.

That, plus a good steroid cream, will clear you up in a few days.  Reciurrences are common, but easilyn short-circuited by using the cream again.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff