Chronic yeast infection needs better care

July 6, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 70-year-old active woman who has had a yeast infection for almost five years. I have gone to several doctors and have been given prescriptions for all of the usual medicines for yeast infections, the latest being Premarin vaginal cream plus clobetasol propionate cream. All of these prescriptions have worked, but the infection always comes back within two months. The last time the infection was almost to the staph stage.

After my last infection, a biopsy was done. The report said: “Vulvar Biopsy: Ulceration with very severe active chronic inflammation and numerous plasma cells. A serology for spirochetes was negative.” The microscopic description said: [Read more...]

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UTI causes foot, ankle swelling

January 30, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a T10 (mid-back) paraplegic in good health. About once a year I get an attack of chills, shakes, fever, etc., that are usually caused by a urinary tract infection. In every instance, my left foot and ankle swell, turn red, and stay hot well after my temperature has returned to normal. The redness and swelling go away after about a week and then the foot begins to peel just like it’s been badly sunburned. I have no light-touch sensation in the foot (or below the point of injury) but I know it “hurts” because it is very spastic until it returns to normal. I have asked various doctors about this but have not received an explanation. One doctor said the infection originates in the foot. Does that seem reasonable to you?

DEAR READER: Yes. But I am also concerned about the possibility of a recurring infection the source of which is still unknown.
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