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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think my BF should go to the doctor? (Warning - pics included)

180 replies

BFE · 04/05/2024 09:37

My bf has had these large red areas on his chest/back for around 4 months. He won’t go to the doctor, to be fair it’s not very easy for him to do that as he works 12 hour days. He finally went to the pharmacy last weekend and asked them what they thought it was, they said psoriasis and sold him some E45 itch relief cream and he also got some vitamin D tablets. But now it’s more irritated than ever and so I don’t think the cream is helping, it seems to be doing the opposite.

Is he going to have to take a day off work, or are there any medical types on here that could point us in the right direction?

To think my BF should go to the doctor? (Warning - pics included)
OP posts:
starfishmummy · 04/05/2024 12:37

I'm adding in with see a doctor as seeing a pharmacist hasn't helped.

He can attend any GP as a temporary patient if he's not registered in the area where his current one is.

Jaggy1 · 04/05/2024 12:36

It will take weeks to get re registered with another doctor.
i moved just 10 mins away from my old doctors and notified them of a change of address at the end of an appointment and they cancelled upcoming appointments and told me I was to register with one in my area now they won’t see me anymore.
if he hasn’t told the old GP yet that he has moved then I would just make the effort to go there even though it’s a bit further afield, rather than mess about changing because I was weeks waiting for test results that no one could give me while they changed me over. Then notify them of change an register in new area once this has been looked at.

EatCrow · 04/05/2024 12:36

BFE · 04/05/2024 12:33

We just did the diagnostic website posted below and it definitely seems the most likely thing is psoriasis. Just trying to work out the best way of him seeing a doctor, he’s about to finish the contract he’s doing and then will be moving to another place. Maybe best to get him registered where I am and he might have to take a Monday off.

See this link: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-can-i-see-a-gp-if-i-am-away-from-home/

Years ago I became unwell whilst on holiday in another part of the UK and saw a doctor ( was given antibiotics). If he’s working away I’m sure he could see a temporary doctor.

nhs.uk

How can I see a GP if I'm away from home?

If you're away from home and need to see a GP, you can contact a GP surgery nearby.

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-can-i-see-a-gp-if-i-am-away-from-home/

Original poster
BFE · 04/05/2024 12:35

Deludamol · 04/05/2024 12:18

What about a different pharmacist?

Show quote history

He’s already tried two now.

OP posts:
Original poster
BFE · 04/05/2024 12:34

He works in construction so no occupational health at work.

OP posts:
Justcallmebebes · 04/05/2024 12:34

Karensalright · 04/05/2024 09:42

That looks like ringworm or some other fungal infection. A pharmacist can treat that if i am correct

I thought ringworm the moment I saw it too

EatCrow · 04/05/2024 12:34

BFE · 04/05/2024 09:55

Bit of a complicating factor with the GP situation is that he recently sold his house, where he was registered with a GP, and works in a completely different city now where he gets accommodation with work, and I live nowhere near that city. So he probably could send photos to the GP but never goes anywhere near that city anymore.

Is he going to register with a new GP surgery?

Original poster
BFE · 04/05/2024 12:33

We just did the diagnostic website posted below and it definitely seems the most likely thing is psoriasis. Just trying to work out the best way of him seeing a doctor, he’s about to finish the contract he’s doing and then will be moving to another place. Maybe best to get him registered where I am and he might have to take a Monday off.

OP posts:
jamimmi · 04/05/2024 12:31

It looks very like the bad case of ring worm.my teen dd had. We thought eczema untill the gp saw it too. Son just had a consultation for his eczema over the phone ( he's an adult) Sent pics all sorted. You partner dones need to register with new GP as the need upto date address and alos speak to one.

LBFseBrom · 04/05/2024 12:29

He does need medical advice, no doubt about that. There must be some way of achieving that. Does he have an occupational health department at work?

Oil of evening primrose applied to the skin, as long as skin isn't broken, is often quite effective. I am not a medic so not advising, just suggesting. I do know it works for some, doesn't cost much and won't do harm.

TheScorpionandtheFrog · 04/05/2024 12:28

Ringworm and some other fungal diseases glow under UV light, if you have one. DS had something similar and it had gone way beyond applying cream, he had to have oral meds and a body wash as well.

Newcrocs · 04/05/2024 12:28

Could he do an online private GP as a one off while he's between GPs? He does need to be seen by a dr ideally

BeansOnToast32 · 04/05/2024 12:27

My OH has Psoriasis and it can look exactly like that when it flares up in the summer! He gets a massive red patch on his side and the bottom of his back.

Cocothecoconut · 04/05/2024 12:24

That really needs to be seen by a doc
then he can get the right treatment not just - try this, that , tother

oakleaffy · 04/05/2024 12:23

BFE · 04/05/2024 09:47

Seems like ringworm is the most likely then…although if it’s contagious it’s weird I haven’t caught it from him 🤔.

It can spread to the scalp and cause circles of baldness - You and he definitely don’t want that.
It is desperately contagious- Horses and dogs with it are isolated from others-
Amazing that you have escaped infection.

AmytheDancingBrick · 04/05/2024 12:20

A pharmacist would send him to a GP - maybe try a private GP while he registers with a new one.

Deludamol · 04/05/2024 12:18

BFE · 04/05/2024 12:18

Tried the 111 thing, and it the end it just said to go to a pharmacist 🤦‍♀️

What about a different pharmacist?

Deludamol · 04/05/2024 12:18

I've got psoriasis and it doesn't look anything like it to me.

My patches look like a big scab that won't heal. It also continually peels off in flakes. You can sometimes peel off an entire layer of it. It can also get bigger if flakes come off.

That looks fungal to me.

Also, if it was psoriasis, he needs steroid cream, not E45.

Original poster
BFE · 04/05/2024 12:18

Tried the 111 thing, and it the end it just said to go to a pharmacist 🤦‍♀️

OP posts:
AmytheDancingBrick · 04/05/2024 12:13

The best thing you can do is ignore all the advice on here and get him seen by a GP.

AmytheDancingBrick · 04/05/2024 12:12

ChateauMargaux · 04/05/2024 10:12

Fucidin is a steroid and antibiotic combination which will not help if this is ringworm and indeed may make things worse.

No it isn’t - Fucidin H is.

And not suitable to treat ringworm or psoriasis.

Original poster
BFE · 04/05/2024 12:10

Also looked up photos of discoid eczema and that does look very similar to what he has, but he is the least stressed person in the world 😂. Unless he’s hiding it really well.

OP posts:
Original poster
BFE · 04/05/2024 12:08

But he has had it since around Christmas time when he went back home and was helping out with the sheep there, apparently they can pass ringworm on.

OP posts:
Original poster
BFE · 04/05/2024 12:07

Looking at the photos of ringworm online it looks like it’s usually darker around the edges, which his isn’t. He just went into my
local pharmacy and they had a look and said he needs to go to a doctor 😂. Will try the 111 option and see if we get anywhere.

OP posts: