Ringworm

Lindywindy

I have previously posted on here about this problem and I realize that people are not able to give me specific medical advice. For about three years on and off I have had ringworm mostly one patch at the top of my leg and I have applied various treatments such as Lamisil and more recently Daktarin and although it does take several weeks to get rid of it it does eventually clear it, the only trouble is it tends to come back a few months later. I have had psoriatic arthritis for over twenty years and I am on a very small dose of Methotrexate and I am very anxious about contacting Rheumatology in case they try to stop the Methotrexate. When I first had the arthritis I wasn't able to walk at all and I know that this happens to a lot of people with the same condition but it's not a place I want to go to again if at all possible. Can anybody offer any suggestions?

annabanana

Hi @Lindywindy , whilst you are correct that we cannot give medical advice, I would say that the best thing to do in situations where you are concerned about infection/illness is to contact a medical professional, such as a rheumatologist or GP. I completely understand not wanting to come off of your methotrexate but infections (like ringworm) can be persistent in immunocompromised individuals.
Because the drug affects your immune system, it might make you more likely to pick up infections.

https://versusarthritis.org/news/2022/march/common-questions-about-taking-methotrexate/

Every individual is different and what works for one may not work for another, however I was in a similar boat where methotrexate was causing me to have constant infections and my rheumatologist was concerned about antibiotic resistance. I tried a couple of different medications until I finally found a new one which worked for me. I understand that the prospective of being back where you started is terrifying, but your rheumatologists/medical professionals are there to help you and want you to be as healthy as you can be.

I really do hope you manage to receive relief from your ringworm infections, one way or the other ☺️

frogmorton

Oh gosh @Lindywindy I do understand how anxious you are in case they stop the one things which helped you so much.

In your shoes I would leave it until my next scheduled apt with rheumatology rather than making one specifically to discuss this. They might have some ideas what to do.

Take care and best of luck

Toni x

Lindywindy

Many Thanks for your replies. My next Rheumatology annual appointment is not until March 2026, I did however talk to the pharmacist yesterday who advised me to go back to the Gp and he thought it unlikely that they would stop the methatrexate but can't guarantee this as it is upto the person who is prescribing it. I am just trying to decide whether to make an appointment with my Gp or try changing my sheets and towels every day even it means an extra pile of washing at the end of the week! I have been taking a probiotic every day for some months now those little yoghurts drinks you buy at the supermarket. I am not sure if to try these two things for a few weeks as well as using the cream and if it doesn't make any difference then I can book an appointment with the Gp, I will give myself a few days to decide what to do.