Strategy needed for Docs tommorrow

[merryandmad]

I need advice on how to get referred to a dermatologist for allergy testing, as my docs is really reluctant to refer my dd anywhere.

My dd2 (age 3) has eczema we are really struggling to control. I really thought we had a good combination that was working but in the last two weeks it has rapidly started to go down hill again.

We are currently using Emouvate on her bad bits, Dermol all over and Hydrocortisone on the bad bits on her face (all on perscription).

We have used a combination of all sorts of creams and this seemed to be the right combination, clearing up lots of sore patches and getting her in better than she had been in months. Yet when I stripped her off for the bath last night, I wanted to cry as she is still so sore on her wrists, back and legs

Their is a family history of dairy allergies, my twin (though no issue of eczema) and cousin's ds also had really bad ezema and he is now dairy free.

I am going back to the docs tommorrw as her skin is still really sore, yet he is really reluctant to discuss any allergies.

I don't want to try another combo of creams, ati-biotics etc.

What I want is an allergy test. How do I ask about getting referred?

I know I get emotional about it, as dd is reluctant to show anyone her "poorlies"- she likes to keep them covered and wear long sleeves- so she doesn't like going to the docs and stripping off, so going to the docs is an ordeal.

I need a plan to so I can my words out whilst dd2 is getting upset.

Any advice please

Have you told the Doctor directly that you want a referral?

Yes, But I keep seeing different docs at the same pratice. They all want to try this cream first, just to give her some relief and let see how she fares with this one first.
I am going back to see the same Doc at the practice who apparently specialises in Skin problems.

I would be very firm and point out that enough is enough and you want a referral.

Sometimes the only thing that works is to clear the skin with oral steroids and then start over again with the creams.

It is sometimes worth researching the consultant you would like to see and specifically request them by name.

Be strong. [muscle arm emoticon]

Thank you Alouiseg- that's what I need- muscle arm emoction x

I do wish you all the best for tomorrow! As Alouiseg says, be very firm and say that you want a referral, either to a dermatologist or to an allergy specialist if there is one. If you don't get one, maybe you could ask to see the practice manager and see if there is any other way of getting a referral.

My DS also had very bad eczema, which we treated with the same creams you mention. In his case, it was because of food allergies (dairy, egg etc.) but I saw a LOT of doctors before we were finally referred and sometimes I felt that no-one would ever listen to me. As you say, they all want to try a different cream!

My story is that by the time I finally saw a dermatologist, I had kept 4 months 'food diary', proving that DS eczema was linked to what I ate. He finally saw an allergy specialist and was tested. These days, he is totally eczema free.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

hi, I know its not going to help you for today but having a food diary is what convinced our gp as well, I kept it for two months and also took pics of skin and recorded reactions. It finally got the gp to listen and to understand that if I was comitted to recording food for two months then I was serious about thinking my dd1 had allergies.

I feel for you gp's dont really know much about allergies (unless your lucky and get a specialised one, I guess they need to know so much) Good Luck and be strong you know your daughter the best.

sorry didn't see this before. As hanreeoak said take photos at home when things are really bad so you can show the dr how bad it is without being distressed by your child's distress. Pointing out how expensive the creams are and how his budget would benefit if you found the cause may help.

Be very firm. Your daughter needs to be seen by a specialist that can help, its no good fobbing off with one cream after another. My DD was allergic to Dermol even, she looked like a burns victim after one application.

I would go in, armed with your photos and say that you wish to see a specialist as the eczema is not only affecting your child's life from a sore/itchy point of view but from a confidence perspective. If she is covering up her 'poorlies' then it is obviously very much on her mind for such a little dot so you need to see someone who can help her. Moreover, your GP has no idea that your DD is not reacting to a food group that maybe affecting her in other ways or might do in the future.

I would go back and report that the creams are having little to no effect. You are entitled to good care, I get so frustrated about doctors who won't discuss allergies.

I had to really stand my ground in the end and say 'I want my child to see a specialist - please give me a referral today'

Oh, just realised this was a yesterday post... so, how did it go?

Hello all,
Just to update you on this. DD was referred to a skin clinic at the Central clinic, as the GP believed getting her involved with choosing her creams would make it easier for her.
I reluctantly went to the skin clinic and they gave me a routine of what to do, but I followed that for 1 week and it still hasn't improved so she is getting a referral to the dematologist. The dematologist will do the allergy testing aswell.
I have also been keeping a food diary as suggested.

Thanks for all your support