Dr says it doesn't matter which autoimmune disease

[Littletreefrog]

My 14 year old son was at the Doctors yesterday he has what looks very much like psoriasis on his knuckles, skin peeling off his toes leaving red raw areas, verrucas which are multiplying out of control as well as several recent dizzy spells. DH took him and said the Doctor said it was likely an autoimmune disease but as they wouldn't treat the disease just the symptoms it didn't matter which so no blood tests taken and some cream prescribed for his hands and feet.

Is this normal? I'm new to the world of autoimmune conditions and thought it would be helpful to know what it is or does it not work like that?

I don't know from a medical point of view, but as a mum I wouldn't be happy with that at all.
I remember a girl on a programme years ago (Embarrassing Bodies?) who had rapidly spreading verrucas and she turned out to have a serious immune system illness.
Of course it may not be anything like that but I would want that alongside the other symptoms at least looking into.

To some extent, yes. They will always treat the symptoms. However, different autoimmune diseases have different progression paths and so it is important to figure out which one in the long term. You could ask for a referral to a paediatric rheumatologist if things don't improve.

Yes this was also on my mind. I think I will be taking him back.

No that’s not normal - bloods should be taken at the very least if they suspect it to be autoimmune.

I'm really surprised at this. It's important you have all the information on your son's condition and that he sees an appropriate specialist.
I know the drugs I take are suitable for other auto immune diseases but they do vary with symptoms and severity. My clinic also has specialist physios and occupational therapy
You also need to know what you're dealing with - sadly a lot of conditions are not curable but are treatable and it makes a massive difference if treatment is started as soon as possible
I would definitely take him back and ask for a referral
Good luck

I'd complain and ask to see a different doctor and request a referral to a specialist. I remember as a 14 yr old going to see my GP because i had guttate psoriasis which was rapidly spreading all over my body. I was so upset. The GP just told me it may go away or it may not and prescribed steroid cream which was not a practical solution given how many psoriasis spots i had. I went home, cried to my mum and she rang the GP surgery complained. GP rang me back, apologised and referred me to a dermatologist. To be fair dermatologist didn't say alot different but I have found that my type of psoriasis is triggered by strep throat and sunshine is the best cure for guttate psoriasis, cleared it all up.
I also suffer from other autoimmune diseases which i've since discovered later in life.

Thank you everyone. I will book another appointment with a different doctor and request blood tests are done.

He needs referral to rheumatology, to some extent symptoms are treated but without specialist input and bloods, how do they know which is the best course of action? There are lots of drugs that only rheum can prescribe (if he needs them) and he he needs a specific diagnosis

Yes it absolutely does matter. I don't know how so many are allowed to come out with this nonsense.

If problems persist - which they do with many autoimmune conditions - there may come a point where treatment of the disease is considered. You'd need a specialist to prescribe appropriate immune modulating meds for the condition. There are different types of medications for different autoimmune conditions. Some TNF blockers for example are tailored to psoriasis whereas others would be for something else.

At this point I would ask for referral to a specialist. I'm not sure if it would be dermatology or rheumatology. They will do alot to try bat back secondary referrals so please don't listen to them. Listen to your own instincts.

No point? Has that doctor not heard of Biologics?

Referral to Rheumatology/Dermatology.

Not all auto immune conditions are treated the same way. Some auto immune conditions attack the joints, some attack your heart and liver. i have an autoimmune condition that requires cancer drugs for instance That GP is a dangerous idiot. Ask to be referred to Rheumatology who know what to look/test for.

Usually where there is one autoimmune condition there will be another (eventually).

Mad advice. Push for a referral to rheumatology. Unfortunately our experience of GPs with my dc's autoimmune condition was equally disappointing.

This isn't right at all! Many autoimmune and inflammatory disorders are related, and the treatment for some may be the same or significantly different depending on which one (or group) he has.

The doctor is somewhat correct in that symptoms may be treated by different specialists, but it's best if one of them keeps track of your son's conditions as a whole. Mine was initially a dermatologist, as I has sarcoidosis of the skin. Then it was my primary, who is a now-retired thoracic specialist. Now my new primary keeps track, but most of the care is provided by my rheumatolgist. I have sarcopathy (sarcoidosis in my joints and bones) and polymyositis (a degenerative muscle autoimmune disorder). I also have mild vitiligo, and I still have sarcoidosis flares. My rheumatologist currently has me on weekly low-dose methotrexate injections, and prednisone for flares. Those work for my skin, joints, and muscles.

Other posters are correct, one is usually followed by others, and some of them can be life-threatening. He needs to have a complete workup.