I've recently returned to Canada after 4 months in Costa Rica.
I now have white spots on my chest and back which
I didn't have before I left.
Someone said this is a kind of fungus that come from
the ocean, (or costal areas?).
Has anyone ever heard of this or know how to
get rid of it?
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So Sorrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!
It does indeed sound like you may have a fungal infection
and it can probably be treated quite easily with an
anti-fungal cream that can be applied to the skin. However,
you need to see a physician to be certain of the diagnosis.
He will be able to provide a prescription for the medication
as well.
Justin (U.S. medical student)
I have been reading this thorn tree for four months and I'm
seeing strange white spots too!
Also known as "hauli rot" --probably not the right spelling
but dubed as this by the local hawaiians because it is so
common with the white folks who live in tropical climates.
It is basically an abundance of yeast in your body triggered
by moist climates and can be treated easily (as mentioned by
Justin). What worked for me was called selenium
sulfide--sounds nasty, but you use it like soap and it
dissapears within a week or
Also known as "hauli rot" --probably not the right spelling
but dubed as this by the local hawaiians because it is so
common with the white folks who live in tropical climates.
It is basically an abundance of yeast in your body triggered
by moist climates and can be treated easily (as mentioned by
Justin). What worked for me was called selenium
sulfide--sounds nasty, but you use it like soap and it
dissapears within a week or
What you have sounds like tinea versicolor, a superficial
fungal infection common after travel to hot or humid
climates. Most people notice it after getting a tan or
sunburn, after which they have areas that are
hypopigmented. Don't worry about transmitting it to
others. Try Selsun shampoo (active ingredient selenium
sulfide) from your neck down to your butt, leave it on for
at least 10-15 min, then wash it off. Do this for a week
or so and that may take care of it. Alternatively, you can
use an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as miconazole
or clotrimazole until it clears. For stubborn cases your
doctor can prescribe a pill.
I got something like this several years ago, In Bakersfield,
Ca. They told me the name of it, but I don't remember. Are
the spots about a quarter of an inch in diameter, painless,
and flat? Just kind of funny looking? Mine just went away,
after two or three months.
Try Selsun Blue shampoo for a few weeks. It has the same
stuff as the expensive ointment they'll tell you to buy,
and my doc said it's just as good. In the shower, just
spread it on and let it sit for about 5 minutes before
rinsing it off. Should be gone in about 3-4 weeks..
I learned in living in Hawaii to always take a fresh water
shower immediately after coming out of the ocean--that's the
local way for avoiding haole rot--and not just haoles
(caucasians) get it. But if you do get it, use Selsun Blue
shampoo. Had a friend who went to a doctor about it and
that's what was prescribed.
sodium benzoate kills fungi.
splash it on, well diluted.
I believe it┤s found in most super markets as a
preservative for home made jams etc.
(honestly, I┤m serious, I┤m a med student)