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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask if this looks like Psoriasis??? Pics Inside.

40 replies

WhatIsThisProblem · 27/06/2018 14:46

NC because I find this embarrassing.

If you have any educated guesses on what this is Please Help.

Starting in 2012 I got these small weird patches of skin on my inner arms, then a tiny dot on my collarbone then a tiny dot of it on my stomach. The spots look almost raised when inspected closely and feel a bit off from other skin. Over time it has spread particularly while I was pregnant except my stomach where it got better Hmm now it's all over my chest, shoulders, some on breasts and stomach and a few dots of it in other places.

Arms, hands, face, back, bum, bikini area, legs, and feet are clear for the most part or completely.

Asked a GP and nurse about it while pregnant and wasn't helped just told it probably was a side effect of my pregnancy...in 2017. Angry

It isn't contagious. The patches only get better when my skin is exposed to sunlight regularly. I rarely tan so only found this out in 2016 on a beach holiday.

I saw a dermatologist once who said the spots despite looking brown are in fact red and it could be an auto-immune disorder. I was tested for Lupus and thankfully it was negative.

I was also diagnosed with Raynaud's Phenomenon by a different doctor, this is only relevant because it started at almost the same time as spots appeared and Raynaud's is associated with some auto-immune disorders.

I was also misdiagnosed with something I can't recall the name of now.

I don't want to go to another doctor just to get the run around again, I'd like to go in armed with suggestions of things they could test for.

To ask if this looks like Psoriasis??? Pics Inside.
To ask if this looks like Psoriasis??? Pics Inside.
To ask if this looks like Psoriasis??? Pics Inside.
OP posts:
Chewie198686 · 27/06/2018 14:52

I'd probably ask medical professionals and not Mumsnet

Dungeondragon15 · 27/06/2018 14:53

It could be psoriasis. I have similar although not as diffuse and it was also worse during pregnancy (I think it is usually the other way around so surprised you were told it is a "side effect" of pregnancy). I have psoriasis elsewhere and I have Raynauds and another autoimmune disease.

Strawberry2017 · 27/06/2018 14:54

It's possible, there are a few different types. Mine got better when pregnant and then went mental after having her.
I would have thought a dermatologist would have been able to diagnose it though.
Psoriasis is usually autoimmune as far as I know and mine does get better in the sun.
Could you see another dermatologist?

Dungeondragon15 · 27/06/2018 14:54

I'd probably ask medical professionals and not Mumsnet

She had though and hasn't got anywhere!

JustVent · 27/06/2018 14:57

I'd probably ask medical professionals and not Mumsnet

Did you even read the OP? She has seen more than one medical professional and she’s still none the wiser.

MN is an excellent place to turn, people with possible personal experience.

Does it itch OP?

WeirdScenesInsideTheGoldmine · 27/06/2018 14:59

Does it flake op? Psoriasis is usually on the outer joints such as elbows and knees. I control mine using gf diet and avoiding too much chlorine etc

GaspingGekko · 27/06/2018 15:00

Looks a lot like my psoriasis - mine started during my first pregnancy and got much worse during my second. I also have little patches all over and then some bigger areas like you and sun exposure always improves it.
How are your finger nails? I have a strange pitting on some of them which is also a sign of psoriasis.
I would maybe try to see a different dermatologist if I were you.

Mulberry72 · 27/06/2018 15:02

I have Psoriasis (and the Arthritis part too) and my Psoriasis is very thick, red with big flaky patches. It’s a little difficult to tell from your photos Blush

My Psoriasis is better in the sun, but very itchy at night. Photo attached of what mine is like.

PereyButton · 27/06/2018 15:03

Looks like Pityriasis Versicolour. I have it on my back. Could be wrong however. Head to gp they're likely to know.

Jorah · 27/06/2018 15:03

Oh god OP.

Did it start like yhis

Doc.said it was nothing and would go. It's spreading.

To ask if this looks like Psoriasis??? Pics Inside.
Fairyliz · 27/06/2018 15:04

I have an underactive thyroid which is an auto immune disease and I get something similar to this on my torso, usually when I am run down. Is it itchy? Mine itches to buggery. It also gets better in the sun

Might be worth asking for a thyroid test?

Dungeondragon15 · 27/06/2018 15:08

OP, it might be easier to see if it is psoriasis if you do a very close up photo. I have red/brown patches on my torso but when magnified you can see white scales.

somewhereawayfromhere · 27/06/2018 15:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
WhatIsThisProblem · 27/06/2018 15:30

@Strawberry2017

The dermatologist I saw wasn't good but the only available with my health insurance in the area I lived. I went to a dermatologist every month as a teen for acne and I know the difference between a good one and a clueless one.

I'm guessing I need a GP to get a referral to a dermatologist?

@JustVent

Only the large patch between my breasts itches, the rest don't.

@Jorah

Yes, it looked very similar to that when it started on my inner arm.

@Fairyliz

I had a thyroid problem in my early 20's, I had a goiter but it went away so I was declared healed.

@Dungeondragon15

I can't seem to get close up enough with phone camera and I'm not sure where my proper camera is. :/

OP posts:
Original poster
WhatIsThisProblem · 27/06/2018 15:32

Oh and my fingernails are fine, I think someone asked. Only have hand problems when the raynauds flares up but fingernails are still unaffected.

OP posts:
Original poster
WhatIsThisProblem · 27/06/2018 15:34

@somewhereawayfromhere

Thank you I'll give that Epaderm a try and no the last thing I want is a tan. Grin

How do you get a referral to a hospital dermatologist?

OP posts:
GirlsBlouse17 · 27/06/2018 16:04

Vitiligo was the first thing that crossed my mind but what do I know!

Torvi · 27/06/2018 16:08

It looks very similar to when I had it. Creams didn't touch it but tablets shifted it pronto. Can't remember what they were though sorry.

CookieSue222 · 27/06/2018 16:26

I too have Guttate, or 'raindrop' Psoriasis. Also Psoriatic Arthritis.
Both my conditions were 'acquired' after the age of 40. Initially I had a really severe bacterial sore throat, and apparently that triggered my immune system. Over the years I have had courses of 'light therapy', which is an immediate help, but the Psoriasis always returns within a few weeks. I am currently treated with Methotrexate/steroid injections for the arthritis by the Rheumatology Dept. at my local hospital. I too have the ridged nails etc.
I think you need a diagnosis, as if it is Psoriasis you need to be aware of Psoriatic Arthritis, which is (potentially) a far more serious condition. Your GP should be able to refer you to a dermatologist at your local hospital. Hope you get it sorted soon.

Jorah · 27/06/2018 18:17

I have it all over my back too. And for the last year I have really really painful feet and aching joints. I wounder if they are connected?!

Mine looks exactly like yours OP.

Original poster
WhatIsThisProblem · 27/06/2018 21:11

@PereyButton

It does look a LOT like Pityriasis Versicolour

@Jorah

Have you gotten a diagnosis for your skin condition?

I get achy in my fingers but I think that's the raynauds and that I'll eventually likely get arthritis from it.

OP posts:
HazelBite · 27/06/2018 21:19

I have something similar and quite by chance discovered that it is a reaction to additives/treatments in some tap water. (It goes away when I travel to different areas or gets worse depending on the area)
Since only drinking bottled water at home it has disappreared, but returns if I drink tea or coffee when out and about.
It only appears on my chest and would travel up my neck at its worst.
Have the doctors considered allergies?

Jorah · 27/06/2018 21:23

I think it's pityriasis versicolor! I am going to biy some selsun and see if it helps

Lysimachia · 27/06/2018 21:45

@HazelBite - can I ask how showering/bathing works for you. Does water on your skin make it worse?

HazelBite · 28/06/2018 00:31

No i'm fine bathing etc its just actually consuming tap water that is the problem.
It is very inconvenient, I can't have ice in drinks, or go for a coffee with friends.
I cannot drink the tap water where I live even if it is filtered, but the water in North Wales and the Scottish Highlands don't affect me.
The water in Norfolk and Devon is particularly bad!