Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To diagnose myself rather than going to the GP.

28 replies

Wanderpeg · 13/12/2023 08:00

My GP is an absolute nightmare to get into, doubt I’d even get an appointment until late Jan/Feb. I also dislike the very rude secretary and would rather be dying than have to explain myself to her. But DP is worried and thinks I should go.

I don’t think it’s particularly urgent and I’d rather not, so armed with a list of symptoms, I googled.

I was unwell with a virus. Shortly after I had an oval red patch show up on the back of my neck, with sort of a velvety feeling. Since then a number of smaller patches have shown up on my torso in the following four weeks. They don’t hurt and aren’t itchy. Included pictures of what my ‘herald patch’ and smaller patches look like.

I think it’s this https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pityriasis-rosea/

Dp says I’m a tit and need to see the gp, but that if I’m going to be stubborn about it I should ask mumsnet (and probably get my arse handed to me).

So, AIBU?

To diagnose myself rather than going to the GP.
To diagnose myself rather than going to the GP.
To diagnose myself rather than going to the GP.
OP posts:
EmmaTurnip · 13/12/2023 08:04

It looks exactly like pityriasis- rosea and from experience the GP can’t do much. They gave me some hydrocortisone cream but said it probably wouldn’t do much, the patches will just go eventually by themselves, which they did.

Original poster
Wanderpeg · 13/12/2023 08:06

EmmaTurnip · 13/12/2023 08:04

It looks exactly like pityriasis- rosea and from experience the GP can’t do much. They gave me some hydrocortisone cream but said it probably wouldn’t do much, the patches will just go eventually by themselves, which they did.

Thank you, that is what I thought too!

OP posts:
theduchessofspork · 13/12/2023 08:07

I’d go and ask the pharmacist

Then take a picture and send it and the pharmacist’s thoughts to the GP

They will either prescribe something or ask to see you. You may well be right, but you don’t want it spreading and getting out of control.

Prune2024 · 13/12/2023 08:11

For minor issues I use dr Google, private GP or Pharmacists. My GP and reception are both quite abrupt.. i'd only see them if it's something more serious.

simolias · 13/12/2023 08:12

Go to a pharmacist, they often have private rooms so that you aren't lifting your top on the shop floor.

Re the GP are there any other surgeries that cover your address? I would move GP surgery if you can. These days with digital data it should be an easy thing to do.

ithinkthatmaybeimdreaming · 13/12/2023 08:15

I had that a few years ago (self diagnosed) and it eventually disappeared. Mine was only itchy when I had a shower, otherwise it didn't bother me. I think you are fine not going to the GP, as they can't actually do anything, but you could ask a pharmacist if you are concerned.

CormorantStrikesBack · 13/12/2023 08:16

Dh has had similar red marks for a year. I’ve never heard of this condition but his started with one large mark and now he has lots all over his body. He finally went to the GP last week and gp doesn’t know what it is but prescribed cream and body wash. It’s looking loads better already. Dh says less itchy. You can diagnose yourself I guess but not get steroid cream, etc

Original poster
Wanderpeg · 13/12/2023 08:27

simolias · 13/12/2023 08:12

Go to a pharmacist, they often have private rooms so that you aren't lifting your top on the shop floor.

Re the GP are there any other surgeries that cover your address? I would move GP surgery if you can. These days with digital data it should be an easy thing to do.

Unfortunately the other local surgeries have closed lists at the moment.

OP posts:
JoyeuxNarwhal · 13/12/2023 08:30

If you're not feeling systemically unwell then I guess self diagnosis doesn't hurt. I'd probably ask a pharmacist for advice though (our local independent is brilliant and they have a private consultation room). Your first photo could be either PR or ringworm though, if the latter you'd need anti-fungals so professional interpretation may be helpful.

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 13/12/2023 08:31

Many GPs these days will accept photos for things like that. Just email them in.

Andthereyougo · 13/12/2023 08:31

Ask a pharmacist. There are some low dose otc hydrocortisone creams if they think it’s appropriate. If you know anyone in Europe get them to post you a tube of Onctose, my go to cream for skin conditions. Cured my rosacea and it’s great for mosquito bites.

Fraaahnces · 13/12/2023 08:33

It also looks like ringworm to me. I think you need to see the pharmacist. If it’s ringworm and you pop some steroid cream on it, it can feed the beast.

steppemum · 13/12/2023 08:35

I too wondered about ringworm.

and I second going to a pharmacist. There are many who are able to prescribe. I often do that now instead of GP.

ActDottie · 13/12/2023 08:35

Ask a pharmacist if you don’t want to see a GP but my husband had similar patches and went to see the pharmacist who said that he should see GP.

Turned out to be something fungal but the pictures look very much like what you’ve posted so I’d definitely get it checked out for a proper diagnosis.

DoAsYouWouldBeMumBy · 13/12/2023 08:36

I had that about ten years ago and although I did see my GP, there was no treatment. I looked it up on the internet and got advice that washing my body with head and shoulders shampoo might help, as might taking milk thistle orally. It did clear up quite quickly, and I felt like the milk thistle helped (when I stopped taking it, the patches got worse and then got better when I started the milk thistle again). Anyway, two mild treatments to try!

simolias · 13/12/2023 08:38

@Fraaahnces yes the herald patch looks like ringworm but that is just one of the spots, it is also accompanied by the other spots which do not have that outer crusty edge look. If you look at the NHS link you can see the difference, one herald patch then a rash of the other spots. I had pityriasis rosea.

@Wanderpeg Just keep trying the other GPs, people die, people move. A spot could open up for you.

Mathsstatsmaths · 13/12/2023 08:45

I’ve had ringworm a couple of times (animal contact when younger) and it is insanely itchy. So I think if it isn’t itchy I’d suggest it isn’t that.

Original poster
Wanderpeg · 13/12/2023 08:56

I did consider ringworm because of what the ‘herald patch’ looked like. But I thought it unlikely because of the other spots that have appeared over the last few weeks, that it isn’t itchy and all started after a virus. I also had the dog and cat checked just in case but they didn’t have it.

DP has agreed to stop nagging as he has been assured by some of the replies now so thank you!

OP posts:
ElsieMc · 13/12/2023 09:13

It does look remarkably like what you have self diagnosed but I have self diagnosed twice and been wrong twice.

First time (I am post menopause) I self diagnosed recurrent thrush. I used copious amounts of canesten and even the doctor via phone prescribed an intensive course. On face to face appointment it was vaginal atrophy, the reason chemists wont issue otc canesten to over 60s.

Second time, I went about another matter and had the doctor look at the small red patch of eczema on my neck. It wasn't and it was cut out pretty quickly. Mine was different to your pic because it had a white patch in the centre and a ragged outline. If you have any doubts, brave the receptionist and book. Your DH is right and sorry not to be reassuring.

LemonLight · 13/12/2023 09:17

Looks like ringworm to me. Agree with others to go see a pharmacist.

Torganer · 13/12/2023 09:20

Go to a pharmacy. They are usually good with things like this.

Oliotya · 13/12/2023 09:41

When I had pityriasis rosea it was more of a herald patch, then widespread rash rather than a just a few spots. I'd start with the pharmacist.

amusedbush · 13/12/2023 10:46

I agree with PPs about seeing a pharmacist but your GP might not even need to see you in person.

Last year I was pretty sure I had erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (easy for me to say!) so I emailed over photos of my rashy face and collected a script a couple of days later.

KimberleyClark · 13/12/2023 10:51

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 13/12/2023 08:31

Many GPs these days will accept photos for things like that. Just email them in.

This. I sent a photo of my rash to my GP saying I thought it might be shingles. She concurred and did a prescription for some antivirals.

Aklein38 · 10/10/2024 09:17

@Wanderpeg - I know its been a while but did you ever find out what this was? My son has something that looks identical to this and we can't work out what it is or how long it will last. It leis spreading at the moment.