I have fungal infections on my face, hands, buttocks, and pubic area. I have taken ketoconazole 200 mg with cetirizine and used Dermilock cream, but small patches keep appearing. What should be done?
Fungal infections affecting multiple areas and recurring despite treatment are often due to incomplete therapy or use of steroid-containing creams like Dermilock, which can suppress symptoms but allow the infection to persist and spread, so these should be stopped. The correct approach is to use a proper antifungal cream (such as terbinafine, luliconazole, or ketoconazole) applied regularly to all affected areas for at least 3-4 weeks and continued for 1-2 weeks after the skin looks normal, along with a full course of oral antifungal medication prescribed by a dermatologist, as the dose or duration may need adjustment. It is also important to maintain good hygiene by keeping the skin clean and dry, wearing loose cotton clothing, changing clothes daily, washing towels and clothes in hot water, and avoiding sharing personal items; close contacts may also need treatment if infected. Since your infection is widespread and recurrent, a dermatologist consultation is necessary to ensure a complete and long-lasting cure.