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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think this may need more urgent attention now?? Medical issue

216 replies

Issue33 · 29/04/2022 20:11

DH is worrying me a bit. He's had a skin issue now for around 2 months. It's like his skin is on fire and it's getting worse. It's itchy all over, he said feels like things crawling over him and he has cracked and scabbed skin in large patches on his arms, legs, tummy and back.

He's been to the doctors twice who keep saying it's eczema (I've got eczema and it looks absolutely nothing like it but I appreciate I'm no doctor!).

He's tried steroid creams, steroid tablets, antibiotics... Nothing is touching it.

He's so miserable tonight, says he feels like he's burning everywhere (he doesn't have a temp though I checked).

Would I be unreasonable to suggest he gets this looked at more urgently now? Maybe even A&E? 111?! Anything! Or do we trust the GP that it's "just" eczema?

OP posts:
Maydaysoonenough · 29/04/2022 20:13

Have you tried antihistamines? At a year old ds became allergic to grass apparently.. GP gave him liquid antihistamines..

Issue33 · 29/04/2022 20:14

He's had antihistamines, he has hayfever so takes them regularly anyway!

OP posts:
Floraflower3 · 29/04/2022 20:14

I’m sorry your DH is going through this, he must feel awful.

As it’s been going on a while I wouldn’t go to A&E. you can try 111 and see what they suggest. I would try one last time to push the GP into taking different action. Do you have the ability to pay for a private derm consultation?

Issue33 · 29/04/2022 20:16

It's getting to the point where he doesn't even want to shower because it hurts too much, can't sleep or anything. Feel really sorry for him!

He has another doctors appointment in a week, he keeps saying he can't make it to then like this. I don't know what to suggest.

OP posts:
AnotherNC22 · 29/04/2022 20:16

Has he been checked for scabies? I remember it going round our halls when i was at uni 🤢 So grim.

Issue33 · 29/04/2022 20:17

AnotherNC22 · 29/04/2022 20:16

Has he been checked for scabies? I remember it going round our halls when i was at uni 🤢 So grim.

No he hasn't! They literally took one look at him and have decided it's eczema and that's all they've been trying to treat.

OP posts:
Mangogogogo · 29/04/2022 20:18

So I had similar to this. It was my liver, is the go going to do some function tests? I would perhaps suggest it. I was very very poorly in the end!

i say this only because mine didn’t react any skin treatment either!

Alliswells · 29/04/2022 20:18

If it has gotten worse then yanbu to phone 111

MrsW · 29/04/2022 20:18

If the GP is unable to prescribe anything that helps your husband should ask to be referred to a dermatologist

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 29/04/2022 20:20

DH had similar, it was a fungal infection

TheLittleCabbages · 29/04/2022 20:20

He needs a referral to dermatology

tedgran · 29/04/2022 20:20

I have had spontaneous urticaria for two years now, I'm on eight antihistamines a day plus an antibiotic and vitamin b. I also use a moisturiser every day.I itch and scratch a lot, its much worse in the evening and wakes me up at night. Ask for a referral to dermatology if you don't get any joy from the GP. I'm going back to the hospital this week to ask for different medication, I'm permanently exhausted with lack of sleep.

Issue33 · 29/04/2022 20:20

Mangogogogo · 29/04/2022 20:18

So I had similar to this. It was my liver, is the go going to do some function tests? I would perhaps suggest it. I was very very poorly in the end!

i say this only because mine didn’t react any skin treatment either!

No no one has mentioned this thank you!

It's just so annoying that it's now weekend and a bank holiday too meaning we can't really push the GP again now until Tuesday. He's usually pretty tough with illnesses or things like that but this is really getting to him.

I dont think it's scabies, is that not contagious?

OP posts:
Issue33 · 29/04/2022 20:20

There is us and 3 kids in the house and no one else has shown any signs.

OP posts:
WiseUpJanetWeiss · 29/04/2022 20:21

It would be worth a conversation with a pharmacist. They would be able to tell you if it was scabies at least.

Issue33 · 29/04/2022 20:21

He's asked about a referral. They seem reluctant to until they've tried this and that. Except nothing is working! NightmareSad

OP posts:
user1471453601 · 29/04/2022 20:27

@Issue33 , I really feel for your husband. This is my second go round in four years with idiopathic hives. It means the doctor hasn't got a bloody clue what is causing it.

I too have hay fever it starts in February and goes on until October.

I really understand why your husband is at the end of his tether. I'm in no way depressed, I've faced life treating illness (lung cancer in my case) but this is bringing me to my knees. There is not a moment in my life right now, when I can sit comfortably and be at ease. It does make me feel that, if this is my life, I'm not sure I want it.

The only thing keeping me going is the fact that last time, after about 18 months it went away. I just wish it would fuck of now. I look and feel a mess.

Blimeyherewegoagain · 29/04/2022 20:30

I also wondered about scabies- it’s intensely itchy.

thecurtainsofdestiny · 29/04/2022 20:31

There are "non skin" causes of all over itch ( liver problems as well as other causes). I'd agree he should see GP again for further investigation and treatment.

Wolfiefan · 29/04/2022 20:34

Sounds just like me. I ended up seeing a dermatologist. They even did a biopsy. It was actually eczema. I used a strong steroid cream. I’m now on methotrexate.

I also have a serious allergy to MI. It’s in liquids. Shampoo. Shower gel. Washing liquid. Washing up liquid. Conditioner. Many many people who have eczema react to this.

mackthepony · 29/04/2022 20:36

Personally I'd go to a and e

Danikm151 · 29/04/2022 20:38

Itching all over can be a sign of liver issues.
ask for a second opinion with the dr

MiniTheMinx · 29/04/2022 20:41

Impetigo?

Unsure33 · 29/04/2022 20:42

I would insist on a referral. My husband had a milder problem but his was his liver causing it .

if they don’t play ball can you go private ?

unwashedanddazed · 29/04/2022 20:43

Just for some temporary relief I would recommend Vaseline. In the past I have had terrible outbreaks of psoriasis, literally from head to foot and Vaseline was the only thing that soothed it. Slap on loads, rub it in well and wear old clothes, towel on the bed to protect the sheets.

Really hope he gets a proper diagnosis soon, poor man.

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