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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Need to see a GP

34 replies

Idontlikecheesecake · 27/12/2018 09:27

I work in a hospital and the constant washing of my hands has made my eczema on my fingers worse. Ive been to the GP several times but it hasn’t got better and just keeps getting worse, i think it’s infected (picture posted below). Ive rang my GP but they cant get me in today or tomorrow and we’re going away sunday. I need to be seen before then. WIBU to ring 111 at Christmas to make an appointment at the out of hours place? Think they do more than just out of hours now

OP posts:
Original poster
Idontlikecheesecake · 27/12/2018 09:28

This is my finger

OP posts:
CatToddlerUprising · 27/12/2018 09:29

Is there a pharmacy open near you? They sell steroid cream over the counter which may help until you can see your GP

Cherries101 · 27/12/2018 09:30

If you work in a hospital can you not have a quiet word with an ECP or Nurse Practitioner that you know to get their opinion?

4strings · 27/12/2018 09:30

Can you get to a pharmacy? The pharmacist may be able to provide short term help until you can get to the GP.

Failing that, do you have a walk in locally?

I wouldn’t call 111 for this. You’ll end up waiting for hours for just a callback ime, and there are other services you can access.

Cherries101 · 27/12/2018 09:30

Big Boots that offer vaccinations often have a nurse on-site too.

4strings · 27/12/2018 09:31

Idont I have very similar going on with my hands and the pharmacist recommended steroid cream lightly applied round the non-broken skin for a few days.

I’d definitely suggest finding a pharmacy.

Bambamber · 27/12/2018 09:32

Pharmacy should be able to help.

For long term, have you spoken to occupational health about your eczema? They can normally give good advice and specific moisturiser to use every time you wash your hands to try and help manage flare ups

Original poster
Idontlikecheesecake · 27/12/2018 09:33

Im goinf into town today and i had thought about a pharmacy but thought theyd just tell me to see my GP. But obviously it makes sense to try it before i just assume.

And ive told several nurses about it and no ones told me to see anyone so not sure if its available (one nurse said its infected)

OP posts:
BiscuitDrama · 27/12/2018 09:33

What has the gp already given you?

Original poster
Idontlikecheesecake · 27/12/2018 09:35

Theyve already given me clonevate, eumovate, betnovate and its got worse

OP posts:
Original poster
Idontlikecheesecake · 27/12/2018 09:35

Clobevate* not clonovate

OP posts:
SoyDora · 27/12/2018 09:35

Walk in centre?

PurpleWithRed · 27/12/2018 09:36

Is that redness new? Is it hot and puffy? If it's a new infection rather than ongoing redness you really don't want an infection taking hold there, do you have an Urgent Care Centre/Walk In you can go to (for reference, your local A&E may also be your local UCC or walk-in or minor injuries)? or a practice nurse who can look at it?

And I second the Occy Health thing.

Aridane · 27/12/2018 09:36

YANBU - the mild steroid creams you get from a pharmacy will not touch that!

Original poster
Idontlikecheesecake · 27/12/2018 09:38

And ive also had flucloxacillin tablets which helped but it didnt fully heal and then got worse when my course ended

OP posts:
irenaballerina · 27/12/2018 09:38

I suspect it's infected and fucidin would help as it has both steroid and antibiotic function. Not sure if you can get over the counter, probably not.

bumblingbovine49 · 27/12/2018 09:39

I had a big patch like this on my arm on the day before Xmas eve. That looks infected to me. Dont put steroid cream on broken skin. I managed to see a nurse practitioner at my GP and they gave me antibiotic cream which has improved it ( after applying 4 times a day for 3 days so far). It is now better enough that I can start applying steroid cream and emollients as well as the ntiniotic cream. Try a walk in centre today or call your gp first thing tomorrow.

huggybear · 27/12/2018 09:40

I've had the exact same, the only thing that touches it is fucibet. Don't worry, it is like miracle stuff. Mine has been at points like your finger but all over my hand, I know how sore it is. You can only get it from a GP in my experience though.

AnnaMagnani · 27/12/2018 09:42

If you work in hospital, have you been seen by Occ Health? You should be provided with your own wash cream and moisturiser rather than using the generic stuff on the wards.

bumblingbovine49 · 27/12/2018 09:43

Oh and I called 111 on Xmas Eve on the advice of a pharmacist as she said it was infected and they originally said that they would get me into.an ooh appointment ( after a few hrs wait for a nurse assessment on the phone) but when he ooh place called they said it was not urgent enough and to go through my GP the next morning. Which was fine as I was not going away buy if you are going away they may see you. I would try a walk in.place first though

bumblingbovine49 · 27/12/2018 09:48

Second the comments about if it is painful, very red, hot etc and/or if you feel ill/ temperature then get urgent help a&e if necessary. Infections can get worse and turn left mto something serious.

When you get the appropriate cream, try soaking it in warm salt water for 5-10 mins then put antibiotic cream on ( also steroid cream later when skin not broken), soak a dressing in the water and over it. Then bandage over and leave overnight or several hours. This helps the creams to soak in

morningconstitutional2017 · 27/12/2018 09:51

Could you visit a hospital or clinic at your destination? I had this and the GP insisted I went on antibiotics and audavate cream which worked a treat.

MillicentBeauchamp · 27/12/2018 09:53

That looks infected and I suggest you go to a walk in centre

billybagpuss · 27/12/2018 09:54

That looks infected to me too.

Does the antiseptic hand wash you have to use have SLS in it. My forehead looked like that before I stopped using it?

Do they have any alternative hand wash as that is clearly affecting you.

sueelleker · 27/12/2018 09:55

You shouldn't use steroid cream on broken/infected skin. It can cause ulcers.