To panic and go to GP for this? (Pics)

[HavenforHaggis]

Woke up this morning to find this horrible rash covering almost both sides of my stomach and some bigger patches on my breasts. It's not itchy but feels scaly and looks horrible. My GP generally takes 2-3 weeks to get an appointment so want to know if anyone has see this before and knows what it is?

[CoffeeAtLukes]

It looks a viral rash. My dd gets them a lot.

I'd only go to the gp if you had other worrying symptoms or of its not getting any better in 3 or 4 days time.

[HavenforHaggis]

Thanks, Coffee. I've been feeling unwell as of late. Lots of sneezing, sore throat but I thought it was just the sniffles. Is a viral rash dangerous if it lasts more than 3-4 days ?

[GreatFuckability]

i'd speak to the pharmacist. they can often tell what these things are.

[Jenny70]

Personally, I would only see the dr for this if I was pregnant or had other medical conditions/medications that could concern.

Otherwise, the virus byproducts (or body killing virus byproducts) can cause this, and it will rapidly fade over few days, not contageous, just rough feeling and horrible to look at.

[HavenforHaggis]

I think I'm worrying myself. I've just done the glass test and it's not really fading. Some spots are still showing when I apply a good lot of pressure.

[pepperpot99]

Unless you are feeling ill (temperature, aches etc) I wouldn't worry. I get rashes and odd skin things quite often - they are common.

[AuntDotsie]

If the glass test doesn't fade the spots then get to A&E asap!

[HavenforHaggis]

My issue is I have been feeling sick, sore throat, achy, cough and sneezing. I'm worried because it fades a little but there's still some there. Excuse the gross photos but I really don't know if I'm seeing things.

[BushExplorer]

We can't diagnose. Probably is viral. Is there a drop in centre near you? Just go to a&e if you're concerned. They'll soon dismiss you if it's nothing.

[sammum9]

I'd ask a pharmacist or if that's not possible call 111 for advice.

[TheGonnagle]

I can see them through the glass too. Best to get it checked out, get yourself up the drop in centre.

[HavenforHaggis]

Thank you all. I know I'm ridiculous asking it's just because my GP is quite strict about patients making emergencies out of non emergencies. Though I will call 111.

[metaphoricus]

I'd go to the GP if they were my spots, but then I'm a bit of a worrier too.

[KitKats28]

It looks a lot like rubella, especially given your other symptoms.

[MagicChanges]

Why don't you go to the pharmacist first - 111 are not medically trained - they just have a computer programme that tells them what to ask and guides them to how to advise. They will almost certainly tell you to go to a GP. That's shocking that there's a 2/3 week wait - I realise how fortunate we are, as there is a lunchtime surgery every day for people who need to be seen on the day but can't get an appointment.

You sound a bit scared of the GP - they are public servants and we pay their salary through our taxes! SO sod the strict GP - if you are worried get an emergency appt or as others say go to A & E. It could be an allergy, and I think you'd be feeling very ill if it was meningitis but I saw an ad the other day (on TV I think) warning people to get medical help immediately if they suspect that illness as it can develop very rapidly. SO go on get that emergency appointment and put your mind at rest.

[HavenforHaggis]

Oh god, I'm just thinking now if it is something like rubella will my son be vulnerable? He's almost 2 but he's vaccinated.

[KitKats28]

Honestly if you are worried enough to get yourself in a state, then I think it is definitely worth an emergency appointment. Not at A & E, they are not there to diagnose illness, but at your GP surgery.

It is probably a simple allergy rash, but you need to set your mind at rest which you won't be able to do sitting at home worrying.

[HavenforHaggis]

Magic, my GP does intimate me slightly. So yes I'm a little apprehensive about going if it's nothing. 😅 The wait is horrendous for an appointment with her. But if it's an emergency you can be seen that day, the issue is if you use an emergency appointment and it's not an emergency she doesn't take too kindly to it. There's a pharmacy close to me so I'm defiantly going to see them.

[Rachel63]

Hello, your rash looks similar to the one I developed when I was very run down- the patches on the breasts are a symptom and it was - Pityriasis rosea its worth going to the GP to confirm- it was scary waking up covered in a rash (I thought it was measles) thankfully it went away after 2 weeks- hope u get sorted!

[KitKats28]

111 won't be able to advise on a rash they can't see. All they can do is tell you to see a doctor.

[Em308]

Saying it's a viral rash and not to worry makes no sense to me - measles, rubella, smallpox, chicken pox, meningitis are all caused by viruses, all have different rashes and some are very serious. Unless you are medically trained yourself surely only a doctor can tell you whether it's serious or not?

[AuntDotsie]

How is a patient supposed to be able to define a medical emergency that is serious enough for same-day GP attention but not an A&E visit? Isn't that what GPs are bloody well for??

[MrsEricBana]

I think go to pharmacist who can then tell you what your next step should be. In my town the pharmacists at Sainsburys are fantastic e.g. daughter with corneal abrasion - straight to A&E. Plus good because when I got to A&E I could give them more info from the outset. Probably is viral - dh gets similar. Good luck.

[CoffeeAtLukes]

Why are people suggesting A&E?! That's utter madness.

[building2016]

People are suggesting A&E in case it is meningitis. Not unreasonable.