Docs Dismissed Her Chronic Fungal Infections. When Her Son Developed the Same Condition, She Needed to Know Why

A Skegness mother has opened up about her lifelong battle with chronic thrush, a direct consequence of a rare genetic disorder that has also affected her eight-year-old son. Danni-Lea Sandland, 30, has endured this painful condition for many years, prompting her to seek answers not only for herself but also for her son, Clay Bishop.

Danni-Lea has faced persistent oral and vaginal thrush since infancy, a chronic infection characterised by white lesions resembling cottage cheese in the mouth and other areas. Despite numerous visits to healthcare professionals during her childhood, no one could provide a definitive diagnosis. “My mum was constantly taking me to the doctors, but no one knew what it was and why it wasn’t clearing up,” she shared.

Traditionally, thrush is treatable with antifungal medications. However, Danni-Lea’s experience has been markedly different. Over the years, she tried various treatments, including antifungal creams, but they yielded little relief. “Doctors kept saying, ‘Are you sure you’re taking the medication properly?'” she recalled, expressing her frustration at the lingering nature of her condition.

When Danni-Lea turned 14, she was prescribed a statin, a medication typically used to lower cholesterol but noted for its antifungal properties. For a time, she believed she had found a solution, but her symptoms resurfaced after the birth of her son when she was 23, and the thrush intensified. “It came back in full force and started to affect my nails,” she stated.

The chronic infections caused her not only physical discomfort but also social anxiety. To cope with the embarrassment of visible symptoms, she resorted to wearing gloves in public, opting to avoid social situations and often shielding herself with a mask. “People looked at me like I was contagious, especially if it was on my hands,” she lamented. At just 24 years old, Danni-Lea faced a harrowing choice to have her teeth removed due to the impact of the condition on her gums and overall dental health.

The turning point for the pair came when Clay began exhibiting signs of the same chronic thrush condition. Motivated by the desire to secure answers for her son, Danni-Lea, encouraged by her mother, applied to the HBO Max reality series *The Bad Skin Clinic*.

Their appearance on the show led to genetic testing, which ultimately revealed the diagnosis they had been seeking: both Danni-Lea and Clay were found to have STAT-1 gain of function (GOF). This rare inherited immune disorder can cause recurrent fungal infections along with other complications like hypothyroidism, presenting unique challenges due to its limited treatment options.

Since the diagnosis, both mother and son have been receiving home infusions to manage their symptoms and are now planning to explore further interventions, including stem cell transplants and chemotherapy. Danni-Lea expressed mixed emotions following their diagnosis, stating, “It was a relief getting diagnosed, but I didn’t realise there’s no actual treatment plan because it’s such a rare condition.”

While Clay is still in his formative years, Danni-Lea reflects on the irreversible damage her condition has inflicted on her body due to its prolonged nature. With about 400 identified cases globally, the rarity of their condition has motivated Danni-Lea to raise awareness about STAT-1 gain of function. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can enlighten others about the symptoms and encourage them to seek help.

“I would love more people to know about the signs and symptoms,” she asserted. In doing so, Danni-Lea aims not only to advocate for herself and Clay but also to combat the stigma surrounding such health issues. Her story is a reminder of the importance of awareness and understanding of rare medical conditions that significantly impact the lives of those affected.