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Are any of the women on this thread taking oral contraceptives? I know they aren't supposed to affect pityrosporum... so one of my dermatologists say... but I really wonder if it doesn't do something, because it does alter hormones and change sebum/oil. maybe it makes it less on your face, but who knows about on the rest of the body...
I just got off mine to see if it helps.
anyone?
hi all,
i've had PF for over a year, off and on and have driven myself crazy with trying to get rid of it. There have been times where i've been totally covered on my back and chest and some down my stomach. Other times (in dry climates) I'm 97% clear. I couldn't understand what was making it come back.
But the last 4 months have been consistently the worst.
I've tried almost everything. But I think I finally found a trick to the regimen, in case it interests any of you that have also had a very hard time getting rid of this forever.
This summer I went to a dermatologist again, and he put me on ketaconazole. It worked in the beginning, but really wasn't doing much after 2-3 weeks and i had only about 60% clearing. Then I switched to itraconazole. I've been on it for 5 weeks (200 mg a day) and the results are 90% clearing. (you should get liver tests after the first 2 weeks, then every month.) It took awhile to work well, and up to 10 days ago I still had maybe a handful of new spots each day. Although it was working better, I was so frustrated so I started looking for other remedies. This is what has worked amazingly well:
1) I started using ZNP bar 5 days ago. Almost an overnight difference.
2) discovered 100% tea tree oil, just a dab on each spot or a very light coverage over an area, and it completely stops the spots from becoming larger. They just start to fade and disappear. Amazing.
3) make sure you aren't zinc deficient. take zinc (zinc picolinate, 22mg/day) in addition to a daily multi-vitamin (which probably doesn't even give you enough daily value of zinc anyway), because some research says it increases the skin's ability to heal. google that to read more.
4)If you live in humidity, use Gold Bond powder. I acts as a barrier between your skin and the humidity and soaks up extra moisture. This really helped me during mild times when I didn't need to use skin creme.
5)I don't know if this has any effect, but i got off my oral contraceptive this month too. Just in case.
I know everyone's skin and condition is different, but this yeast is very stubborn. So for those of you who are looking for something new to try, try those and let me know what happens.
Other advice i have had from dermatologists:
what shampoo are you using? Some have ingredients that will block your pores (runs down your skin when washing) so use something that is dermatologist recommended.
Drink lots of water.
Only wear cotton clothes. cotton bed sheets. Wash frequently in mild detergent.
Take cool showers, no hot baths, no sauna, no hot tub.
If you sweat during the day or exercise, rinse off afterwards asap. (with one of the recommended ZNP or Nizoral)
Alternate anti-fungal body wash with over-the-counter benzole peroxide or something that will help unblock pores. (I use Neutrogena Clear Pore)
Tanning might increase your susceptibility, creates a layer of dead skin, esp. if you burn (which blocks pores) and also tanning causes you to sweat in the sun.
Don't use cremes, oils, lotions, etc on your skin other than Rx for the rash.
Cut back on caffeine/alcohol which dehydrate you.
good luck
What is ZNP?
I'm thinking I have some kind of folliculitis, as I posted a thread on it and didn't realize there already were so many.... I'm thinking mine may be fungal, atleast on my ass/ thighs, because it popped up after a month course of antibiotics, along with other known fungal infections (which I haven't been able to rid myself completely of, either. Augh!)
Is this stuff contagious?
I don't think it is contagious, since everyone has the yeast on their skin. People with PF just have an overgrowth of the stuff. It can spread across your body though. I have this crap too - its a real pain to deal with. It started to clear with topical Nizoral shampoo, but that only lasted a few weeks, then it came back again. I started on oral fluconazole a week ago, so I am hoping this helps. If it doesn't, I am going to try going to a different derm.
Thanks to KC_meow for the treatment advice. My case of PF sounds a lot like what you've experienced. I have had it for about a year, it sort of came and went, but never totally went away. Topical ketaconazole worked for 2-3 weeks, then stopped working. Its so frustrating! I've been curious about the ZNP bar - it sounds like it is helping you. I e-mailed my derm about it, so I'll wait to see what he says.
The one recommendation that I'm not sure I totally agree with is using benzoyl peroxide on folliculitis. From what I have read, if the folliculitis is caused by yeast then using acne meds that kill bacteria (BP or antibiotics) can make the condition worse. Everything else you mention though are all things I have seen recommended - the loose, cotton clothing, avoiding humid environments, using gentle detergents, etc.
Thanks again for this very helpful post!!!!
I found a place to order propylene glycol online:
The Chemistry Store
Looks like it's fairly safe ... if you buy "non-toxic antifreeze" this is basically what you are buying (as opposed to ethylene glycol, which IS toxic).
On the other hand, someone out there is clearly worried about this stuff, cuz there are dozens of "natural" deodorants proudly proclaiming themselves to be propylene-glycol free.
I'm going the Nizoral 2% route for now, and am seeing some progress ..... but if it doesn't work, I think this is my backup plan.
oh, and you can buy Nizoral 2% on Amazon.com ...
LionQueen said:I found a place to order propylene glycol online:Looks like it's fairly safe ... if you buy "non-toxic antifreeze" this is basically what you are buying (as opposed to ethylene glycol, which IS toxic).
On the other hand, someone out there is clearly worried about this stuff, cuz there are dozens of "natural" deodorants proudly proclaiming themselves to be propylene-glycol free.
I'm going the Nizoral 2% route for now, and am seeing some progress ..... but if it doesn't work, I think this is my backup plan.
oh, and you can buy Nizoral 2% on Amazon.com ...
I also asked my derm about the ZNP bar and he says it can be very effective. I ordered a couple of bars and am going to alternate with that and the 2% Nizoral. I'm iffy on the propylene glycol. Maybe if the new meds and soap don't work....
So I'm pretty sure I have either bacterial or fungal folliculitis. Since I've read that some people have acne in addition to folliculitis, what would be the treatment for them? I'm thinking I may continue washing my back with salicylic acid, but add the ZNP bar into the mix. If then that didnt work could I add benzoyl peroxide cream applied after? Or is that just overkill?
So I'm pretty sure I have either bacterial or fungal folliculitis. Since I've read that some people have acne in addition to folliculitis, what would be the treatment for them? I'm thinking I may continue washing my back with salicylic acid, but add the ZNP bar into the mix. If then that didnt work could I add benzoyl peroxide cream applied after? Or is that just overkill?
If you think you have a combo of both you might stay away from BP. The BP may help the acne, but exacerbate the folliculitis (if in fact you have the form that is caused by a fungal or yeast infection).
I have read that salicylic or mandelic acid can be effective topical treatments, so you might give the salicylic a try - maybe alternate with the ZNP bar? Have you tried the Nizoral shampoo? That can also be effective for some types of folliculitis.
Well I haven't used that shampoo but... the reason I think I may have both is because a few months ago, around April, I came accross the Head and Shoulders "method" where one uses that as a bodywash. I used it for like a week but got initial breakouts so I just stopped using it as a body wash. However, I kept using it as a shampoo because I figured I bought it and might as well use it. I went back to using dial antibacterial soap, which I had been having some success with. Then for about a month or two I had no breakouts at all. I thought the reason I stopped breaking out was just because of the antibacterial soap. Then about halfway through the summer the acne/folliclwatever it is came back as bad as ever. I was still using the same head and shoulders shampoo and the same antibacterial soap so I'm really confused. I kept using the same duo for another couple months but it didn't go away. What is going on here? Could it be the reason my back got better in the first place was just because I had the anti-fungal zinc pyristuff running down my back in the shower, then the yeast b/c immune to small doses? It just seems weird because I did not change anything and my back went from perfect to as bad as ever seemingly over night. I used to rub BP all over my back everyday and my back would get better. I'm just confused. Also I just graduated from college and I'm pretty sure I'm not even medically insured anymore, so going to a derm isn't going to happen for a while. Wow long ranting post, sorry.
It might be that the antifungal shampoo cleared it up a bit. If you did have a combo of acne and folliculitis, then the dial may have helped the acne breakouts, but not the folliculitis. And when it killed all the bacteria on your skin, the yeast that causes folliculitis may have spread, causing the worsening of your breakouts. Folliculitis tends to come back - its very persistent, even when treated by derms with oral and topical antifungals. The Nizoral shampoo should be less irritating to the skin than the head and shoulders, and it also has better ingredients for clearing out fungal or yeast infections - it is actually often prescribed by doctors for folliculitis. It worked great for me for a few weeks, and then lost its effectiveness. I am now on an oral medications that is for yeast infections. I've been on it for 2 weeks and have seen slight clearing so far.
Excuse me if this has already been mentioned, but my Derm just simply broke open one of the bumps on my shoulder, took out the contents (ewwww) and simply examined it under his microscope right there in the office and said it was yeast, not puss or anything that resembled what would come out of a 'acne' pimple. Why don't other derms do this? That will tell you right then and there whether it's Pitro. Foll or acne!!!
Excuse me if this has already been mentioned, but my Derm just simply broke open one of the bumps on my shoulder, took out the contents (ewwww) and simply examined it under his microscope right there in the office and said it was yeast, not puss or anything that resembled what would come out of a 'acne' pimple. Why don't other derms do this? That will tell you right then and there whether it's Pitro. Foll or acne!!!
From reading people's descriptions of trying to treat these body breakouts, it sounds like most people have tried to treat it on their own, rather than going to a derm. I know I did that for almost a year before I finally asked my derm how to treat it. He looked at it and determined right away that it was a yeast caused folliculitis. I think if anyone is unsure whether they have body acne or PF, then they should go to a derm and get a proper diagnosis. Trying to figure it out on your own is pretty difficult.
Hi, well i really don't think Benzoyl Peroxide makes things worse because it isn't going to kill all the bacteria like anti-biotics will. It actually helps the dead skin cells shed, like a Salicylic Acid wash, and actually one of the reasons they say pity. folliculitis happens is becaue of pore blockage and then overgrowth of the yeast.
BP reduces the number of surface skin bacteria, but does not cause bacterial resistance to antibiotics. It also reduces the number of yeasts on the surface of the skin.
Anyway, try whatever you are using and if you feel the urge, I think BP could help. 
fungal infections are very stubborn ... ughhh... but really try the tea tree oil! And I want to hear how you like the prop. glycol.
So I'm pretty sure I have either bacterial or fungal folliculitis. Since I've read that some people have acne in addition to folliculitis, what would be the treatment for them? I'm thinking I may continue washing my back with salicylic acid, but add the ZNP bar into the mix. If then that didnt work could I add benzoyl peroxide cream applied after? Or is that just overkill?
Dont throw all that into the mix yet...
it depends on what kind of folliculitis you have, you should really find out if its fungal or bacterial or both. then you can treat it accordingly.
ZNP is only good for fungal... but the bp wash should be fine for either. try tea tree oil cleanser and see what happens. thats another good one for either bacterial or fungal.
by the way, do the people posting on here that have pityrosporum folliculitis all live in humid places?
So I'm pretty sure I have either bacterial or fungal folliculitis. Since I've read that some people have acne in addition to folliculitis, what would be the treatment for them? I'm thinking I may continue washing my back with salicylic acid, but add the ZNP bar into the mix. If then that didnt work could I add benzoyl peroxide cream applied after? Or is that just overkill?
Dont throw all that into the mix yet...
it depends on what kind of folliculitis you have, you should really find out if its fungal or bacterial or both. then you can treat it accordingly.
ZNP is only good for fungal... but the bp wash should be fine for either. try tea tree oil cleanser and see what happens. thats another good one for either bacterial or fungal.
by the way, do the people posting on here that have pityrosporum folliculitis all live in humid places?
From what I have read and what my doctor told me, BP is not good for folliculitis caused by fungal infections - that it can, in fact, make it worse since killing off all the surface bacteria is part of what causes the fungal overgrowth. I don't think that BP has anti-fungal properties from everything that I have read on it? BP would be good for bacterial induced folliculitis or for acne breakouts on the body.
Tea tree may be a good option - its both antifungal and antibacterial. I have also heard that mandelic acid may work, as it has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. Vivant also makes a mandelic wash that is targeted at yeast and bacterial infections. It is marketed as either a shampoo or body wash.
I do live in a humid area- but its cool and humid here (San Francisco), not hot/humid.
So if BP is bad for fungal folliculitis, would the ZNP bar be bad for bacterial folliculitis or standard acne? It seems that both the yeast and bacteria known for causing folliculitis are "opportunistic" pathogens, to use a term from bio101. Salicylic acid isn't doing anything for me, I think I'm going to go back to antibacterial soap and BP, and if it gets worse from that I guess I'll know that its fungal. Thanks for the replies.
So if BP is bad for fungal folliculitis, would the ZNP bar be bad for bacterial folliculitis or standard acne? It seems that both the yeast and bacteria known for causing folliculitis are "opportunistic" pathogens, to use a term from bio101. Salicylic acid isn't doing anything for me, I think I'm going to go back to antibacterial soap and BP, and if it gets worse from that I guess I'll know that its fungal. Thanks for the replies.
I believe the ZNP bar would be ok for both, as would mandelic acid. I think something like nizoral probably wouldn't hurt if it was bacterial, but may not help clear it.
Good luck. Don't you just love experimenting on yourself????
Yeah, I guess BP could kill bacteria, but I read online on a few sites that it also kills yeast. Hmmmm, I wish our dermatologists could all get together and decide what works!! Of course, medicine is an imperfect science, so I suppose trial and error is part of the game.
What are you using now? has anything worked?
I am on Itraconazole still, its almost 2 months, at 200 mg a day. It is almost all gone, albeit a few are still appearing. I dont want to stay on this medicine because I think its just skirting an underlying problem.
I wonder how much carbs and sugar really have to do with this kind of infection. None of my doctors say it matters. But so many other people say it does (natural medicine). Sure maybe if you have candidiasis, but I think that is also for gut-related and vaginal things. no?
I live in a humid place that isn't always hot either. and I have this rash too. And as soon as I go to a dry place (hot or not) it disappears within days. No joke.
Yeah, I guess BP could kill bacteria, but I read online on a few sites that it also kills yeast. Hmmmm, I wish our dermatologists could all get together and decide what works!! Of course, medicine is an imperfect science, so I suppose trial and error is part of the game.
What are you using now? has anything worked?
I am on Itraconazole still, its almost 2 months, at 200 mg a day. It is almost all gone, albeit a few are still appearing. I dont want to stay on this medicine because I think its just skirting an underlying problem.
I wonder how much carbs and sugar really have to do with this kind of infection. None of my doctors say it matters. But so many other people say it does (natural medicine). Sure maybe if you have candidiasis, but I think that is also for gut-related and vaginal things. no?
I live in a humid place that isn't always hot either. and I have this rash too. And as soon as I go to a dry place (hot or not) it disappears within days. No joke.
Yeah, I didn't get this until I moved to a humid environment (although its a cool, humid place). I still think the humidity was a factor in my developing this - along with prior antibiotic use.
Right now I am finsihing up a course of fluconazole. Its a tablet you take once a week for 6 wks - I guess it is normally prescribed for vaginal yeast infections. I am still using the Nizoral shampoo every 3rd night. The nights I don't use Nizoral I use a mandelic serum on my chest and back that I leave on overnight. In the mornings I wash with the ZNP bar. My chest is currently almost totally clear, my back is about 80-90% clear. Although this seems to change on a weekly basis. Some weeks it comes back, then goes away, then comes back. I don't know what it will do once I am done with the fluconazole. I only have one more tablet left and then I am done with it. I am crossing my fingers that the topicals can keep this under control on their own. We shall see....
Ive had MF for over a year now, doctor continuosuly diagnosed it as acne, although no acne treatment helped, just made it worse. It came up after using minocycline, which unfortunately I'm still on :/ Not making treatment easier.
I live in the U.K, so can't find ZNP anywhere, altough Ive had some great success with using Daktarin Gold (Ketoconazole 2%) and lately Nizoral shampoo. One thing that does clear it up really fast is ketoconazole tablets, but without prescription you won't get these.
Also, does anyone know where I can hold of ZNP bar in the U.K? I'd really love to give that stuff a try.
Thanks
Hi guys,
Just an update...
I got off the itraconazole almost 2 weeks ago and haven't had any severe recurrences of the PF. I am using the ZNP bar, which has been a miracle, and when I do have spots I dab them with a tiny bit of 100% tea tree oil and they are gone almost overnight. I highly recommend it!!! Dont use too much or your skin will get very irritated (the area around the spot doesn't need to be oiled). but I have had this for nearly a year and a half and its the only real time I have had it under control.
I was on itraconazole for nearly 2 months though, so that might be a huge factor. I would recommend it though, if you have it all over.
I found that I built up resistance to the Nizoral shampoo and even oral ketaconazole. So when i switched to ZNP it was a real difference. I only use Nizoral now once in awhile, alternating with ZNP. Also a topical creme during the day. But I am so sick of putting it all over every single day.
Another thing I am trying now is tea tree oil shampoo... i'll let you know what happens.
And I stopped using Benzoyl peroxide too. maybe you were right, maybe it isn't good for this! although my derm said yes... (maybe he's wrong)
Ive had MF for over a year now, doctor continuosuly diagnosed it as acne, although no acne treatment helped, just made it worse. It came up after using minocycline, which unfortunately I'm still on :/ Not making treatment easier.
I live in the U.K, so can't find ZNP anywhere, altough Ive had some great success with using Daktarin Gold (Ketoconazole 2%) and lately Nizoral shampoo. One thing that does clear it up really fast is ketoconazole tablets, but without prescription you won't get these. Now I'm waiting for the next pack to arrive, and that will hopefully clear it up for good.
Also, does anyone know where I can hold of ZNP bar in the U.K? I'd really love to give that stuff a try.
Thanks
Well my dermatologist, the first one that I went to when i first had this a year and a half ago, simply refused to Rx an oral med for me. But this is common... doctors dont want to overkill when they first treat because a creme might take it away for some people. So when topicals really aren't working, then you can go to the next thing... so dont be too mad at your dr. ... some dont believe oral fungal meds should be used unless it's a systematic infection. (you reallllly dont want your body to get oral fungals and build up a resistance either) But I think mine worked, itraconazole 200 mg for 6-8 weeks.
I have had red spots, and itchiness on my shoulders/back for the last few years. It starts every year around oct/nov, and goes away in mar/apr. Spring and summer- no problems at all. Im getting tired of having this- derm took a biopsy and it came back as having high yeast- was given antifungal topical (ciclosporox). It has worked a little bit, but i cant handle the itchiness and am going to request the oral antifungal (itracanazole?)
My questions
I tried the nizoral shampoo on the spots with some success- is this something that you can rub in every day or just a few times a week?
Also, the oral antifungal, for people that have used it....does it work right away, does it take a few weeks, or does it take months?
Finally, would tazorac, a retinal cream, help or hurt this problem?
Thanks