📝 HELP please: Out of control skin fungal infection

I've been struggling with a skin yeast infection for nearly a month now. Everything I read—or hear from specialists—emphasizes avoiding infections, as they are difficult to clear and a leading cause of complications for people with Lupus. Not exactly reassuring. Medical Struggles & Lack of Guidance My Rheumatologist has been frustratingly unhelpful—communicating only through the patient portal, seeing me in person once, and offering no concrete plan beyond: Staying on Plaquenil until it stops working. Possibly trying Azathioprine in the future. Calling in a steroid taper if I experience a flare. Frankly, I don’t have a medical degree, and Dr. Google shouldn't be my primary source of healthcare advice. The Infection: Resistant & Spreading I've tried everything: OTC yeast cream—made it worse, causing it to spread. Clobetasol ointment (for scalp lupus sores)—provides temporary relief but doesn’t resolve the issue. Gold Bond powder—attempting to keep the area dry, but obesity and skin folds make that difficult. Now, three spots have opened up—one is bleeding, and the others are deep, worsening, and possibly infected. Despite being meticulous about cleanliness, one area may be showing signs of bacterial infection. Conflicting Advice & Lack of Direction My PCP suggested another round of fluconazole (despite a known interaction with Plaquenil that causes heart palpitations). They also mentioned I should consider a bacterial swab to check for staph—but haven’t offered to do it or advised where to go. Fears & Concerns MRSA? The thought terrifies me—I heal slowly and have been in a severe lupus flare since childbirth. Where do I go? The ER seems like a bad idea (infection risk, cost, deductible season). I need help. I don’t know what to do next. I'm trying not to panic, but I feel stuck, unadvised, and out of options. Any guidance, insights, or even shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Misery loves company, right? 😞

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