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I don't know what this is - can anyone help? Skin-based . . .

11 replies

twirlyagogo · 01/08/2012 16:27

Apologies for this being rather vague but it's not actually about me - however, I'd be so grateful for any help.

My mum is 80. In the past two years, she has developed this skin condition whcich doctors just can't work out.

She is great for her age - only issues are coeliac disease and high blood pressure sometmimes. She also had her thyroid removed about 40 years ago. She doesn't smoke or drink, decent diet, not over- or underweight.

The rash (not even sure if is a rash) is on her face a lot, her neck, arms, and other parts of her body.

It's very itchy, darkish red, sometimes more purpley, slightly raised. Parts of it look like bruising. Her skin seems very thin where it occurs. She is so embarrassed by it and is getting very down as it is affecting her life.

She has had blood tests galore. She has been to many specialists - some thought it was related to the coeliac disease, some to an allergy, psoriasis, reaction to something, insect bite, sun allergy. Everything is coming is negative, now they can only rule things out and see what they're left with.

I've suggested a herbalist but she won't go.

It sounds superficial but it really is bringing her down and I feel so sorry for her that she isn't wanting to go out or see anyone because she feels they are staring at her.

Does anyone have any idea at all - does this sound familiar to someone?

Thanks so much!

OP posts:
twirlyagogo · 01/08/2012 16:28

So sorry for all of those typos too!

OP posts:
OHforDUCKScake · 01/08/2012 19:28

Has she seen a dermatologist? I think this is a very obvious question but I needed to ask!

twirlyagogo · 01/08/2012 20:05

Yes, she has - everyone's baffled, but it's almost as if they're not terribly bothered because of her age, but it really is affecting her confidence so much.

OP posts:
twirlyagogo · 01/08/2012 20:05

Just remembered - she's had a biopsy too.

OP posts:
babybarrister · 02/08/2012 09:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

babybarrister · 02/08/2012 09:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Maz007 · 08/08/2012 19:33

I know this isn't the question you were asking but it is absolutely not ok to be fobbed off because of her age especially given the fact that it is impacting her quality of life. Aside from persevering as much as she feels she needs to there is lots of help out there to help with her confidence to help her live life to the full while they get to the bottom of things or despite the skin condition if it's there to stay for a while... If she would like this, her GP will be able to refer her to a psychological well-being / therapy service local to her or some services accept self-referrals. Let me know if you think more info on this would be helpful.

eragon · 08/08/2012 22:31

i second Maz007 advice, and dont bother with a herbalist. make the nhs work harder for your mother. ring and dont get fobbed off.

notapizzaeater · 08/08/2012 23:05

My coeliac son gets a raised red dry rash patch on his knee if he has a tiny amount of gluten - can take months for it to go. Presume she has been checked for dh ? Dermatitis ( on iPad and can't for life of me remember spelling - search for coeliac and dh and it should bring up some images)

I just thought ds was exema till he got diag. And then read up on coeliac

twirlyagogo · 12/08/2012 19:14

notapizzaeater - yes, at first they assumed it was linked to the coaliac disease, but have now ruled that out.

Maz007 - I think that would help her enormously, on many levels, not just with this, but I don't think she'd ever agree to it. She's very upset about the rash, but she is also dealing with all of these issues surrounding ageing in a way that I don't think she expected. We don't really, as a society, verbalise, or let our older people verbalise, what it feels like to be facing the end of their lives; and she is struggling I think.

On top of that, my dad has been in hospital this year and is getting forgetful, he's lost his confidence, and she's torn between being irritated by him and also realising that they may not have much time together so she feels guilty whenever she says anything.

eragon - I have spoken to her GP practice, but they won't discuss things specifically and just say that she is seeing specialists and they're doing all they can.

Thank you all for your replies - mum is back at hospital again at the weekend, but I don't think she's even expecting them to come up with anything now.

OP posts:
Maz007 · 13/08/2012 07:24

Sorry you're all having a challenging time :(
I recognise that reluctance to ask for help or talk about things which is compounded by our ageist society. If she ever does decide to give it a go, all I can say is I'm sure whoever she meets will be used to working with people who are strong and stoical and find it tricky to ask for help but who can tap into a lifetime of skills for coping to get them back on track with a little help if needed. I know she may not see herself as a carer, lots of people don't - and why should they - they are still wives / husbands / daughters / sons etc... but there is lots of support from various carers groups out there too which can feel less off-putting for people sometimes...
I hope things get easier for you all - take care Brew

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