Best place to get a second opinion?

[chatenoire]

It's a bit long so please.stay with me... Doctor A diagnosed me with Lichen Sclerosus, Dr B said it was eczema. I have a massive flare up around my eye and my cousin (a dermatologist) has told me what medicine I need. Dr B has said they can't prescribe that, as that's specialist only and use vaseline instead. I'm 40, no real menopause symptoms but they do overlap with hypothyroidism and iron deficiency.

I have hypothyroidism and a rare blood condition (I'm under the care of a very specialised doctor at UCLH in London).

I think there's a chance that it could be perimenopause, so would you go to:

a) a private GP (with an interest in menopause)
b) a private dermatologist
c) a private gynecologist
d) a private endocrinologist
e) other

I find it unacceptable that they'll just tell me to put vaseline on, when there's something else I could try on it :/

Pay your cousin to give you a prescription?

She's not UK based, otherwise I would!

If the medicine you need is topical tacrolimus, I'm a private GP and I'd prescribe that - and I think many GPs would. (Equally, if you pay to see a doctor you're paying for their assessment and expertise - there's no cast iron guarantee they'll prescribe anything.)

Yes it's topical for the corner of my eye / eyelids. My skin is flaking and getting into my eye affecting my vision.

It's all part of the same flare-up, but I don't know if trying to find the root cause or treating the symptoms is the best option

I'd suggest a dermatologist if you're keen for a secure diagnosis 🙂

Thank you! Any recommendations? Is there such a thing as a dermatologist specialised in menopausal skin?

Where are you based, roughly?

In the west country, but happy to travel!

I'm at the other end of the country so can't recommend anyone personally. I just had a quick Google and this dermatologist came up - but she's in Surrey, so not handy for you!

https://www.drjulietwilliams.co.uk/caring-for-your-skin-in-menopause/

If you're near Bath, there seem to be private dermatologists at the private hospital there - they may well be able to help. E.g. https://www.finder.bupa.co.uk/Consultant/view/75653/dr_sarah_woodrow

Thank you! I think the Bath one would be a good match because of the LS diagnosis