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Have any of you been tested for this that you know of?

July 15
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A MyPrurigoTeam Member

Thank you so much,Carla. Some times my scalp itches so bad I get up in the middle of the night and wash my hair for some relief. I'm 83 and am telling myself make the best of it but it runs what energy I have left. Up all night sometimes and then the next days sleep! I make no commitments! Bless you πŸ™

July 18
A MyPrurigoTeam Member

Georgia I was tested for fungus on my scalp in the beginning of trying to find what medical mystery disease I had which test turned out negative. Years later I found out I had PN on my scalp. Actually, out of the 9 Dermatologists they never really examined my scalp, just the 4 biopsies to confirm it was PN. This PN was becoming unbearable, so finally approximately over a year an ago, my present Dermatologist actually ran her fingers through my scalp and blurted out Seborrheic Dermatitis which is a form of fungus (yeast) & can be caused from Malassezia. Naturally, they have a medication called Zoryve, but I could not qualify for the Patient Assistance Program (PAP) like I did with Nemluvio, UGH, so I have been double whammed with scalp diseases which are uncurable! I try not to feel sorry for myself in between the flares causing the scratch-itch cycle w/inflammation causing sores w/pain, stinging, and burning with a yellow to white crust that forms on my scalp. My quality of life is about zilch with both of these diseases besides the ailments of being a fossil. So, I have set what mind I have left that I will have to deal with this until the end of life, otherwise, I am thankful as things could always be worse! BTW, anti-fungal remedies such as shampoo, etc. do not work whatsoever!! Georgia, I hope you will eventually find some relief.

July 18
MyPrurigoTeam

Great question! Yes, fungal testing is actually part of the diagnostic process for prurigo nodularis. A dermatologist may perform a skin scraping β€” where they gently remove the top layer of skin cells β€” to check for the presence of fungus under a microscope.

This is one of several tests that can be done when diagnosing PN Show Full Answer

Great question! Yes, fungal testing is actually part of the diagnostic process for prurigo nodularis. A dermatologist may perform a skin scraping β€” where they gently remove the top layer of skin cells β€” to check for the presence of fungus under a microscope.

This is one of several tests that can be done when diagnosing PN, alongside things like:

- Physical exam to look at nodules and their location
- Dermoscopy (a magnified look at skin layers)
- Skin biopsy to check for immune cells and keratin levels
- Blood tests to check organ function and immune cell levels
- Stool tests to screen for infections

It's always worth bringing up any concerns about fungal infections with your dermatologist, especially if something new is going around. They can quickly rule it in or out with a simple skin scraping.

July 15

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