I know that some of you will see this and think, OMG, this is TMI. But I am writing this to give a heads up to other women like me who are having a, ahem, little problem with a rash that won’t go away.
This rash started back in November, 2009, when we went to Alabama last year. I thought at first that I had gotten into some chiggers (Look it up, if you aren’t from the south. They are little red bugs that live in tall grass and weeds, and if they get into your clothing, they will bite you and make you itch like crazy). So, I doctored myself with some triple antibiotic cream,and rubbing alcohol, and nail polish and the rash and the itch did not go away.
I went to the Doctor in January, and while I was there, I told him about the rash and the itch, and he prescribed an ointment for me to use. I used the whole tube up, and it did not help. I was still itching, and itching in more places. So, when we got to Flagstaff in April, I went to the doctor again. I had to take my pants off and show myself to a strange male doctor. He prescribed yet another ointment, one that cost me $56 for a teeny tiny tube of it. Again, I used THAT all up, and I still itched. By this time, I was itching in more places, like under my arms, and under my breasts–it felt like just everywhere. I have been miserable all summer. I have not been sleeping well, either due to this constant itch.
Yesterday when we were in Flagstaff, I went to the doctor again. I told them I was considering jumping from a moving truck on I-40 if I did not get some relief from the itching. I was joking of course, but just barely. This time I had a woman doctor, who seemed to be more attentive than the other doctors I had been to. She prescribed yet another ointment and a round of Diflucan tablets, one a day for ten days.
This skin condition I have, is a form of yeast infection. I have had those “other” yeast infections before, but I never had a clue that you could get a yeast infection of the skin. But that is exactly what I have. I am happy to say that for today, it is the first time in almost a year that I have not itched. The treatment that the doctor in Flagstaff prescribed is working. No jumping out of trucks for me!
geogypsy says
Well, I’m glad that’s over.
Arnette Weeden says
Karen, I have lots of empathy with you about that rash. After surgery I had a rash on my stomach that my oncologist said was a yeast infection – never knew you could get a yeast infection on the “outside.” He had me get Lotrimin (for athlete’s feet) and it cleared up that crazy rash right away. I hope the prescriptions your newest doctor prescribed completely heal you!
diane says
Ouch you made me itchy reading this. I used to take diflucan years ago.
Sandra Merrikin says
Interesting! Glad you finally found someone who could diagnose! I think Diflucan is what Gordon took when he had Valley Fever. It’s for fungal infection. It’s definitely a problem being so far away from medical help when you’re working at the Canyon.
Froggi Donna says
Glad you got a good diagnosis…here’s to a quick and full recovery!!
Linda Sewell says
My Seester,
I have had yeast infections under my, well, my girls before too. Dr. Ford perscribed meds similar to what you are taking and it went away…I too didn’t know you could get yeast infections on the outside. I’m still wondering why us women have to endure all of this crap…Men just don’t have a clue other than having to live with us and “our conditions” LOL Glad you are getting some relief 😉 <3
Thim says
Wow! I didn’t know you could have a yeast infection on the skin. I definately learned something today!
I was just diagnosed with PMLE – I’m allergic to the sun! Since my “rash” gets itchy and red-bumpy too, that was what I thought of right away!
Hope you are still itch-free!
Thim 🙂
Cheryl says
I’m glad you got that straightened out! Diabetics are prone to yeast infections – probably something to do with not metabolizing sugars properly. My Dad gets it in is mouth (thrush) and it is absolutely miserable. Luckily you didn’t transfer it to your mouth. And, lucky Jimbo didn’t get it too! I am allergic to diflucan ;( Isn’t that a woman’s worst nightmare? I take a lot of “Power Dophilus” (which is just acidopholis on steroids) to keep thinks in check all the time since I can’t take diflucan.
Ali Workentin says
I get yeast infections under the girls about twice a year. I take Diflucan and it works wonders. I also got a topacle cream (it is in the motor home right now and we are not) but once we are back I will find out what it is. It is quite pricey but a bottle lasts well over a year.
Hope the itches are still staying away.
Fab Grandma says
see, I knew it had to common, but we girls never talk about this stuff. If we did, I would have known what to ask for when I went to the doctor!