Persistent Pseudomonas putida Infection on My Face—Should I Consult an Infectious Disease Specialist?
Hello! I'm a 33-year-old woman currently dealing with a persistent Pseudomonas putida infection that has been afflicting me for over a year. I'm uncertain whether I should seek the opinion of an infectious disease specialist, given the prolonged nature of this issue—please read my notes below. Any guidance would be greatly valued, as I find myself feeling perplexed and unsure of the next steps. - Initially, this infection was mistaken for a staph infection—I have cycled through treatments with Bactrim and mupirocin for most of the year. - My dermatologist hesitated to perform a culture test at first, claiming the treatment wouldn’t change. However, after enduring this issue for a year, I insisted on getting a swab. The results came back identifying Pseudomonas putida, which caught them off guard. Consequently, we switched my treatment to gentamicin. - Each outbreak has emerged in various locations on my face—it has affected my chin, cheek, nose, left nostril, around my left eye, and has recently appeared inside my nostril again. - At one point, when the infection was affecting my eye, I was prescribed Cipro, which provided some relief but came with significant side effects. - After numerous courses of antibiotics, I feel quite drained, and I’ve been informed that this specific bacteria can be particularly resilient.
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 7:01:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging and persistent infection, which understandably is causing confusion and concern. Given that you've been affected by a Pseudomonas putida infection for over a year and have already undergone several treatments, it may be time to consider seeing an infectious disease specialist.
Reasons to Consult an Infectious Disease Specialist:
- Expertise with Resistant Infections: Infectious disease specialists are trained to manage complex infections, especially those that don't respond well to standard treatments. They can provide insights into alternative therapies or strategies.
- Tailored Treatment Plans: They can evaluate your specific situation, especially with the recurring nature of the infection and your history with antibiotics, and may recommend targeted treatments that could be more effective.
- Culture and Sensitivity Testing: They can ensure that cultures are done properly and interpret results effectively, guiding you towards the right antibiotic therapy.
Next Steps:
- Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to an infectious disease specialist to discuss your history and current situation. Bring all your records regarding previous treatments.
- Prepare Information: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, treatment history, and previous cultures. Note any side effects you've experienced from medications as this will help in creating a more tailored treatment plan.
- Lifestyle Considerations: While waiting for your appointment, focus on maintaining good skin hygiene to minimize further irritation. Avoid touching the infection sites, and consider using a gentle cleanser to avoid exacerbating the condition. Make sure to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your immune system.
Empower Yourself: It's perfectly okay to advocate for your health. If you feel your concerns have not been sufficiently addressed, don’t hesitate to communicate that to your healthcare providers. You deserve a treatment plan that genuinely works for you.
If you need more specific information or advice about managing this condition, feel free to ask.
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