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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be so upset about this (see photo) *MNHQ adding content warning for fairly grim skin ailment*

146 replies

Brownhair3 · 21/02/2023 03:41

I posted about this back in December (I think) but unfortunately it’s not fixed and keeps getting worse so thought I’d make a new post with an updated photo from tonight

I have a pretty unpleasant infection on my skin and I can’t seem to get rid of it. I’ve had i for 2-3 months now (since roughly the start of December I think) and I’ve had several different antibiotics, fungas treatments, topical treatments and all sorts from the doctor. Nothing is getting rid of it completely. It sometimes gets slightly better than flares up and spreads again. It’s wet, sticky and really hot and painful. It’s around the crack of my ear and keeps spreading onto the skin around my scalp and on the back of my ear. It’s not spreading beyond that so far thankfully

has anyone had similar and have any advice of something I could try for it? Starting to panic it will never go- it’s so ugly and really painful, I’m currently sleeping upright because rolling over in my sleep onto that side of my head is too excruciating. Trying so hard not to be upset by it but I’m so disappointed it’s not gone yet and I just want it to go away, it’s so embarrassing and painful

OP posts:
Scramble1805 · 21/02/2023 06:41

Daisychained8 · 21/02/2023 05:00

I almost don’t want to post this because I’m scared that I’ll get flamed for suggesting a natural solution but this has been so helpful for me that I am going to post and hope nobody yells at me.

1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Make sure everything is organic and natural with nothing removed (apple cider vinegar must be ‘with the mother’; coconut oil raw and edible, not a skincare product). Mix together and apply to your skin. Leave on for around 20-40 minutes, and then wash off and reapply a few times per day.

I use this for everything on my skin now. I used it on a horrible, scaly, dry, raised patch of skin that was showing worrying early signs of skin cancer - it completely got rid of it. I use for all rashes and fungal infections (I had a horrible one on my foot but got rid of it quickly with this!). I use on my kids and husband too whenever they have any skin ailment.

I know it might sound odd but my husband is Indian and we lived in India and using natural solutions in this way is totally normal in India - it’s where I learned about it, from the Ayurvedic doctor next door - as well as in many other countries and it really works. You can read about each product online if you’re unsure whether you want to try - even western medicine is recognising the power of these products for healing, especially turmeric.

Just wanted to second this suggestion. Not tried myself (and not a professional) but they're all natural ingredients with good healing properties. Would kill off any fungus or bacteria. Personally I'd try it.

H34213 · 21/02/2023 06:43

Hi OP,

could it be Kerion ringworm? Do you have pets or on a farm?

VaccineSticker · 21/02/2023 06:44

I’d personally book a private dermatologist asap. Get well soon x

anotheragain · 21/02/2023 06:50

Daisychained8 · 21/02/2023 05:00

I almost don’t want to post this because I’m scared that I’ll get flamed for suggesting a natural solution but this has been so helpful for me that I am going to post and hope nobody yells at me.

1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Make sure everything is organic and natural with nothing removed (apple cider vinegar must be ‘with the mother’; coconut oil raw and edible, not a skincare product). Mix together and apply to your skin. Leave on for around 20-40 minutes, and then wash off and reapply a few times per day.

I use this for everything on my skin now. I used it on a horrible, scaly, dry, raised patch of skin that was showing worrying early signs of skin cancer - it completely got rid of it. I use for all rashes and fungal infections (I had a horrible one on my foot but got rid of it quickly with this!). I use on my kids and husband too whenever they have any skin ailment.

I know it might sound odd but my husband is Indian and we lived in India and using natural solutions in this way is totally normal in India - it’s where I learned about it, from the Ayurvedic doctor next door - as well as in many other countries and it really works. You can read about each product online if you’re unsure whether you want to try - even western medicine is recognising the power of these products for healing, especially turmeric.

I’m not going to mock, I’m a huge fan of how the scientific method of investigation has created modern medicine which has extended life span and reduced terrible suffering.

However, prior to modern medicine some of the healing practices used will actually work. Like maggots for cleaning ulcerous wounds. So if it can’t cause harm, there’s no harm trying it.

Though OP I would press your GP hard for a dermatology consultation too, or go private if you can afford it.

Minerbee · 21/02/2023 06:55

I’m going to third or fourth ask for a dermatology referral . Doesn’t mean you can’t try some of the other things in the meantime, although I think putting apple cider vinegar on it would bring a tear to a glass eye!
*I would investigate costs to go private & if I did that I would go with a detailed timeline of what had already been tried so you don’t double up.

you could also ask if any of the GP partners have a special interest in dermatology & ask to see them.

ReformedWaywardTeen · 21/02/2023 07:01

Minerbee · 21/02/2023 06:55

I’m going to third or fourth ask for a dermatology referral . Doesn’t mean you can’t try some of the other things in the meantime, although I think putting apple cider vinegar on it would bring a tear to a glass eye!
*I would investigate costs to go private & if I did that I would go with a detailed timeline of what had already been tried so you don’t double up.

you could also ask if any of the GP partners have a special interest in dermatology & ask to see them.

It can be a bit of a wait like most things with hospital referrals.

The dermatologist DC saw actually said as it was so raw and painful, if the (frankly disinterested) GP had of sent her photos she would have seen her sooner and with decent pics probably have suggested the same creams straight away.

Sometimes we have to push a GP, if you get nowhere, I'm not shy to email a Practice Manager if I don't believe things are being done properly.

User174863988 · 21/02/2023 07:08

I also think you be referred to a dermatologist, years ago I had an itchy rash on my face that wouldn't go and I was referred to a dermatologist that gave me the correct treatment and it cleared up within about a week

Though in the meantime there wouldn't be any harm in trying the natural remedy upthread

Tygertiger · 21/02/2023 07:09

i have used ACV for skin ailments and agree it can be effective, but you can’t pour it on an open wound! That would be beyond agony!

I’m sorry OP. Can you afford a private dermatology referral? Even if you have to get a bank loan or use a credit card and pay it off? I’ve seen your previous posts and this is ruining your life.

CrappyJob · 21/02/2023 07:10

Maybe try manuka honey. It it's a higher grade of honey, and has been scientifically shown to have healing properties.

My dad got a chemical burn from work and wouldn't go to the doctor. It was pretty big and getting worse. After about a week, my mum suggested he put manuka honey on it (he was always a big fan of honey for health), and it healed surprisingly quickly.

Rubyupbeat · 21/02/2023 07:11

Definitely see a dermatologist, you should have been referred long before now.

TriedTurningItOff · 21/02/2023 07:14

@Daisychained8 could you please specify further about your remedy? I want to give it a go. My questions are:

  • can I use any old dried turmeric spice powder, or must it be fresh turmeric?
  • can I use crystallised honey or must it be runny?
  • Can I mix up a big batch and store it in the fridge to use all week, or does it have to be mixed up fresh each time?

Thanks for the recipe, and TIA for any additional info.

MooBaby · 21/02/2023 07:14

Please do not stick a remedy suggested by someone online on that without doing your own research

77toozy · 21/02/2023 07:16

Daisychained8 · 21/02/2023 05:00

I almost don’t want to post this because I’m scared that I’ll get flamed for suggesting a natural solution but this has been so helpful for me that I am going to post and hope nobody yells at me.

1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Make sure everything is organic and natural with nothing removed (apple cider vinegar must be ‘with the mother’; coconut oil raw and edible, not a skincare product). Mix together and apply to your skin. Leave on for around 20-40 minutes, and then wash off and reapply a few times per day.

I use this for everything on my skin now. I used it on a horrible, scaly, dry, raised patch of skin that was showing worrying early signs of skin cancer - it completely got rid of it. I use for all rashes and fungal infections (I had a horrible one on my foot but got rid of it quickly with this!). I use on my kids and husband too whenever they have any skin ailment.

I know it might sound odd but my husband is Indian and we lived in India and using natural solutions in this way is totally normal in India - it’s where I learned about it, from the Ayurvedic doctor next door - as well as in many other countries and it really works. You can read about each product online if you’re unsure whether you want to try - even western medicine is recognising the power of these products for healing, especially turmeric.

I 2nd the honey part of this. I've seen stunning skin healing in India using raw honey only.

Soxford1 · 21/02/2023 07:17

I used to get flare ups and found eumovate to be very good, which is now available over the counter.
I think you need to see a specialist though.

StarPup · 21/02/2023 07:18

That looks so raw and painful, you poor thing.

As others have said, you really need to push for a referral to get it checked out properly. You’ve tried various treatments and they’re not working… time for your doctor to pass this on to a specialist. Hope you feel better soon.

Cherrysoup · 21/02/2023 07:19

Ask for fusidic acid (cream). Absolutely game changing.

picklemewalnuts · 21/02/2023 07:20

Sindonym · 21/02/2023 05:53

Fucidin-H? Fucidin is my go to but adding the hydrocortisone will help calm it faster. If you are using hydrocortisone are you tapering when you remove it? Had to taper incredibly slowly with my son, if we didn’t it came back worse with a rebound.

I have taken a screenshot of @Daisychained8 post though & will try it myself (family of skin stress reactions or tendency to have issues with skin & infections). What does ‘with the mother’ mean for the apple cider vinegar?

The mother is the layer of active bacteria /yeasts that make the vinegar. You'll see it as cloudy dark bits in the bottom of the bottle.

When you make it, the wild organisms from the skin of the apple feed on the sugars and make the acid vinegar. Or something like that.

If it's been sterilised for bottling, it's dead. So worth doing a bit of research. Might be ok to use bottled. Must have the mother. It will be labelled as such, and you'll see it.

tulips27 · 21/02/2023 07:21

I remember your first post, sorry it's not healed.
Absolutely pay for a private dermatologist to be able to see them right away; appalling that you've not already been referred.

Sandunesandseashells · 21/02/2023 07:22

CrappyJob · 21/02/2023 07:10

Maybe try manuka honey. It it's a higher grade of honey, and has been scientifically shown to have healing properties.

My dad got a chemical burn from work and wouldn't go to the doctor. It was pretty big and getting worse. After about a week, my mum suggested he put manuka honey on it (he was always a big fan of honey for health), and it healed surprisingly quickly.

The bees gather pollen from the Tea Tree plant which gives the honey its medicinal qualities. Could also use diluted Tea Tree oil.

tulips27 · 21/02/2023 07:22

Also don't go messing around with home remedies before seeing the dermatologist, just get straight onto proper medical advice and allow them to see it as it is without complicating things unnecessarily.

MissyB1 · 21/02/2023 07:25

Yes you need a Dermatologist. Long waiting lists at the moment though. It might be worth finding out how much a private appointment would cost.

Onwayoutsoon · 21/02/2023 07:30

have you already seen a GP or dermatologist ? That looks so painful and distressing I’m so sorry you’re having to live with this.

marchella · 21/02/2023 07:31

Definitely a dermatologist. One of my children had similar , it was moving from his scalp down his forehead. Dermatologist gave me a script that had to made at a compounding chemist. Years later and all he needs is to use one of those tar shampoos you can buy at the supermarket.
Also weirdly anti-dandruff shampoo works well. Maybe give that or the tar shampoo a try OP. Just rub it on and then rinse off after a few minutes. Certainlly can't hurt. Feel for you.

Sindonym · 21/02/2023 07:35

picklemewalnuts · 21/02/2023 07:20

The mother is the layer of active bacteria /yeasts that make the vinegar. You'll see it as cloudy dark bits in the bottom of the bottle.

When you make it, the wild organisms from the skin of the apple feed on the sugars and make the acid vinegar. Or something like that.

If it's been sterilised for bottling, it's dead. So worth doing a bit of research. Might be ok to use bottled. Must have the mother. It will be labelled as such, and you'll see it.

Thanks @Daisychained8

StrongTea · 21/02/2023 07:36

Looks very like what one of our old dogs used to get. Vet called it a hot spot. Fuciderm cleared it up almost immediately. Must be a human equivalent. Hope you get this sorted out.