Chemotherapy and Ringworm

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My husband has been on steroids for nearly two years and has just had his first dose of chemotherapy. He developed ringworm on one arm and also on his head before starting the chemo and it has now got much worse. As he can’t get to see his GP for another three weeks I’ve been exploring remedies he could try in the meantime which have antifungal properties. The problem is that most of them seem to be come with a health warning and/or be unsuitable for use with chemo, e.g. Canestan (not for over 60s), tea tree oil, aloe vera gel and turmeric.

I think that just leaves apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and good old soap and water (but not coal tar soap). We’re not sure how effective they really are against ringworm but are willing to try anything for the time being. Are you aware of any reason why he shouldn’t use the vinegar or oil?

Thank you.

Annerose-Macmillan 18 days ago

Dear Chocaholic28

Thank you for getting in touch with us, and welcome to our online community. My name is Annerose I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support line.

It sounds like your husband, and you have been through a lot since 2008, and there is still a lot going on.

I understand your husband had his first chemotherapy and a pre-existing ringworm infection has become worse.

You are right not to explore any over the counter remedies without first speaking to the medical team. It is important that you contact your husband’s oncology team today and inform them about the ringworm infection and get their advice.

I can see you contacted your husbands GP, and they are not available for 3 weeks, please contact your husband oncology team to inform and update on the worsening of the skin infection.

It is important they are aware as they might have the right treatment for him, which might be necessary before he has his next cycle of chemo.

As you know, one side effect of chemotherapy is increased risk of infection, this is due to a drop in white blood cells.

These infections can also include fungal infections such as ringworms, and it is very important to tell your husbands team about it.

Due to his lowered immune system from chemotherapy, the team might be able to offer treatment for this. They would most likely want to treat this like a bacterial infection such as, for example, a chest infection.

But rather than antibiotics they might want to give an intravenous fungal treatment instead if necessary.

I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.

Best wishes and take care

Annerose (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref/AM/DW

Chocaholic28 17 days ago in reply to Annerose-Macmillan

Dear Annerose,

Many thanks for your reply.

Hubby emailed a photo of his arm to the team and they’ve concluded that it isn’t ringworm after all but dermatitis, which had coincidentally formed a ring pattern and looks similar. They told him that it should respond to an OTC hydrocortisone cream and fortunately won’t prevent him from getting his second dose of Docetaxel next week. He had been using an emollient cream suggested by a pharmacist which had had no effect.

Best wishes.

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Chemotherapy and Ringworm