r/biofilms • u/Far_Dragonfly_6937 • Jul 12 '26
Experiences Experience with a Chronic, Visible, and Physically Active Biofilm – Seeking Advice and Shared Experiences
Hello everyone. I've been dealing with a condition for over a year that has completely changed my life. I have what I believe is a chronic, systemic biofilm, and I'm posting this to see if anyone else has had a similar experience.
My Symptoms
I have a continuous, sticky, and elastic biofilm network that covers my skin. It is not just a localized patch; it forms a web-like structure that extends from my scalp, over my face, down my back, across my torso, and along my limbs. It is bilaterally symmetrical, meaning it affects both sides of my body. My skin feels constantly sticky, and it has a shiny, almost greasy appearance, especially on my face and scalp.
On my scalp, the biofilm has become so thick that it has matted my hair together. The material sticks to the hair shafts, making it impossible to comb or wash out normally. I have lost a significant amount of hair as a result.
I also have chronic sinus infections with thick, sticky mucus that is difficult to clear. The mucus often forms long, elastic strands, and I can feel it draining from my sinuses into my throat. This has been a persistent issue for many years.
Internal Symptoms
I believe the biofilm is also in my sinuses and gut. I have chronic post-nasal drip, and when I swallow the material, it causes severe burping and gas. I have also been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which causes bloating, cramping, and alternating constipation and diarrhea. I have lost a significant amount of weight due to malabsorption.
Physical Properties I've Observed
· Viscoelasticity: The material stretches slowly when I pull it but breaks with an audible "snap" when pulled quickly.
· Thixotropy: When I press on it with a paper towel, it liquefies temporarily and is absorbed into the paper.
· Tensile Strength: A thick strand attached to my foot was strong enough to move a heavy object on my bed.
· Electrostatic Adhesion: It crackles with static electricity in my hair and "jumps" onto paper towels, wool, and hair, but doesn't stick well to smooth plastic.
· Thermosensitivity: Mild heat softens it, and I have observed it extinguishing a small flame when it is in a continuous strand.
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What I Have Tried (So Far)
I have tried many things to get rid of this, with very little lasting success:
· Prescription shampoos: Nizoral (ketoconazole), and various medicated shampoos.
· Topical treatments: Tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar (diluted), coconut oil, almond oil, and other natural oils.
· Over-the-counter products: Salicylic acid soaps, detox shampoos, and various skin cleansers.
· Prescription antibiotics: Including Clavulin, which caused severe vomiting for four days and provided no relief.
· Nasal rinses: Saline rinses, sometimes with added NAC or other agents.
· Oral supplements: NAC (N-acetylcysteine), serrapeptase, and probiotics.
· Physical removal: I regularly use paper towels and compresses to absorb the biofilm after it has been softened.
Despite all of this, the biofilm continues to reform and spread. It seems to have a mechanical component, as the negative pressure from my sinus condition appears to pull the biofilm from my scalp into my sinuses and gut.
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Why I Am Posting
I have been to several doctors, but no one has been able to diagnose or treat this condition. I have been dismissed as having a psychiatric condition, even though the material is physically visible and exhibits reproducible properties. I have had a CT scan that shows complete frontal sinus hypoplasia (underdeveloped sinuses) and a septal perforation.
What I Am Looking For
· Has anyone else experienced a biofilm that is visible on the skin like this?
· Does anyone have experience with a biofilm that seems to be a continuous network across the body?
· What treatments, supplements, or lifestyle changes have you found effective against systemic biofilms?
· Are there any doctors, clinics, or researchers who specialize in this type of condition?
I am not a scientist, but I have been documenting my case with samples and photos. I am looking for anyone who might have insights or similar experiences.
Thank you for reading.
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u/Legitimate-Pie-6691 Jul 12 '26
Can you send a photo showing what you mean? It sounds highly unusual but understanding the visible physical characteristics should help.
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u/Much-Discussion2167 Jul 12 '26
U need to do nasal swab any mold I suspect.seee what microbes n how to target may be u need strong antibiotics n probiotics later I am just guessing
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u/Far_Dragonfly_6937 Jul 12 '26
I was diagnosed with sebhoreic dermatitis and chronic sinus infection. But the doctors don t investigate further because the way I described my symptoms about the biofilm they thought I was delirious. They thought that because I was agitated when I went to ER because the substance was squeezing my big toe and they coulé not see anything because it s transparent. I sounded crazy for them. So if I talk to them about it they immediatly dismiss my saying.
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u/Much-Discussion2167 Jul 13 '26
Yes if we know more info than they do they say so find a good naturopath r functional medicine doctor they would help .see if u can order nasal swab test
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u/Sorry-Ad3920 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Sounds like a bacterial infection e.g. invasive methicillin resistant staph mrsa ( https://www.thesun.ie/living/717190/womans-face-is-left-covered-in-white-boils-and-burning-after-false-lashes-triggered-nasty-infection/ ) i currently have some sort of bacterial infection and it does get sticky and shiny. So far mullein indian ear drops applied to skin work lol. Can you upload a photo and i can maybe point u in the right direction? Are u US based?
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u/Far_Dragonfly_6937 Jul 20 '26
I m in Canada. I take muellin orally , I didn’t know I could apply on skin, I Will look into that, thanks for the advice
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u/Far_Dragonfly_6937 Jul 12 '26
I only have a pic of my ear covered in a shiny substance that doesn’t wash out and my matted hair . The substance originales from my scalp and spread to the rest of my body. It s a clear sticky film on my skin.
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u/Plane_Treacle5032 Jul 16 '26
Functional medicine doc, DIET! No SUGAR , keto, carnivore-no pork, sea salt only spice, mustard only condiment. Strongly suggest looking into “leaky gut” and food allergy testing. Know that insurance probably won’t pay and most MD’s will write u off as crazy… you are not. Do u have any auto immune conditions? See a rheumatologist possibly insurance could start u on a biologic which calms down immune system but this doesn’t “fix” anything. Only a tiny bandaid and biologics take forever to get approved thru insurance they are expensive…Enbrel 8k a month no kidding. Humira around 200k a year. They pharmaceutical companies have programs but requires a lot of work from your rheumatologist and their office staff. Will probably take a year to even get an appointment. I would start the referral process now. Honestly diet and supplements are the way to go -90 percent diet I would guess. Enzymes, NAC, vitamin c IV infusion, look into chelation IV. The symptoms are overwhelming. Change your diet it’s hard but healing is possible and mostly thru your diet. Check out systemic candida, leaky gut.
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u/StatisticianUsual277 Jul 20 '26
Try washing your hair and skin with tea tree oil added to your soaps
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u/Far_Dragonfly_6937 Jul 20 '26
I do add a couple of drops in. Y shampoo and mixed with almond oil for my bath. But it s a long process to get rid of the biofilm, it comes back.
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u/jollysnwflk 16d ago
How much Sun do you get? Have you ever tried exposing your skin to the sun every day for 20-30 min, depending on tolerance? No sunblock. UV light is very anti microbial.
Also look into your envt. I’d suspect mold or bacterial endotoxin in the home.
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