Am I a GP frequent flyer?

[Oneofeachpleasetah]

Hi!

I frequently get psoriasis flare ups and they can get pretty nasty. every winter for the last few years I’ve had awful flare ups around my ear (amongst other places). In 2021 I had flare ups inside my ear canal and middle ear which became infected and required lots of different antibiotics to get rid of the infection before the psoriasis itself could even start to heal. Then last year was the exact same except around my ear instead and I basically had open abscesses for 6 weeks because we couldn’t get it under control with antibiotics but eventually it did and healed up. On the rest of my body I have patches but they’re generally not too awful but certain areas seem to always get infected (eg I had it rectally and that got infected nastily before too). You get the gist

as expected (unfortunately) it’s started again this year and it’s in patches around my ears (I’ll take and post some photos of it after I’ve posted this) and it’s also started to get quite deep at the crack in my ear now which is definitely infected again. I’ll post some photos below

i deal with normal flare ups with my treatment from dermatology but sometimes the patches get abscesses and infected and if it doesn’t heal that’s when I have to go to the GP

I know this is probably ridiculous (definitely!) but I feel so bad going to the GP about it. I’ve had 10+ appointments in the last 18 months because of awful flare ups with my psoriasis and also infections. You always hear about people being timewasters and frequent flyers- will they see me as that? I’m a complete over worrier so just worried I’m doing the wrong thing by going but equally I don’t know what else to do because I can’t manage it from home when the infection is this bad and the pharmacist recoiled when I showed it! I know realistically it’s what the GP is for but I still feel so bad about going because I’ve been so often.

I don’t really know what I’m even asking for, I think I’m just a bit tired and sore and stressing about nothing but I’m just so worried I’m a frequent flyer and there will be a black dot beside my name or something like that!

If you walk out with a prescription that's good evidence that the appointment was needed!

I have been frequently in last 18 months or so as have had so many issues - idk if they’re all post-covid/peri or age related but prior to this I had one ‘condition’ requiring meds but just on repeat basis so didn’t go in the surgery for it as I’m seen by a specialist for check ups!
tbh we pay for it through taxes so as long as they’re genuine issues we shouldn’t feel like this. I just wish there was continuity of care or more holistic care - as in I was prescribed iron tablets as I have low ferritin, but no ‘don’t take antacids at same time’ as I take gaviscon for reflux (GP is well aware of my reflux issues and have had numerous tests) had to look this up.

Sounds like you need better treatments and look at what happens with your ears. Ask to be referred to a dermatologist or psoriasis specialist. These infections are not trivial but perhaps talk about prevention too.

Anyone with a chronic condition would expect to see their GP on a regular basis. It's essential in case of change of medication or treatment options.
I used to stress about it too but I don't these days.