Are Small Itchy Bumps On Chest Signs Of Fungal Infection?

Posted on Sat, 28 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 May 2016 Answered on

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I want to know what kind of virus I have.

Tiny red bumps with some enlarged and a flat pink skin tone as well, especially on my chest and everywhere, now probably inside the body. What could that do to my system? If I don't see an improvement in the next hour, I'm going to an emergency room.

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following picture and info are needed first

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I have just received your query and gone through carefully.

Can you send a picture of skin bumps please?
Apart virus, I suspect of a possible allergic reaction.

Please tell if the bumps are itchy? if you have a fever? or any other symptom?
For the moment, take benadryl.

Looking forward to have the requested data in.
Dr. Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (3 days later)

Yes the small bumps are itchy and don't have a fever. Two Dr.s have said it's a fungal infection which I guess is right but I have bought several different lotions that do not work on this and so it must not be fungal. I don't think the pics I sent in one file sent, so resent in 5 seperate files. The larger patches have not changed size or shape in the 6-7 weeks this has been going on. The smaller bumps don't show in these pics unless you can enlarge the pics. Thanks very much

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Skin scrapping KOH examination advised to run further

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for providing the requested photos. From what I have seen so far, I too think of fungal infection. Fiery, as you say that the 2 antifungal lotions you've been using so far are not working, it's time to confirm the right diagnosis.

This time I suggest to run examination of skin scrapping for fungi.

Can you please specify the creams you've been using so far?

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (3 hours later)

Creams I have tried include:
Nystatin Triamcinolone Acetonide USP..........................$55.00
Terbinafine Hydrochloride 1%
Terbinafine Oral 250mg one per day
Clotrimazole 1%
Lidocaine 4%

Not using all at same time, 7 weeks overall.
Warm bath with that oatmeal stuff every other night.

It reduces intensity after applying the cream in the morning but comes back by bedtime. I don't know what allergic reaction it might be caused by. Thinking.
I have noticed the abundance of brown spots and some that have almost a wart type look, gray and coarser than surroundings.

I am very weight correct and active, golf, tennis, hard work and mostly nothing bothers me very long. The persistence of this is what I don't understand. How long does a fungal condition last?
Thanks very much

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment can last months or years,nizoral shampoo suggested

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for providing the requested information.

From what you are reporting, I can see that you've tried the best for the fungal infection of the skin. Unfortunately they did not work. Please take note that the improvement can be notable at least 2-4 weeks after treatment. However, treatment should be continued for two weeks after totally cleared. The overall treatment can last for months or year.

I am still thinking of running the examination of skin scrapping.

Besides, having a bath with nizoral (antifungal) shampoo twice a week can also be helpful.

Wish fast recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (43 minutes later)

ok thanks, my son is also having skin problems but his Dr. thinks it's bacterial.
I will google what causes there are for fungal and bacterial skin disorders.

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ok...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

In your case, the first problem was a fungal infection. Due to scratching, it might have caused a secondary bacterial infection at site of itching.

Normally, skin is composed of both bacteria and fungi which are normal part of it.

Sometimes, the normal skin flora is broken resulting in fungal growth causing infection.

Some other times, there are pathogenic fungi from outside the body causing Infection. That's why I recommended to run skin scrapping examination to determine what fungi are causing skin infection to you.

All the best.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D