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Ok I'm not trying to gross anyone out here, but any help would be great.
I recently started getting these light spots on the skin of my shoulders and back. They look kinda look like bleach spots. At first I thought they were skin damage from the sun. Then a friend saw them and told me she had them too. She said there is a fungus in the water down here that you can get if you spend a lot of time in the water (again, not trying to freak out anyone thinking about moving here, this obviously isn't common). She told me a couple ways to get rid of it, some over the counter medicines and stuff, but she recently left island and I can't remember exactly what she told me. Does anyone know anything about this??? I've only heard this from her so I don't even know if it's true. Any info would be great!
Posted : May 9, 2008 5:20 pm
What you describe sounds like Tinea Versicolor, a flat fungal rash that leaves some areas of skin--often shoulders and upper chest--hypopigmented. Sometimes there is a fine sandpapery feel to the circular rash, sometimes not. The over the counter preparations that work are: lotrimin cream or Tinactin. There are also prescription medications if these don't work, too. Hope this helps.
Posted : May 9, 2008 5:43 pm
Topic starter
Thanks so much antiqueone! I'm pretty sure that's what it is! And it sounds like I didn't get it from the water after all!
Posted : May 9, 2008 5:50 pm
the water there is not the only place to pick it up, we have experienced this is south florida ( gulf of Mexico). i agree, try the Lotrimin and do it regularly
Posted : May 9, 2008 6:40 pm
This fungus is generally seen on people who frequent gyms, where the previous users of the equipment do not wipe down the surfaces...this fungus passes from contact...also sun tanning beds.
Posted : May 10, 2008 4:06 am
My doctor diagnosed this condition as a fungus that's very common here. He prescribed rubbing Selsen Blue shampoo on it. Leave on one hour. Use for two weeks. gone!
Posted : May 10, 2008 10:09 am
This skin fungus is often passed via towels that do not dry and sometimes from sheets that are on the bed and not aired out. Lotrimin is a good start -- but wash all the sheets and towels and dry thoroughly. After a shower hang your towel in the sun to dry if you can - many of the bathrooms here do not have enough air flow and the towels remain damp between uses.
Posted : May 10, 2008 11:23 am
it's also kinda common in minnesota/north dakota when the humidity is up there,years ago i was told about selsen blue, i tried pretty much everything and selsen blue was what worked for me,up there and down here
Posted : May 10, 2008 12:23 pm
Another common source of such skin fungus is pool side or beach side chairs and lounges. I had a major problem with it years ago. Ever since I've been a fanatic about wiping off such furniturebefore sitting or lying down and then putting a beach towel or clothing between me and the chair.
Islandlola
Posted : May 10, 2008 5:20 pm
In Hawaii they call it haole rot. Haole meaning white person.
How contagious is it?
Posted : May 11, 2008 12:22 am
Topic starter
Thanks for all the info guys! I knew I could count on this board to find my answer! And now I realize it's more common than I thought, and I don't have permanent skin damage! I got Lotrimin and Selsen Blue, so hopefully it will be gone soon!
Posted : May 12, 2008 4:00 pm
