I have redness again in the place where my fungal infection had gone even after applying creams and oral antifungals regularly - #11600

1. If redness and itching keep coming back despite multiple creams and itraconazole tablets it may mean that the infection is resistant or there is some other underlying problem like eczema or contact allergy.

2. Continuous use of multiple antifungal creams without proper gap can also irritate the skin and cause redness by itself.

3. At this stage it is important to stop self switching medicines and get a vaginal swab or fungal culture test done so that the exact fungus and its sensitivity can be identified.

4. Avoid tight synthetic clothing. Keep the area dry. Change undergarments twice daily and wash only with mild unscented soap and water. Do not use powders or multiple creams together.

5. Sometimes long courses of oral antifungals are needed but these should only be taken under supervision because they can affect liver. A dermatologist or gynecologist can decide if itraconazole should be continued or changed.

6. Please do not delay. Since you already had 2.5 months of treatment without full cure you should meet a gynecologist or dermatologist in person. With proper culture guided treatment the redness and recurrence can be completely controlled.

What you’re experiencing can be frustrating, especially if you’ve been diligent with medication. Redness reappearing in areas earlier affected by fungal infection might be due several factors. One possibility is that the infection isn’t fully eradicated or it could be recolonizing, which sometimes happens if the environment is favorable for fungal growth. Consider whether there’s any excessive moisture or friction in that area, as both can encourage fungal persistence. Review any potential irritants, like certain soaps, detergents, or fabrics, that might have contact with the area and may be causing local irritation or allergic reactions contributing to redness. Even prolonged use of antifungals without complete resolution might lead to resistance or an underlying issue that mimics fungal infection could be present. Maintaining good hygiene by keeping the area clean and dry is crucial. Use loose, breathable undergarments to reduce moisture and friction. Despite local or systemic treatments, persistent symptoms should warrant reevaluation by a healthcare provider. Possibilities like a resistant strain or wrong initial diagnosis (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, or another condition) could be reasons for ongoing symptoms. Your doctor might consider performing a culture to confirm ongoing yeast presence or take a small sample of skin to exclude other potential issues. An adjusted or different treatment regimen might be needed. If the redness is coupled with significant pain, swelling, or any discharge, prioritize seeking medical help to exclude any superimposed bacterial infection or other serious condition.