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Original poster

What on earth can I do about htis fungal infection?

25 replies

listsandbudgets · 15/03/2023 16:01

I can't get a GP appointment - I've now tried 8 days - Monday to Friday last week and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Each time stuck in queue for ever and when I finally get an answer told to ring back tomorrow. They finally agreed to pass a note to the nurse yesterday who phoned and told me it was a job for the pharmasist..

I explained that I've tried daktarin, canestan - oral and cream, cutting out sugar for a couple of weeks but after 4 months I still have a huge red, itchy, smelly patch with stinky discharge under my breast. I wash it at least twice daily, put some kind of antifungal cream on it and change my bra every day but it's so persistent I could cry.

In fact I DID cry because today I finally got to the pharmacy and she said all she was prepared to sell me was daktarin and if that wasn't good enough to go back to my GP (who told me to got here in the first place). I actually burst into tears in the middle of Boots Blush

So can't get a GP appointment. Pharmacy won't help unless I get a prescription. I'm spending a fortune on anti fungal treatments that don't work and I still stink and itch and my bra is damp every day with discharge, it's disgusting.

Please help

OP posts:
MeinKraft · 15/03/2023 16:22

Have you tried Daktacourt?

Pegsmum · 15/03/2023 16:23

You poor thing. I’d have said Canesten cream but you’ve tried that. You could ring GP surgery back and say you’ve actually shown a pharmacist who has said you need a prescription.
I know it’s not ideal but how about an online prescription/consultation? I recently used Dr Fox online, you can upload photos and I found the service really good. More expensive than an NHS prescription but not too bad at all. Maybe worth a look? Obviously your GP should be helping you but if you’re desperate it’s worth it.

WeeOrcadian · 15/03/2023 16:28

Do you have a local walk-in?

ScaredSceptic · 15/03/2023 16:31

Try making an urgent complaint to the GP practice manager, emphasising that this is now affecting your mental health

Badger1970 · 15/03/2023 16:33

Have you tried the Canesten Hydrocortisone? Only thing that works if I get a rash under my boobs. Use very sparingly though.

Mind you, if you've got discharge that sounds like it could be infected in which case you do need to see a GP. Can you email your practice? Or leave a message via their NHS webpage?

TheInterceptor · 15/03/2023 16:35

In the meantime, tuck a clean, dry flannel under your bra - It'll cushion the chafing and absorb discharge. Change it day and night. Sympathy, OP.

ArcticSkewer · 15/03/2023 16:40

While you wait for a GP appointment, try a shampoo called nizoral.

Wet the skin, all around the area not just the rash. Apply some shampoo and then, very important, leave it on the skin for ten minutes. Wash off. Repeat daily for 10 days.

If you can buy daktacort online as well, apply that a few times a day (store in the fridge).

And wash clothes with halo - it kills fungi as well as bacteria.

cocksstrideintheevening · 15/03/2023 17:57

I'm trying to kill off a jock itch infection. Fucking joyous.

Get some flucanazole tablets. Same as for thrush. Should get a handle on it.

Any chance you could have diabetes?

LeoEisor · 15/03/2023 18:05

MeinKraft · 15/03/2023 16:22

Have you tried Daktacourt?

I second this!!

Bovril2000 · 15/03/2023 18:09

Good god this is appalling you poor thing OP.

Write to practice manager and insist on a face to face appointment with a nurse practitioner - they are generally much more clued up on this type of issue than the GPs. Hope you get sorted soon.

merlotlover · 15/03/2023 20:28

Dermol 200 - shower gel
I swear by sudacrem lots of it on over night

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 15/03/2023 20:38

Call 111 or use their online tool. I've been able to get an appt with a local GP through 111 before when I'd been unable to get an appt direct through my GP.

LulooLemon · 15/03/2023 21:49

You poor thing. In your case I would contact 111. They can make Dr appointments for you.

IHeartKingThistle · 15/03/2023 21:54

How awful. I had an awful fungal rash once and they put me on steroids but every time they stopped them it came back. Then someone on here said to try Head and Shoulders because it's anti fungal. It worked quite quickly - I just used it like shower gel. Sorry if it doesn't help but thought I'd share.

starrylights · 15/03/2023 22:17

Sounds ridiculous, but have you tried sudacreme? I find it works really quickly on sore areas such as these and creates a barrier, which allows it to heal. Not sure it can treat a fungal infection, but could be worth a try.

Jakadaal · 15/03/2023 22:23

Can you do an econsult? Or just call in at the surgery. To be honest as an ex practice manager anyone presenting with a breast issue I would advise staff to offer them an urgent appointment

MadeInChorley · 15/03/2023 22:24

Another recommending Daktacort. You can buy it over the counter. It takes a few days of applications but worked for me when I had similar. Clean pyjamas every night too.

MrsMoastyToasty · 15/03/2023 22:27

Have you tried athletes foot spray and deodorant spray used together?

Augend23 · 15/03/2023 22:32

You could try and get some terbinafine gel/cream from (a different?) pharmacy.

But I would also try doing an "econsult" or "ask my GP". You can then write down clearly the things you have tried, the fact the pharmacist hasn't been able to help and that therefore the nurse's previous recommendation wasn't feasible. Most practices have this option and they should deal with it within 24 hours, but some will hide it away on their websites so it's not easy to spot.

If still no joy then emailing the practice manager would be my next call.

deedeemegadoodoo · 15/03/2023 22:35

I had this terribly for a while (intertrigo). Creams just make the area ‘moist’ which makes it worse. Someone on here recommended athletes foot spray and it is the only think that worked for me (Daktarin Aktiv). Avoid cropped synthetic top type bras, clean bra every day (cotton if possible). Seriously…athlete’s foot spray will clear it up. Stings slightly for a few seconds when it is inflamed , smelly and moist, but the spray dries it up.

Fireplacefresh · 15/03/2023 22:37

I'm another one saying sudocreme. I would try putting some on at night before bed.

CheeseMeltCracker · 21/03/2023 07:06

Hi, it can be tricky to get hold of, but iodine would be my choice here if you simply cannot get help at the surgery.

But please call 111 and explain to them graphically what’s going on. And complain to the practice manager.

midnightblue12 · 21/03/2023 07:10

When you ring the GP up tell them the impact this having on your mental health and that you are Wally struggling with the infection and the stress!
From my experience, our GP surgery are really pushing back on fungal infections.... I wonder if it's a nationwide thing?

If you can't get through on the phone could you make the app in person?

CherryogDog · 22/03/2023 07:39

I had something that sounds the same. The GP told me to put selenium shampoo on it, leave it for 10 minutes then wash off. Worked a treat.

LeoEisor · 18/04/2023 20:33

Have you managed to get anywhere with it OP?

Betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% / Clotrimazole 1% cream

Is what I've just been prescribed after having what they believe to be a fungal rash since November. Luckily I have no symptoms with mine. But it seems to be doing the trick after trying four creams

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