Asklemmy

Is this a GP you talked to or dermatologist? I talked to about 4 different GPs/doctors over 2 years regarding spots which they all though were fungal infection before finally getting referral for dermatologist who was like nah it ain't that, don't waste time on steroid based cream and prescribed something else that worked.

Antifungal tablets aren't really a direct replacement for topical applications. They can be, but it's all about what you've got and where it is. Which is an oversimplified version of things, but true enough.

If you're certain that the problem is fungal, and I saw where you said a doctor had diagnosed it as yeast, I think you might be better off trying a different topical application. Back when I was working out a lot, I'd run into yeast and other skin issues because it's just so easy to stay wet in places under clothes when you're on a tight schedule.

I tend to prefer powders anywhere that skin touches skin, like the groin, or armpits.

Creams are for flat sections of skin, with sprays being for places that are harder to reach.

But you also kinda need to have the right antifungal.

For yeast, there's really two. Nystatin and clotrimazole. If one doesn't do the job, try the other. If they both don't work, you're either doing something wrong, or it may not be yeast.

Wherever it is, clean the area well with water, soap, and mild friction via a soft cloth. You do not want to scrub hard, that just irritates the skin, and may help the yeast find little crevices to hide away from the medicine.

But, even more important dry thoroughly. Like, you want the skin to be fully dry, not in any way damp or moist, particularly if the area is where skin touches skin.

Then you apply the product. I'm not sure why it's hurting enough to make it difficult to apply cream, which is weird for yeast in my experience, with the exception of women with a yeast problem on their labia. A light pain is fairly common, but nothing as bad as sunburn usually. But you gotta get it on there. And you have to apply it as directed. Even if it hurts, that's the only way to make it go away.

Now, a doctor may well prescribe you an oral medication, they're certainly available, and can definitely be useful depending on circumstances. But they don't actually work that great for some situations. I've seen people take them for vaginal infections, and it not do anything for the labia at all. Nothing wrong with asking your doctor though.

Talk to your Dr again. Antifungal tablets have a not insignificant chance of messing with your liver, ie permanent damage so you should avoid them if you can.

How do you even know it's fungal? Can you get to a doctor for an actual diagnosis so you know what to use?

I sent a PM.

Some questions:

Is it warm to the touch? How big is it? What is the shape? Color? Location? Is there exudate? Is it more dry or more moist than the surrounding skin? Is it elevated or depressed?

Not a doctor, but I wouldn’t assume a cream and a tablet will function the same way for the same problem.

One thing you could try: instead of showering, take a bath. Soak in the water for a while, then dry off and apply the cream right away. Obviously doesn’t help for everything, but in my experience, having well hydrated skin makes a lot of things sting a lot less.