To think my BF should go to the doctor? (Warning - pics included)

[BFE]

My bf has had these large red areas on his chest/back for around 4 months. He won’t go to the doctor, to be fair it’s not very easy for him to do that as he works 12 hour days. He finally went to the pharmacy last weekend and asked them what they thought it was, they said psoriasis and sold him some E45 itch relief cream and he also got some vitamin D tablets. But now it’s more irritated than ever and so I don’t think the cream is helping, it seems to be doing the opposite.

Is he going to have to take a day off work, or are there any medical types on here that could point us in the right direction?

He works in construction so no occupational health at work.

He’s already tried two now.

See this link: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/nhs-services-and-treatments/how-can-i-see-a-gp-if-i-am-away-from-home/

Years ago I became unwell whilst on holiday in another part of the UK and saw a doctor ( was given antibiotics). If he’s working away I’m sure he could see a temporary doctor.

It will take weeks to get re registered with another doctor.
i moved just 10 mins away from my old doctors and notified them of a change of address at the end of an appointment and they cancelled upcoming appointments and told me I was to register with one in my area now they won’t see me anymore.
if he hasn’t told the old GP yet that he has moved then I would just make the effort to go there even though it’s a bit further afield, rather than mess about changing because I was weeks waiting for test results that no one could give me while they changed me over. Then notify them of change an register in new area once this has been looked at.

I'm adding in with see a doctor as seeing a pharmacist hasn't helped.

He can attend any GP as a temporary patient if he's not registered in the area where his current one is.

Have you called 111 or done the online flow?

The flows can be quite rigid so it might be worth talking to someone.

Can he go to a walk in centre, just say it’s causing him pain/irritation/distress. I would, it looks awful and I can’t beleive he’s just put up with it basically so long.

If he rings 111 they should get him to see the local GP even if he’s not registered with them.

He definitely needs it seeing to and make sure you wash all sheets on a hot wash incase it is infectious.

My vote is psoriasis or fungal infection. He needs something like dakakorte cream its anti fungal with steroid cream in it also. If it is psoriasis e45 isn't going to cut it thats quite bad and would need a topical steroid and stronger emollient like epaderm.

We did the online flow. Maybe it would
be worth calling them.

If you can afford it, try a private Gp service online. They usually do a video call so he can show them these patches and then send an electronic private prescription. If you pay for NHS prescriptions sometimes the cost of the medication is less than the NHS charge.

I'd ring them. The flows aren't able to deal with any subtleties so will just keep pumping out the same response.

In case it is psoriasis, if it's sunny where you are, get him out in the garden to get some sunlight on those patches for now.

It takes weeks for notes to be transferred but you can see any doctor as a visiting patient or after you've registered in my experience.

Stop with the arm chair diagnosis - it’s not helping the OP. In my opinion it shouldn’t be allowed on here as it’s bloody dangerous.

Assuming he’s a NT adult then he needs to decide where he’s going to register with a GP and do it. While he waits he could arrange a private GP appointment if it’s affordable.

111 may be able to help with a GP appointment but he needs to be clear that 2 pharmacists have been unable to help and he needs to see a doctor.

Looks like granuloma annulare to me. It's harmless and clears up after about 2 years. I had them all over my legs for a while but they are gone now. I'd try and get him in front of a doctor or dermatologist just in case though.

Clotramazole (think thats how it spelled)... if its ringworm...certainly looks like it. The problem was my bro was prescribed fucidin and it made it worse! So another gp online recommended clotramazole...bro ordered that.. his rash was in 4 places...under arm...leg...thigh..tummy...all cleared up.

Would his doctor do a phone consultation with photos? Otherwise, I think he’s going to need to take a few hours off

Dh has purple patches like this all over due to an autoimmune condition. Like a rare, 2 in a million condition. Your dp should really see a doctor. He needs a proper diagnosis and treatment.

The things you learn on MN! I've had mild ring-shaped eczema on and off for decades, and had to fend off various medical staff trying to give me anti-fungal for ringworm. I never knew it was an actual thing, or had a special name.

If it's difficult for him to get to the GP cant he contact the GP online and upload the photos. Ive done this twice with different skin problems and had a prescription both times. Both times successfully treated the problem

Look at his fingernails, does he have pitting? It can be difficult to see. That's often a sign of psoriasis. I thought the first picture could look a bit like psoriasis, the types present quite differently though.

OP, you’ve tried: asking Mumsnet (who told you it could be A… or B… or C… or maybe D…. Or perhaps this 1 in 2 million likelihood one person’s DH had) and BF’s seen two pharmacists. So those avenues may have provided some help (given you some ideas), but now it’s time to just call 111, tell them you already spoke to two pharmacists who had no clue, one who gave him E45 which made it worse, and you’re happy to send photos if they can’t get you into a GP immediately or he needs to see a GP ASAP.

My thoughts too. And it can be passed on if it is. @BFE He really needs to see a GP

He doesn't have to be registered with a doctor to get an appointment with them. I went to my sister's GP 200 miles from home when I urgently needed to see the doctor and was at her's. I got a referral though from 111. Sometimes out of hours/walk in is next to A&E at a hospital. He can be seen there over the weekend.

Ringworm