How do you know if you have a fungal skin infection or just eczema?

Question

extremely itchy rash around the mouth with pimply things, driving me insane, cortisone worked for a while but can't keep using it, help.

p.s doctor is not sure what it is either

Answer 1

you could try an antifungal cream (available over the counter at the pharmacy in Australia at least) to see if it makes any difference.

My 8 year old daughter had a pimply rash around the mouth. At first I thought it was an eczema type of rash but the doctor diagnosed it as probable impetigo. a course of antibiotics sorted it out.  

Answer 2

i doubt its eczema i have had that since i was a baby and its not like that

try e45 anti itch creme it might be a form of dematitus

i would also get a different doctors opinion and ask for allergy testing

Answer 3

My friend's got something like that, but on her arm. She went to the chemist, and they gave her E45 cream and another cream [not sure what that one was called, but i think it was one for athlete's foot]. They seem to have helped, it's got a bit less pimply now. So yeah, i'd go ask your chemist =)

Answer 4

I have Eczema and Psoriasis. Eczema  is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. These include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema (swelling), itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed lesions, although scarring is rare.Atopic eczema (aka infantile e., flexural e., atopic dermatitis) is believed to have a hereditary component, and often runs in families whose members also have hay fever and asthma. Itchy rash is particularly noticeable on head and scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind knees, and buttocks. Experts are urging doctors to be more vigilant in weeding out cases that are, in actuality, irritant contact dermatitis. It is very common in developed countries, and rising.

Contact dermatitis is of two types: allergic (resulting from a delayed reaction to some allergen, such as poison ivy or nickel), and irritant (resulting from direct reaction to a solvent, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, for example). Some substances act both as allergen and irritant (wet cement, for example). Other substances cause a problem after sunlight exposure, bringing on phototoxic dermatitis. About three quarters of cases of contact eczema are of the irritant type, which is the most common occupational skin disease. Contact eczema is curable provided the offending substance can be avoided, and its traces removed from one’s environment.  

Xerotic eczema  is dry skin that becomes so serious it turns into eczema. It worsens in dry winter weather, and limbs and trunk are most often affected. The itchy, tender skin resembles a dry, cracked, river bed. This disorder is very common among the older population. Ichthyosis is a related disorder. Dermatitis is often treated by glucocorticoid (a corticosteroid steroid) ointments, creams or lotions. They do not cure eczema, but are highly effective in controlling or suppressing symptoms in most cases.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). Medium-potency corticosteroids such as clobetasone butyrate (Eumovate), Betamethasone Valerate (Betnovate) or triamcinolone are also available. Generally medical practitioners will prescribe the less potent ones first before trying the more potent ones. In many countries, weak steroids such as hydrocortisone can be purchased 'over the counter' , while the more potent ones require a prescription.

if this sound like you I would recommend using a non-abrasive soap on your face such as Tone or Dove Facial Wash they don't have the Harsh Chemicals and No Perfume in them. Use Tone and Dove for the rest of your Body also. Don't Itch it the Oils in your Skin will Spread the Excema around. Wash your clothes in Dreft or Baby All. It could be a Rash from your Clothes or just an Allergic Reaction to Something.

Answer 5

i had the same trouble-but the doc told me it was Sirius got dithro cream put it on an hour b 4 u have a bath then wash it off it works really quick or try going to a skin specialist hope this helps.

Answer 6

Great doctor you have!

Ask the pharmacist, mine knows everything and is very helpful. Change your GP!

Answer 7

The doctor can do a test to see if it is fungal. There is no bacteria in eczema of itself.

Your doctor needs to go for retraining.